Are Horses Faster Than Camels? (Or Are They Slower?)

While on holiday, I went for a camel trek in the desert, and it got me thinking, being a horse owner and hugely curious, are horses faster than camels?

One would imagine that horses are faster, that’s the conclusion I came to with my mom but then we thought, well, what about in places where the conditions are particularly arid, like the place we were in on holiday, would horses still perform better than a horse then in a race?

Thoughts aside, I decided to do a bit of research into it to find out more!

So are horses faster than camels?

It turns out, the answer to the question is yes, horses are faster than camels! However, there’s a few factors that could change the outcome of a race between a horse and a camel. I discovered, when delving a little deeper into some research, that there might be times when camels can run faster. However, it is only if the horse they are racing against is not very healthy and if the distance is very long in desert conditions.

In this article, we are going to take a closer look at ‘horse versus camel’ – how much faster are horses compared to camels?

What speeds can they both reach?

Are there factors that could lead to a different outcome between the two animals racing?

Is it easier to ride a horse or a camel?

Well, we will answer all of that and plenty more, so read on.

How much faster are horses compared to camels?

Humans have used both camels and horses throughout history as a means of transportation but the one that will get you to your destination faster, generally speaking, is a horse.

Camels are slower than horses because their maximum speed is only around 20 mph compared to 25 mph for horses.

Moreover, horses have an average galloping speed of 25 mph compared to 30 mph, or even faster if they are really trained for racing.

The fastest speed recorded for a camel was 6.2 miles in just 17 minutes and 7 seconds.

The average speed of that camel was 21.8 mph.

However, horses are, without a doubt, faster sprinters because the fastest speed record set by a horse was 55 mph.

However, it is possible for camels to run as fast as a horse if they are trained to race.

Also, if a horse is not healthy, it would give a camel the chance to overtake it.

Camels are also built differently to horses making them slower as the two large humps on their back is where they store fat which weighs them down – but the camel uses it as nourishment when food is scarce.

It can also help to keep them energized when they traverse extremely hot and dry terrain.

What influences the speed of camels compared to horses?

There are a lot of other factors to consider when it comes to what influences the speed difference between a camel and a horse.

For example, its diet, health, the condition it was brought up in.

There is a saying: “horses are built for speed, and camels are built for stamina”.

Camels are certainly used to dry conditions, and therefore, can withstand heat for a longer period and are better suited to long-distance travel on desert sand.

So whilst a horse may be faster, in desert conditions, the horse could run out of steam and the camel could win the race based on stamina.

But overall, horses run faster because they have larger muscular leg tendons.

This helps them run fast without compromising balance.

Is it easier to ride a horse or a camel?

It certainly depends on whether you are more accustomed to hopping on a camel or a horse.

Many people think camel riding is easier because of their slower pace but find it harder to get on and off a camel.

For me, it was like sitting in a swaying armchair but not challenging to do.

Fun all the same!

Meanwhile, learning to ride a horse at a basic level is quite easy, but as you advance to take on jumps, much more skill is required.

When are camels better to race than horses?

As mentioned earlier, if you are in a hot, desert environment then camels will have more stamina to get you to your destination.

They can also carry more cargo, and are more able to handle the challenging terrain and conditions.

Apparently, camels can carry as much as 300 pounds (136 kilograms) – and even with such a load, could potentially go for up to 15 days without a drink of water.

Also, it is easier for camels to walk or run in sand.

That is because a camel’s feet are very wide and are divided in half, and the halves are joined underneath by webbing.

Each foot spreads and flattens as the camel puts his weight on it.

Their padded feet also help them to keep their balance on rocky paths.

In countries like India, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, and Dubai, camels are often used for racing.

They are carefully bred, nutritioned, and trained for success in the camel racing world.

What breed of camel is best to race against a horse?

The dromedary camel breed is said to be better at racing overall than the Bactrian camels.

Bactrian camels are heavy so they don’t run well.

However In really cold climates, Bactrian camels, with two humps, are supposed to thrive better than horses.

However, in moderate climates, it is still horses that thrive better than camels and will win a race.

To conclude, camels are slower compared to horses overall.

However, if a horse and camel are racing in dry conditions in the desert, despite horses being faster, they may lose the race, unable to keep up the pace.

Camels won’t have to stop and drink water and have stored nutrition thanks to their humps on their back.

For general racing though, horses are the most robust for it, with their muscular physique that is athletic and more dependable for a good run.

Their ideal body weight also helps them to be faster than camels.