How Much Horsepower Does A Horse Have?
To understand how much horsepower a horse has, firstly we have to know what horsepower actually is. It is a unit of power which is used to measure the rate at which a device can perform mechanical work. The abbreviation of horsepower is hp (horsepower) or bhp (brake horse power).
History:
This term was invented by James Watt in 18th century. He designed an improved version of steam engine that requires less fuel. He then compared the powers of new steam engine and working horses.
With the help of metric system (decimal measuring system), he calculated the power of a horse that was capable of turning 24ft mill wheel for about 2.5 times per minute. The power of the horse calculated is 33,000 foot pounds per minute which is equal to 746 Watt.
Uses of horsepower:
The uses of horsepower are as follows,
- It is used to compare the powers of steam engines and working horses.
- It is also used to measure the work output or power of many other engines, motors etc.
- It can also be used to measure human power.
Horsepower of one horse:
On an average, a horse can produce power of 15 horsepower.
Factors affecting power exhibited by horses:
This power can vary depending on many factors. These are,
- Physical fitness
- Breed
- Work done
Physical fitness:
The horses that are physically fit, subjected to training on regular basis, are more likely to have greater power because of greater amount of work done.
Breed:
The breed of horses that are used in competitions particularly the racehorses such as Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses have more power. This is because they are specifically bred and trained to do more work.
Work done:
Power and work have direct relationship. The greater the work done, the greater is the power.
How Much Horsepower Does A Draft Horse Have?
Draft horses are large. They are characterized by their heavy muscular structure. They are used for riding purposes. Because of their calm and docile nature, they are excellent for beginner riders. They are also used for pulling carriages and showing purposes.
On an average, a draft horse exhibits power of about 15 horsepower. This can vary depending upon factors like health and energy of horses. Physically fit horses are capable of doing more work and thus exhibit more power.
How Much Horsepower Does A Clydesdale Horse Have?
These horses are easy going. Because of their calm temperament, they are widely used for riding purposes by beginner riders. They are cold blooded. They are also used for pulling carriages.
On an average a Clydesdale can produce power of about 5 horsepower. Moreover, if the horses are physically fit, they can carry greater work loads and exhibit greater power.
How Much Horsepower Does A Shire Horse Have?
These horses are used as draught horses. They are also used for pulling carriages, showing purposes. Their coolers vary from black to brown and grey. They have large forehead and abundant feathers on legs. They are gentle and docile.
On an average, a shire horse can exhibit power of about 14.9 horsepower.
How Much Horsepower Does A Racehorse Have?
Racehorses are widely used in riding and racing competitions. They are specifically trained and subjected to athletic conditioning to become a competitive horse. They are high spirited and bold. Thoroughbred is the best example of racehorses.
On an average, a racehorse can produce power of about 15 horsepower.
How Much Horsepower Does A Pregnant Horse Have?
Pregnant female horses are called as “Mares”. Normal gestation period is 10 to 12 months. It is important to take care of your horse in all three trimesters of gestation period to ensure safe and healthy delivery of foal.
On an average, a pregnant horse can produce power of about 2 horsepower.
Highest Horsepower Horse:
The maximum work output a horse can produce is 15 horsepower. The racehorses such as Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses exhibit the maximum horsepower because of their physical fitness. They undergo training on regular basis which make them physically fit so that they can perform greater work to exhibit greater power.
Horsepower Horse Feed:
Proper equine nutrition is an important task of horsepower. It ensures that horse’s feed must contains low grain content and high supplements of trace elements and minerals. It also includes extruded products. Horsepower always ensures the health of horse by providing balanced diet.
Conclusion:
Horsepower is the unit of power. A horse can exhibit maximum power of 15 horsepower. This unit was invented by James Watt who compared the powers of steam engine and workhorses. Moreover, it can also be used to calculate power of electric and mechanical motors.