What factors most commonly determine the speed of a horse?

The speed of a horse is primarily determined by stride length and stride frequency. Stride length refers to how far a horse travels with each step, while stride frequency refers to how many steps the horse takes in a given period of time. For maximum speed, a horse needs to achieve an optimum balance between these two factors; a longer stride can cover more ground per step, while a higher frequency allows for quicker progress overall.

These two elements are critical in performance contexts such as racing or any speed-related discipline, where acceleration and sustained speed are indicators of success. A horse that can effectively maximize its stride length and maintain a high frequency can outrun others regardless of physical attributes like age or weight.

In contrast, while age, weight, height, and breed can influence a horse's overall athletic performance and health, they do not directly dictate speed in the same clear and measurable way that stride mechanics do. Understanding the emphasis on stride mechanics allows for better training and performance optimization for equestrians and trainers alike.