average speeds

[Jaz]

Can anyone tell me the sort of average speed a horse will be going at over a jump both cross country and show jumping?

I know this is an odd question and there could be many answers but It is for a very simplified piece of maths coursework so any sort of guess would be much appreciated
*thanks *

[DavidH]

Hi jazz,
There is not a fixed speed for horses over jumps but as a it varies considerably between Sj and XC and with type of fence. However, in unaffiliated SJ a horse will be expected to average around 325 to 350 meters per minute and affiliated up to 375 to 400 mtrs per minute.
In XC the average for unaffiliated woulfd be around 425 mtrs per min, affilaited eventing goes from 450 to 600 mtrs per minute. These are average speeds so over a whole XC course the speed could vary from 300 to 700 depending on complexity of fence.
Hope that helps
David H