It’s no secret that horses can run at pretty impressive speeds. We’ve all watched in awe as they gallop around the track at the Grand National. Wondering whether it is their legs, lung capacity, or the jockey on their back that makes them a force to be reckoned with. The truth is it is the science behind the horse that makes it so fast. Each and every part of its anatomy, working together in perfect harmony, that drives it to victory. If even one thing was different, racehorses may not be such an impressive specimen to behold.

The Science of Speed

It is the combination of a number of impressive anatomical features that make horses such a fast animal. The science behind their speed doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Horses differ considerably from other mammals – human athletes included – which is what has crafted them into such a winning competitor. Here we look at some of the horses’ features, to discover exactly what makes them so fast:

Lung Capacity

The first thing that makes a horse’s anatomy so impressive – and makes them such fast runners 0 is their lung capacity and way of breathing. Racehorses use the oxygen they inhale in an exceptional and efficient way. The total volume of oxygen athletes can use is known as VO2 max – the millimetres of oxygen per kg of body weight per minute. Human athletes like Lance Armstrong have a reported VO2 max in the 80s. Compare this to that of a thoroughbred racehorse – anything from 150 to 160 – and you can see why the horse is so exceptional.

Physical Advantages

The way a racehorse is ‘built’ alone isn’t what makes it the perfect athlete. The way that everything works together is what makes them so fast. The bones, muscles, and aerodynamic shape of the horse makes it a great athlete. Its powerful legs work in perfect synchronicity, and its aerodynamic shape helps it really pick up the pace when running. The way a rider sits on the horse can affect this though. By crouching and leaning over the horse’s neck, riders can see an improved track time of 5-7%. This is because the position allows the jockeys’ legs to become a shock absorber. This means that the horse doesn’t have to lift up the riders’ full weight with every step.

Genes

Scientists, breeders, and jockeys have questioned for many years as to whether a particular horse’s genes can contribute to its racing success. If, for example, both the sire and dam were fast horses with racing success; with their yearling follow in their footsteps? Owners can part with a small fortune to find out what discipline their horse is best suited to depending on its genetics. However, whether this can really determine how fast a racehorse is remains to be seen. With such a unique anatomy, genetic coding, and way of moving; it really shouldn’t be a surprise that racehorses are such phenomenal runners. With we may never really know if there is a ‘fast gene’ that makes a winning horse, we do know who’d win in a race. And it certainly wouldn’t be us. If you want to get the best out of your horse, you should enlist the help of a champion racehorse trainer. Click here to visit Jonjo O’Neill’s website to see how one of the UK’s leading trainers can help you.