Are Hippos Faster Than Horses?

Did you know that the word hippopotamus is actually Greek for “river horse”? The question is, does this name signify any similarities between hippos and horses? For instance, are they as fast as or faster than horses?

With their large bodies, it can seem like hippos are much slower than horses. The truth is, though, that they can actually move pretty fast – in some cases, as fast as a horse. Let’s take a look at these two magnificent creatures to understand what I mean.

How Fast Can a Horse Run?

Horses are known for their racing abilities and galloping speeds, but how fast do they actually move? Trained racehorses can typically move up to 44 MPH, though some have been clocked at speeds over 50 MPH. However, they usually can’t carry on at these speeds for more than 20 or so seconds.

And remember, those are trained racehorses. Most average horses top out at around 30 MPH, especially if there is a rider on their backs. Genetics can also play a role, with some horses reaching only 14 to 20 MPH.

What About Hippos?

There’s no doubt that hippos are larger than horses. In fact, they are the second-largest land animal, with the males weighing an easy 6,000 pounds and females weighing as much as 3,000 pounds. The largest breeds of horses usually top out at 2,000 pounds, though some weigh as little as 600 pounds.

Does this weight difference cause a difference in their speeds? Surprisingly, not as much of a difference as you’d expect. Believe it or not, this heavy beast can move up to 30 MPH – right in line with some horses and even faster than others.

So, while they may or may not be able to outrun a horse, they can certainly outrun humans! While they can move fast, their weight does impact this speed in a way. They can typically only run at 30 MPH for about 30 seconds.

If you ever find yourself being chased by a hippo – can you imagine such a nightmare?! – the best precaution I’ve found … Read the rest of the story.