Some horses don’t just run – they fly. With muscle-packed frames and hearts built for the thrill, these breeds thrive on speed and spirit. They tear across fields and tracks with jaw-dropping acceleration that leaves onlookers breathless.
Saddle up as we meet the fastest equine athletes built to leave everyone else in the dust.
15. Missouri Fox Trotter
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Built for comfort and endurance, the Missouri Fox Trotter may not be a sprinter, but it covers ground quickly with its signature “fox trot” gait. This smooth, efficient movement allows the breed to maintain a steady speed over long distances without tiring easily.
While their top speeds don’t rival racehorses, their stamina and consistent pace make them ideal for trail riding and long-distance events.
14. Standardbred
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Often associated with harness racing, the Standardbred is a powerhouse of stamina and speed. These horses are known for their incredible pacing and trotting abilities, making them champions on the track. While not typically ridden at a full gallop, Standardbreds can reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour in a trot – which is no small feat.
Their calm demeanor and willingness to work also make them great for recreational riding and driving outside the racetrack.
13. Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is a breed renowned for its unique, smooth gait and remarkable speed over short distances. Originally bred in Latin America, this horse combines elegance with power, making it a favorite for trail riding and endurance events.
Its natural four-beat gait allows for quick, fluid movements, ensuring speed and efficiency without compromising rider comfort. Paso Finos are compact and muscular, with strong legs and an agile frame that enables them to navigate challenging terrains at impressive speeds.
12. Barb
The Barb horse is one of the oldest and most influential breeds in equine history, prized for its incredible speed and resilience. Originating in North Africa, the Barb is built for endurance, with a lean, muscular body and powerful legs that allow it to excel in high-speed pursuits over long distances.
Known for its quick acceleration and surefootedness, the Barb was a foundation breed for many modern fast horses, including the Thoroughbred. Its strength and agility make it a versatile choice for riders seeking a horse that can maintain speed and power across varied terrains.
11. Shire
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Shire horses may be best known for their incredible size, but they are surprisingly fast for their stature. Despite their massive frames, these gentle giants can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour when they really get going.
Their strength and speed make them excellent at pulling heavy loads, but they also have the stamina to move swiftly across open fields.
10. Tennessee Walking Horse
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The Tennessee Walking Horse is famous for its smooth, distinctive gait, but it’s also impressively fast. Known for their easy-going temperament, these horses can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, especially during a fast-paced trot called the “running walk.”
Their speed combined with their comfortable gait makes them a favorite for both riders and horse enthusiasts.
9. Appaloosa
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Native to Northern America, this horse breed is easily recognizable by its unique coat pattern. It has a colorful spotted coat and vertical striped hooves.
Although they are not as fast as other breeds on the list, the Appaloosa horse can still reach approximately 30 miles per hour.
8. Akhal–Teke
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This gorgeous horse breed is best known for their metallic-like coat. Besides being absolutely stunning, the Akhal–Teke horse has a reputation for its intelligence and agility. This stunning horse breed can reach a speed of 35 miles per hour.
7. Friesian
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This breathtaking breed is recognizable by their black coat, feather-like hair on the lower part of its legs, and elegant appearance.
The Friesian horse faced near extinction at one point in history, but fortunately, it made a remarkable comeback. Primarily used for riding, this breed can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
6. Mustang
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The wild horses of Western United States are best known for their distinctive shape and small noses.
In a normal gallop this horse breed can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, however, the fastest speed ever recorded was a whopping 55 miles per hour!
5. Andalusian
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One of my favorites from this list is the stunning Andalusian horse. With their thick manes and tails, these horses are powerfully built yet incredibly elegant.
Although speed is not their primary strength, Andalusian horses can reach up to 35 miles per hour.
4. Arabian Horse
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The Arabian Horse is one of the most recognizable horse breeds in the world. With their high tail carriage and uniquely shaped head, these horses are also known for their gentleness, stamina, and speed.
The average speed of the Arabian horse is 34 miles per hour, while the fastest Arabian horse ever recorded reached 40 miles per hour!
3. American Quarterhorse
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Also known by the name Quarter horse, this gorgeous breed excels when it comes to sprinting short distances.
This American horse breed is exceptionally trainable and is known to reach whopping speeds of 55 miles per hour on short tracks.
2. American Paint Horse
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The American Paint Horse is a favorite when it comes to trail riding, pleasure riding, and showing.
However, this breed is also highly trainable when it comes to racing. They can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour and are one of the favorite horse breeds among cattle ranchers in the West.
1. Thoroughbred
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Making number one on our list today is without a doubt the Thoroughbred horse who is specifically bred for racing.
They are known for their ‘hot-blooded temperament’ and agility, with the fastest maximum speed being a whopping 45 miles per hour!