Throughout history, humans have been captivated by the speed and power of horses. From ancient chariot races to modern equestrian sports, the pursuit of the fastest horse has been a constant fascination.
Factors such as training, genetics, and environment all play crucial roles in determining a horse’s ultimate speed potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 20 fastest horse breeds in the world, delving into their characteristics, origins, and the events where their speed truly shines.
It’s important to note that while we’re ranking these breeds based on their general speed capabilities, individual horses within each breed can vary in their performance.
Top 20 Fastest Horse Breeds
1. Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds, standing 15.2 to 17 hands tall and weighing 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, are widely recognized as the fastest horse breed in the world.
Developed in England during the 17th and 18th centuries, they result from crossing native English mares with imported Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman stallions.
- Average speed: 35 – 44 mph / 56.5 – 71 kmph
- Top speed: 44 mph / 70.8 kmph (record: 43.97 mph by Winning Brew in 2008)
Thoroughbreds excel in flat racing, particularly in prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes (collectively known as the Triple Crown). They’re also used in show jumping, eventing, and polo.
2. Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse, often simply called the Quarter Horse, stands 14.3 to 16 hands tall and weighs 950 to 1,200 pounds.
Developed in colonial America, this breed resulted from crossing imported English Thoroughbreds with native horses of Spanish descent.
- Average speed: 35 – 45 mph / 56.5 – 72.5 kmph
- Top speed: 55 mph / 88.5 kmph
Quarter Horses dominate in sprint races, particularly over quarter-mile distances.
They’re also popular in rodeo events, western riding disciplines, and as working ranch horses.
3. Arabian
The Arabian Horse, one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds, stands 14.1 to 15.1 hands tall and weighs 800 to 1,000 pounds.
Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, these horses have had a significant impact on many other breeds, including the Thoroughbred.
- Average speed: 34 – 40 mph / 55 – 64.5 kmph
- Top speed: 40 mph / 64.5 kmph
Arabians excel in endurance racing, with their stamina allowing them to maintain high speeds over long distances.
They’re often seen in events like the Tevis Cup, a grueling 100-mile endurance race.
4. Standardbred
Developed in North America, the Standardbred stands 14.2 to 17 hands tall and weighs 900 to 1,200 pounds. These horses are best known for their use in harness racing.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph (trotting)
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph (pacing)
Standardbreds dominate harness racing events worldwide, where they’re required to trot or pace a mile within a specific time “standard” to be registered. They’re also used for pleasure riding and as utility horses.
5. Akhal-Teke
Often called the “golden horses” due to their metallic sheen, Akhal-Tekes stand 14.2 to 16 hands tall and weigh 900 to 1,100 pounds.
This ancient breed from Turkmenistan is known for its speed, endurance, and striking appearance.
- Average speed: 30 – 35 mph / 48 – 56.5 kmph
- Top speed: 45 mph / 72.5 kmph
Akhal-Tekes have been successful in endurance racing and have also competed in show jumping and dressage at the Olympic level, showcasing their versatility and speed.
6. Appaloosa
Originally bred by the Nez Perce people of North America, the Appaloosa stands 14.2 to 16 hands tall and weighs 950 to 1,200 pounds.
Known for its distinctive spotted coat pattern and versatility, this breed has impressive speed capabilities.
- Average speed: 30 – 40 mph / 48 – 64.5 kmph
- Top speed: 41 mph / 66 kmph
Appaloosas have found success in sprint racing, particularly in breed-specific events. They’re also popular in western riding disciplines and as trail horses.
7. Mustang
Mustangs, feral horses of the American West, stand 13 to 15 hands tall and weigh 700 to 1,000 pounds.
Descended from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors, natural selection has resulted in a hardy, swift breed.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph
While not typically used in organized racing, some Mustangs have been successfully trained for endurance racing events, showcasing their natural speed and stamina.
8. Paint Horse
The American Paint Horse, closely related to the Quarter Horse, stands 14.2 to 16 hands tall and weighs 950 to 1,200 pounds.
Their colorful spotted coats distinguish them from other breeds.
- Average speed: 30 – 40 mph / 48 – 64.5 kmph
- Top speed: 55 mph / 88.5 kmph
Paint Horses compete in sprint races similar to Quarter Horses and can achieve comparable speeds over short distances.
They’re also popular in Western riding events and as pleasure horses.
9. Morgan
One of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States, the Morgan stands 14.1 to 15.2 hands tall and weighs 900 to 1,100 pounds.
Known for its versatility and stamina, this breed has shown impressive speed capabilities.
- Average speed: 20 – 30 mph / 32 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph
While not typically considered a racing breed, Morgans have shown impressive speed in trotting races.
They’re also used in various equestrian disciplines, including dressage and show jumping.
10. Friesian
Originally from the Netherlands, the Friesian stands 15 to 17 hands tall and weighs 1,200 to 1,400 pounds.
Known for its striking black coat and flowing mane and tail, this breed can move swiftly for its size.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 30 mph / 48 kmph
Friesians are capable of quick, high-stepping gaits and have been used in trotting races.
They’re more commonly seen in dressage competitions and as carriage horses.
11. Anglo-Arabian
The Anglo-Arabian, a cross between an Arabian and a Thoroughbred, stands 15.2 to 16.3 hands tall and weighs 990 to 1,100 pounds.
This breed combines the speed of the Thoroughbred with the endurance of the Arabian.
- Average speed: 35 – 40 mph / 56.5 – 64.5 kmph
- Top speed: 45 mph / 72.5 kmph
Anglo-Arabians excel in endurance racing and eventing, where their combination of speed and stamina gives them an advantage in competitions requiring both qualities.
12. Barb
The Barb, an ancient breed from North Africa, stands 14.2 to 15.2 hands tall and weighs 900 to 1,000 pounds.
Known for its hardiness and speed, it has influenced many other breeds, including the Thoroughbred.
- Average speed: 30 – 35 mph / 48 – 56.5 kmph
- Top speed: 40 mph / 64.5 kmph
Barbs are prized for their speed and endurance, making them suitable for both sprint and distance racing.
They’re also used in traditional fantasia exhibitions in North Africa, which showcase their agility and speed.
13. Andalusian
Also known as the Pure Spanish Horse, the Andalusian stands 15.1 to 16.3 hands tall and weighs 900 to 1,100 pounds.
This ancient breed is known for its agility and elevated gaits.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph
While not typically used in flat racing, Andalusians can achieve impressive speeds in short bursts.
They excel in classical dressage and have historically been used in bullfighting.
14. Marwari
Originating from the Marwar region of India, the Marwari stands 14 to 16 hands tall and weighs 750 to 1,000 pounds.
This breed is known for its distinctive inward-turning ear tips and swift gaits.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 40 mph / 64.5 kmph
Marwari horses are known for their speed and endurance, traditionally used as cavalry horses.
Today, they participate in races and equestrian sports in India, showcasing their agility and speed.
15. Caspian
One of the oldest known breeds of domesticated horses, the Caspian stands 10 to 12 hands tall and weighs 400 to 600 pounds. Despite its small size, this breed is swift and agile.
- Average speed: 20 – 25 mph / 32 – 40 kmph
- Top speed: 30 mph / 48 kmph
Caspians are often used in children’s racing events and as sport ponies, where their speed and agility make them formidable competitors despite their small stature.
16. Selle Français
The Selle Français, a French warmblood breed, stands 15.2 to 17.2 hands tall and weighs 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
Known for its athleticism and versatility, this breed can achieve impressive speeds despite being primarily bred for show jumping.
- Average speed: 25 – 35 mph / 40 – 56.5 kmph
- Top speed: 40 mph / 64.5 kmph
Selle Français horses have shown their speed capabilities in eventing competitions, particularly in the cross-country phase.
They’ve also been successful in show jumping at the highest levels of competition.
17. Holsteiner
Originating from the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany, the Holsteiner stands 16 to 17 hands tall and weighs 1,200 to 1,400 pounds.
This breed is one of the oldest warmblood breeds, known for its power and athleticism.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph
While Holsteiners are primarily bred for show jumping, their speed and agility make them formidable competitors in the eventing world, particularly in the cross-country phase where both speed and endurance are crucial.
18. Dole Gudbrandsdal
This Norwegian breed, also known as the Dole or Dølehest, stands 14.1 to 16 hands tall and weighs 1,000 to 1,300 pounds. It’s a versatile horse known for its strength and surprising speed for its size.
- Average speed: 20 – 25 mph / 32 – 40 kmph
- Top speed: 30 mph / 48 kmph
Dole Gudbrandsdals have been used in harness racing, where they can achieve impressive speeds despite their heavier build. They’re also popular for agricultural work and riding.
19. Orlov Trotter
Developed in Russia in the 18th century, the Orlov Trotter stands 15.2 to 17 hands tall and weighs 990 to 1,300 pounds. This breed is known for its speed in harness racing.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph (trotting)
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph (trotting)
Orlov Trotters have set numerous speed records in harness racing, particularly over longer distances.
They combine speed with stamina, making them formidable competitors in trotting events.
20. Budyonny
Rounding out our list is the Budyonny, a relatively new breed developed in Russia in the 20th century.
Named after Soviet cavalry commander Semyon Budyonny, these horses stand 15 to 16 hands tall and weigh 1,100 to 1,300 pounds.
- Average speed: 25 – 30 mph / 40 – 48 kmph
- Top speed: 35 mph / 56.5 kmph
Budyonny horses have shown their speed capabilities in eventing and endurance riding.
Originally bred for military use, they have found success in various equestrian sports, showcasing their versatility and athletic ability.
Conclusion
Horse breeds come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique characteristics and abilities.
While some are known for their speed, others excel in different areas such as endurance or strength.
What’s important to remember is that every breed has its own strengths and should be valued for their individual talents.
Whether you’re looking for a speedy racehorse or a reliable companion, there is a breed out there to suit your needs. So go ahead and explore the wonderful world of horse breeds!
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