How fast can a horse run is it called gallop?

Horses can reach impressive speeds when they run. The fastest recorded speed for a horse is 88.5 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour), achieved by a Thoroughbred racehorse named Secretariat during the 1973 Belmont Stakes. This speed was reached during a section of the race known as the "stretch run."

The term "gallop" is indeed used to describe a certain running gait in horses. A gallop is a three-beat gait in which the horse's legs strike the ground in a specific sequence. The footfall pattern of a gallop is as follows:

1. Left Hind

2. Left Fore and Right Hind

3. Right Fore

As a horse transitions into a gallop, it may start with a few strides of "canter," which is a four-beat gait. However, as the horse picks up speed, the canter usually transitions into a gallop.

Horses use a galloping motion when they need to run at higher speeds. This gait allows them to cover more ground with each stride and to maintain their balance while moving swiftly. Galloping is commonly seen in horse racing, but it can also be observed during other equine sports and activities, such as show jumping, cross-country riding, and equestrian vaulting.