Can an ostrich run faster than a horse? The answer it seems is a resounding yes – at least over short distances.
In a race held in South Africa in 1975 an ostrich called Sarah ran the 100-meter dash in just over 12 seconds while a horse called Pauline clocked in at around 14 seconds. And in 2016 another ostrich called Flight ran the 100-meter dash in just under 10 seconds at a race in Kentucky United States – a time that would have placed her sixth in the men’s 100-meter final at the Rio Olympic Games that same year.
But while ostriches may be the sprinters of the bird world they are no match for horses when it comes to endurance. In long-distance races horses easily leave ostriches in their dust.
One reason for this is that ostriches have a different gait to horses. When running an ostrich’s body bounces up and down wasting energy with each bounce. Horses on the other hand have a four-beat gait meaning their legs move in pairs – left hind and left front then right hind and right front – which is more efficient.
Another reason is that horses are simply better built for running than ostriches. A horse’s heart for example is about six times larger than an ostrich’s heart and its lungs are about 10 times larger. This allows horses to take in more oxygen and therefore run for longer.
So while ostriches may be able to outrun horses over short distances when it comes to a marathon there’s no contest.
How fast can an ostrich run?
An ostrich can run up to 43 miles per hour.
How fast can a horse run?
A horse can run up to 55 miles per hour.
Can an ostrich run faster than a horse?
No a horse can run faster than an ostrich.
How far can an ostrich run?
An ostrich can run up to 16 miles.
How far can a horse run?
A horse can run up to 25 miles.
Which animal can run further?
A horse can run further than an ostrich.
How long can an ostrich run?
An ostrich can run for 30 to 40 minutes.
How long can a horse run?
A horse can run for 2 to 3 hours.
Which animal can run for a longer period of time?
A horse can run for a longer period of time than an ostrich.
Do ostriches live in Africa?
Yes ostriches are native to Africa.
Do horses live in Africa?
No horses are not native to Africa.
Where do ostriches live?
Ostriches live in Africa and the Middle East.
Where do horses live?
Horses live in Europe Asia and North America.
Are ostriches and horses found in the same areas?
No ostriches and horses are not found in the same areas.
Which animal is more closely related to the camel?
The ostrich is more closely related to the camel.
