Unraveling Equine Power: How Much Horsepower Does a Horse Have? from easywork's blog

The term "horsepower" has long been used to measure the mechanical power of engines and machines, thanks to inventor James Watt, who wanted to quantify the work a horse could perform. But when it comes to the four-legged, living, breathing counterparts, how much horsepower does a horse have?

Before we delve into the equine aspect, it's essential to understand the origin of the term. James Watt, an 18th-century Scottish engineer, sought a way to market his steam engines. To demonstrate their power, he needed a relatable comparison for his clients, and what better than the common workhorse? He calculated that a horse could turn a mill wheel, lifting coal from a mine, at a rate of 550 foot-pounds per second. This measurement became the standard unit of power known as one horsepower.