How far and how fast can a fit horse with a man on board travel up to the maximum of its abilities?

Question

I'm a keen fan of horses and just would like to compare their efficiencies to that of a motor car

Answer 1

I  have seen thoroughbreds  race up to 2 1/4 miles at thistledowns in Cleveland  Ohio in the mid 1970s

Answer 2

I can't tell you how much you get to the gallon with a horse, but Arab horses are the best for endurance.

There are several endurance rides that are 150 miles and this distance must be covered over 1-2 days.  Ok not as fast as a car, but more fun I'd say!

Answer 3

Some horses, like the American quarter horses are only effective for about 2 furlongs, whilst some Arabs will go for many many miles.

A quick comparison between horse and car can be got by "Horse Power". That is if a car is say five horse power it means to hoist a given weight a certain distance it would take five horses to pull the same weight as that car.

Answer 4

Can you compare? I don't think u can compare.