On average, the Thoroughbred stands a little over 16 hands (1 hand = 4 inches) to the withers and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. The Thoroughbred’s conformation, or physical makeup, enables it to reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. At that rate, the Thoroughbred covers nearly 60 feet per second.
The Thoroughbred’s rear legs act much like springs as they bend and straighten during running. This tremendous “spring power” helps thrust the Thoroughbred forward as its front legs provide “pull.”
