Question about the stride of Big Brown and others...?

Question

OK, I have looked at pictures of Secretariat for years and have always noticed that long straight leg stride of his captured in so many pictures.

Can someone tell me a couple of things??

One, is this something only Secretariat did or were all horses at that time doing it?

Two, is this something that all horses do...period? And I just haven't noticed it?

Three, is this something that horses of that generation did and the horses of this generation no longer do??

Or am I imagining this "long straight leg stride" and this is absolutely nothing that means anything? LOL!!

If you need pictures of what I am talking about, I can post them but I figured the experts here will know what I am talking about...if I am wrong, let me know!

Answer 1

There is little doubt that Big Brown has his own unique stride. All thoroughbred race horses do. The differences in maximum stride length and rate and the distance a horse can sustain that is what separates champion race horses from good race horses, and knowing the distance a horse can sustain that maximum stride length and rate and then applying it at the optimum moment is one of the most important factors in winning races. You mentioned Secretariat's stride. I read somewhere that his maximum stride length was 25 feet. Just think about that if it is true. Thoroughbred race horses, on average, can cover a furlong (659 ft and 5 inches) in 33 strides at maximum stride length. But at maximum stride, if Secretariat's maximum stride length was indeed 25 feet, Secretariat would cover a furlong in 27 strides. That is quite amazing if it is true. To compare that to Big Brown you might record a video of Big Brown when he is at maximum stride, going into the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby might be a good choice, and then slow that motion down, noting the furlong marker posts, and count his strides from post to post. Your observation and question raises a fascinating comparison and I would be interested in knowing how many strides you count if you choose to do that.

Answer 2

Give PUTTS the best answer he hit hit right on perfect answer.Sustain,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Its how far a thoroughbred can sustain this stride.great thoroughbreds like Secretariat,Spectacular Bid,Native Diver(could run the entire 1 1.4 miles at the same speed) the lenght is not the thing as much as ability to sustain or pick it up when asked to.

Answer 3

Fluid motion and stride are the subject(s) of several equine studies.

Strides of champions and famous thoroughbreds have captured the interest and curiosity of breeders, owner, spectators, and veterinarians.

Dr. Nancy Deuel PhD may be of more professional assistance in answering further questions.

Seattle Slew and  Man O War were studied for motion and stride.

Answer 4

Something that most horses do when they are at full stride. Just looks that when they run. I think you see it more with horses that have longer strides and with taller horses.

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