What is the Average Distance a Horse Can Travel in a Day?

There are several variables that affect the speed at which a horse can travel. These factors include breed, conditioning, terrain, age and the overall health of the animal. It is important to remember, both on the trail and in the planning stages of a horseback trip, that unlike cars, horses are living things. Horses tire and need time to rest and eat when traveling.

  1. Daily Distance

    • Horses can usually travel 20 to 30 miles in a day. A horse carrying heavy gear or that is out of shape may cover less than 20 miles in a day.

    Speed

    • Horses can gallop at speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour but they cannot keep up running at these speeds for long. Most horses canter at speeds of 10 to 17 miles per hour, trot at 8 to 10 mile per hour and walk 3 to 4 miles per hour.

    Record Speed

    • In 1982, horse Petro Jay set a record by running the rack at Turf Paradise, Arizona in 1 minute and 7 seconds. This translates into a sped of 40.18 miles per hour.

    Early Racing

    • Prussia and Austro-Hungarian soldiers raced 350 miles from Berlin to Vienna in 1892. The winner made the trip in 72 hours but, unfortunately, his horse died after the race.

    Pony Express

    • In the 1860s, the United States Pony Express transported and delivered mail via horseback. The mail service averaged speeds of 9 miles per hour.