Horses can run at varying speeds depending on breed, training, and conditions.
- The average domestic horse typically runs around 30 mph (48 km/h), but with training, some can reach speeds of 40 mph or more
- The fastest horse breeds, such as the American Quarter Horse, can sprint up to about 55-58 mph (88-93 km/h) over short distances
- Thoroughbred racehorses, bred for speed and stamina, usually run around 40 to 44 mph (64 to 70 km/h) in races, with the fastest recorded race speed being 43.97 mph by Winning Brew in 2008
- Wild horses like Mustangs have been recorded running up to 54 mph, close to the top speeds of the fastest domesticated breeds
- Horses have different gaits affecting their speed: walking (~4 mph), trotting (8-12 mph), cantering (12-17 mph), and galloping (25-30 mph on average, with top speeds higher for trained racehorses)
In summary, typical horses run around 25-30 mph, elite racehorses can exceed 40 mph, and the fastest sprinters can reach speeds close to 55 mph.
