The height of a horse is measured from the highest point of the withers, where the neck meets the back, down to the ground.
Why are horses measured in hands?
Why are horses measured in hands? Thousands of years ago, there were no measuring tapes lying around (or a metric system, for that matter). People needed a way of measuring their riding horses for purposes of selling and trading, and so they used a unit of measurement that they always had with them – their hands.
How tall is a 20 hand horse?
Standing at 20 hands 2 ¾ inches or 210.2 cm, Big Jake, an 11-year-old Belgian gelding, is officially the world’s tallest horse.
Why are horses called Gee Gees?
GG or gee-gee is a word for horse used by children or in colloquial speech in UK. Wikipedia says that the term “Gee-Gee” is taken from horse-racing where a Gee-Gee is the first horse out of the starting gate. Other sources say that GG is short for the command given to horses to go: “gee up”.
What does 15 hands mean on a horse?
A horse’s height is measured in ‘hands’ which is a measuring unit of 4 inches. The horse is measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers. Example: If a horse measures 60 inches you would divide that number by 4 (since a ‘hand’ is 4 inches) and get 15, which means the horse is 15 hands tall.
Why are horses eyes covered?
A fly mask or fly cap is a mask used on horses to cover the eyes, jaw, and sometimes the ears and muzzle to protect from flies. Fly and mosquito protection is an important part of overall horse care, as biting insects are both a source of irritation and also may transmit disease.
Can a horse be 14.5 hands?
Hands and Other Measurements A horse could never be said to be 14.5 inches, as the number after the decimal is not a fraction, but represents an entire inch. If a horse is 14.2 1/2 HH, that means he’s two and one-half inches over 14 hands.
How tall is a stallion horse in feet?
The average height of a horse is 15.2 hands or around 5 feet. Any equine measuring more than 14.2 hands (57 inches) is classified as a horse, and anything less is classified as a pony or miniature horse.
How many inches are in a hand for horses?
hand, ancient unit of length, now standardized at 4 inches (10.16 cm) and used today primarily for measuring the height of horses from the ground to the withers (top of the shoulders). The unit was originally defined as the breadth of the palm including the thumb.
Is 15 hands a horse or pony?
For many forms of competition, the official definition of a pony is a horse that measures less than 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) at the withers. Standard horses are 14.2 or taller.
Measuring a Horse’s Height
The image above was borrowed from Pinterest The height of a horse is measured in ‘hands,’ which is a unit of measurement equal to 4 inches. The height of the horse is measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers. There are two popular methods for determining the size of a horse. One method is by the use of a measuring stick. The image above was borrowed from Pinterest The alternative method involves the use of a measuring tape. The image above was borrowed from Pinterest There is a correct method for calculating and writing down the measurement of a horse.
Here are three additional instances of the proper method to write down a horse measurement in the format shown above.
The.25 refers to a quarter of a hand, which is equal to one because a hand is four inches in length.
The only numbers that are correct to be placed to the right of the decimal point are 0, 1, 2, and 3 due to the fact that a complete hand is 4 inches in length.
The height of miniatures, ponies, and horses is typically determined by their breed: Miniatures – A miniature horse is defined as one that is less than 38 inches tall (approximately equal to 10 hands).
Horses with a height of 14.2 hands or more are considered average horses.
– Jelaluddin Rumi – Get Your Saddle On
Measuring Your Horse’s Height Accurately
If you read advertisements for horses, or if someone tells you about the height of their horse, the likelihood is that they will use the term “hands” to represent the measurement. For example, an extremely tall horse may stand at 17 HH in stature. Ponies are equines with heights less than 14.2 HH. “HH” or “H” is an abbreviation for “hands high” or “hands,” respectively. A hand is a measurement unit for the height of an equine that has been in use for hundreds of years to determine its height.
A hand is four inches wide, which is about the breadth of a male adult’s hand in circumference.
It should be noted that horses are not always measured in hands. The height of horses is measured in cm in some countries and for FEI competition. Ponies, miniature horses, and other small equines may also be measured in centimeters or inches rather than hands, depending on their size.
Hands and Other Measurements
Due to the fact that one hand is equivalent to four inches, fractional hands are given in decimals. When a horse reaches 14.2 hands, it is 14 hands + 2 inches in height. 14 x 4 plus 2 is a total of 58 inches: (14 times 4 plus 2). As a result, it is impossible to say that a horse is 14.5 inches since the number following the decimal is not a fraction, but represents one complete inch. If a horse’s height is 14.2 1/2 HH, it implies he is two and one-half inches taller than the standard 14-hand height.
This is the only portion of the horse’s top line that remains constant regardless of whether he lowers or raises his head or whether he drops or arches his spine.
Tools
There are a number different tools that may be used to determine the height of a horse. When measuring the height of a horse, the most precise and straightforward approach is to use an equine height measuring stick. With a horizontal bar that glides up and down the length of the stick, this is a tall stick marked with inch measurements. The stick is held alongside the horse, and the horizontal bar is slid down until it hits the horse’s withers, then the process is repeated. Some sticks are equipped with a leveling bubble, which allows you to be certain that you are holding the stick level.
- The difficulty with tape measures is that they are floppy and light, making it difficult to hold them taut enough to obtain an accurate reading.
- You are not permitted to place the tape against the horse.
- Height tapes are frequently printed with a weight tape printed on the other side of the tape.
- Additionally, metal tape measures generate rattling noises that horses might be sensitive to, making it difficult to persuade the horse to remain still long enough to take a measurement with them.
- Using the metal weight as a stop, the handler may keep the string firm as he or she inspects the withers and signs the twine with a magic marker.
To make it simpler to obtain a line from the string to the withers, another method is to use a yardstick, piece of lath, or even a whip. Simply position the yardstick so that it sits on the horse’s withers and is parallel to the ground, and record the point at which it touches the tape.
How to Measure
Allow your horse to stand straight on a level surface while you measure it. Hold the tape or stick perpendicular to the ground and beside the horse, with the highest point of the horse’s withers exactly in line with the tape or stick. Use a suitable measuring stick and lower the bar until it is level with the horse’s withers on a level surface, if possible. Remember to make a note of the measurement. If you can only measure in inches, divide the inches by four and use the remainder of the inches to get the length.
You may need to take into consideration horseshoes if the height of your horse is a deciding factor in whether or not your horse will compete in pony or horse activities.
Whether you require a horse of a certain height or need to qualify a horse’s height, you’ll need to know whether the measurement takes into account the horse’s footwear.
Always consult your veterinarian for health-related inquiries, since they have evaluated your pet and are familiar with the pet’s medical history, and they can provide the most appropriate suggestions for your pet.
How to Measure a Horse’s Height (Step-By-Step With Pictures)
Published at 11:31 a.m. hinHealth,Horse Care,Horse Training A horse’s height may be used to determine whether or not they are still developing, and whether or not they are a horse rather than a pony, according to the breed standard. As a result, I’ve included all you need to know about getting an accurate measurement of your horse’s height in one convenient place. So, how do you determine the height of a horse? If you want to know how tall a horse is, you may take a measurement from the ground alongside their front hoof to the highest point on their back.
If they are standing at their full height when you take the measurement, it will be accurate.
Measuring a Horse’s Height: Step-By-Step Guide
In case you’re a visual learner (like I am), you might find the YouTube video I prepared to bring you through the essential stages below helpful. Visit this page to learn more about it, but be sure to return here for other useful information, such as my height conversion chart.
How a Horse’s Height Is Measured
In order to accurately measure the height of an animal, it is important to understand the measurement system that has been developed for usage in the horse world. Horses are measured in hands, which is a unit of measurement. In metric units, one hand is equal to 4 inches or 0.1016 meters. It is possible to come across a horse that is 15.2 in height, which indicates that it is 15 hands and two inches tall. The height difference between horses and ponies should be considered when determining your equine’s height when assessing its height.
Anything with a height greater than 14 hands and 2 inches is called a horse.
So, before you start telling people you have a horse, double-check to be sure it isn’t a pony instead! You may see a horse height conversion chart that I’ve developed down below that will help you comprehend hands a little bit better.
Tools Needed for Measuring a Horse’s Height
Now that you’ve learned about the measurement unit you’ll be using, the next thing you’ll need is an instrument to use to measure the height of your horse. An old-fashioned measuring tape is perhaps the most straightforward and widely available instrument for determining the height of your horse. The majority of hardware and convenience stores have them at a reasonable price. A horse height tape is the alternative that I choose to go with. The one I picked is particularly useful because it also functions as a weight tape!
Keep in mind that if you decide to use a height tape, you’ll need to make certain that it’s stretched tightly and vertically.
If you don’t mind investing a little extra money and want to appear like a professional when measuring your horses, an official horse height stick is a good investment.
Here is the link to Amazon, where you can get the one I recommend.
Preparing Your Horse for a Height Measurement
The preparation of your horse for height measurement should begin as soon as you have determined your technique of measuring your horse’s height. First and foremost, I recommend that you measure your horse on flat ground in order to guarantee that your height measures are as precise as possible. Following your discovery of a suitable location for measuring your horse, the following step is to enlist the assistance of a friend who will hold your horse’s lead line while you take the measurements.
Horses are the most frightened by metal measuring tapes that create odd noises, according to my observations.
Next, make certain that your horse is standing squarely as you take your measurements.
For a visual reference, please see the image lower down on this page.
Measure Your Horse’s Height from the Correct Place
It’s time to take your horse’s height into consideration! Perhaps the most crucial thing to remember while measuring is exactly where you need to start your measurement process from. You should take your horse’s withers into consideration by measuring from the ground near one of their front feet to their withers. I’ve drawn a graphic for you below to serve as a visual guide to where you’ll be measuring. When a horse’s height is measured by its withers rather than its head, it does so because it is the highest point on a horse that remains at a constant height.
Here’s another piece of advice to keep in mind when you’re measuring.
Make a 90-degree angle by laying something straight across your horse’s withers and bringing it together with whatever item you’re using to measure it. This will assist you in ensuring that your measurement is as accurate as possible.
Horse Height Hands Conversion Chart
Here’s an useful conversion chart I put together to assist you better understand how hands translate into our usual units of measurement.
| Hands | Inches | Feet | Meters |
| 12.0 | 48 | 4ft 0in | 1.2192 |
| 12.1 | 49 | 4ft 1in | 1.2446 |
| 12.2 | 50 | 4ft 2in | 1.27 |
| 12.3 | 51 | 4ft 3in | 1.2954 |
| 13.0 | 52 | 4ft 4in | 1.3208 |
| 13.1 | 53 | 4ft 5in | 1.3462 |
| 13.2 | 54 | 4ft 6in | 1.371 |
| 13.3 | 55 | 4ft 7in | 1.397 |
| 14.0 | 56 | 4ft 8in | 1.4224 |
| 14.1 | 57 | 4ft 9in | 1.4478 |
| 14.2 | 58 | 4ft 10in | 1.4732 |
| 14.3 | 59 | 4ft 11in | 1.4986 |
| 15.0 | 60 | 5ft 0in | 1.524 |
| 15.1 | 61 | 5ft 1in | 1.5494 |
| 15.2 | 62 | 5ft 2in | 1.5748 |
| 15.3 | 63 | 5ft 3in | 1.6002 |
| 16.0 | 64 | 5ft 4in | 1.6256 |
| 16.1 | 65 | 5ft 5in | 1.651 |
| 16.2 | 66 | 5ft 6in | 1.6764 |
| 16.3 | 67 | 5ft 7in | 1.7018 |
| 17.0 | 68 | 5ft 8in | 1.7272 |
| 17.1 | 69 | 5ft 9in | 1.7526 |
| 17.2 | 70 | 5ft 10in | 1.778 |
| 17.3 | 71 | 5ft 11in | 1.803 |
| 18.0 | 72 | 6ft 0in | 1.8288 |
Common Questions About Measuring a Horse’s Height
While there is no historical record as to when or why humans began measuring the height of animals with our hands, it is thought that hands were a common means of measurement for livestock owners long before our regular measurement methods were developed. Because the majority of people’s hands are around the same size, they would have been a readily accessible unit of measurement for breeders and agriculturalists.
When Do Horse’s Reach Their Full Height
During their fourth and fifth years of life, the majority of horse breeds will attain their ultimate height, after which they will continue to fill out for another two to three years after that. Draft horses and draft horse hybrids may continue to grow until they reach the age of eight years. When horses reach their full height, you can read my whole essay on the subject here. If you’re wondering about when your horse will stop growing, you can read it here.
What Is the Average Height for Horses and Ponies?
Horses are typically 5 to 6 feet tall, or 1.524 to 1.8288 meters tall, on average, according on their breed. For ponies, the typical height is between 4 feet and 4 feet 10 inches tall, which is equivalent to 1.2192 to 1.4732 meters tall. When a horse is young, how can you tell what size he will grow to be? The height of a horse when it is completely grown cannot be predicted with 100 percent accuracy; nonetheless, there are various methods for estimating how large or little the horse will be when it is fully grown.
- Horses, by the time they are 12 months old, have already grown to 90 percent of their maximum height.
- What is the appropriate height of the horse I should ride?
- Having lesser size yet feeling comfortable riding a higher horse is quite acceptable in this situation.
- When selecting a horse, it is more necessary to consider how much weight the horse will be able to carry safely.
- P.S.
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly horse videos by clicking here.
How to Measure the Height of Horses
Article in PDF format Article in PDF format Identifying the size of a horse begins with knowing its height in hands, which is a unit of measurement used to measure height. Each hand symbolizes 4 inches (10 cm) in height, and this is the most common method in which horses’ height is stated. Measure the height of your horse in hands using a horse measuring stick or tape. Alternatively, use a normal measuring tape and convert the measurement to hands.
You may figure out how tall your horse is by taking a fast measurement from the hoof to the withers (see illustration). There are a multitude of reasons why this is beneficial, including identifying whether or not a horse is the appropriate size for you to ride on.
- 1 Before you place your horse, make sure you have a measurement device. Measurements of horses can be taken with a measuring stick or a measuring tape. You can use a conventional measuring tape or a measuring stick that measures in “hands,” but you can also use a special measuring stick that measures in “hands.” A horse measuring stick, on the other hand, is the most convenient and accurate technique to measure a horse fast and correctly. A variety of equestrian supply businesses (tack shops), agricultural supply stores, and other internet vendors carry horse measurement sticks.
- Because horse heights are normally expressed in terms of hand units, if you measure your horse’s height using a regular tape measure, you will need to convert your measurement to hands. When it comes to horse measuring in the United States, Canada, and England, the hand is the most prevalent method. The metric system, on the other hand, is used to measure the height of horses in other parts of the world.
- 2 Place the horse on firm, flat terrain. Check to see that the horse’s feet are all on an equal footing and that its body is tall and well-balanced before mounting it. Maintaining the horse’s body level is particularly crucial since uneven footing might have an influence on your measurements.
- For example, if you have a wash rack with ties in your barn, you might want to put the horse near it. Additionally, the flat, concrete space that you generally use to groom or tack your horse will function perfectly as an alternative
- Pick a location that is close to anything you can use to tie your horse up so that you can use both hands to measure his length. Advertisement
- s3 If the horse’s feet are not straight on the ground, they should be moved. You want the hooves to be directly close to each other, with the hips separated by a hip width. It is possible to get an incorrect measurement if one of the feet is placed in front of another.
- Having the horse’s feet near to each other allows the horse’s legs to be aligned all the way up to the top of its body. On this line you will be measuring your horse’s height
- 1 Begin your measurement at one of the horse’s front hooves and work your way back. Place yourself on either side of the horse depending on your preference. Placing the end of the measuring tape or a stick on the ground at the base of the hoof
- It may be necessary to have an assistant hold the bottom of the measuring tape while you check the measurement at the top
- This is especially true if you are using a measuring tape.
- 2 Raise the measuring gadget straight up to the top of the withers and secure it in place. The withers are placed at the top of the shoulders, between the neck and the rear of the neck and shoulders. A horse’s croup is the highest place on his body other than its head.
- Because a horse’s head swings up and down often, it is difficult to record the exact height of the horse’s poll, which is essentially the highest point on the animal.
- 3 Look for the top of the prickly ridge between the horse’s shoulder blades to determine where the withers are located. It may be required to use a stick to assist in determining the precise height of the horse. Considering that you are pulling the measuring tape up the side of the horse and that the withers height is located approximately midway between the withers and the measuring tape, you can use a stick that you span from the top of the horse’s withers to the measuring tape to determine the exact length of tape. Assuming that the stick is level, the point at which the stick connects with the measuring tape is the height of the horse.
- Most measuring sticks feature an attachment that protrudes from the handle and allows for a level measurement to be taken from the withers. If your horse isn’t used to being measured with a measuring stick, this might be a frightening experience for him. When measuring your horse with a stick for the first time, move gently and steadily throughout the process. In order for your horse to feel comfortable, proceed as slowly as necessary when obtaining successive measures.
- 1 Make a note of the measurement. Regardless of whether you are using a regular measuring tape or a horse-measuring gadget, make a note of the measurement of your horse immediately soon. While dealing with your horse and putting away the measurement gear, this will assist you remember what you need to do
- If the measurement is already in your hands, it can be written with a “hh” at the end of the sentence to indicate completion. “Hands up” is represented by this notation.
- 2 If required, convert an inch measurement into a hand measurement. The length of one hand is equivalent to four inches (10.2 cm), thus divide the measurement by four. For example, if the horse is 71 inches (180 cm) tall, divide 71 by 4 to get the height of the horse. As a consequence, there are 17 hands and just 3 inches (7.6 cm) of material left over. The final height would be 17.3 hands, according to the records.
- It is possible to record the measurement in the hands instantly if a horse measuring stick or tape is being used, although this is not always the case.
- 3 If required, convert a centimeter measurement into a hand measurement. The quickest and most straightforward method for accomplishing this is to convert the centimeter measurement into inches first. Simply multiply your centimeter measurement by.39 to get your inch measurement. You will receive the measurement in inches as a result of this. Once the measurement has been translated to inches, it may be divided by four to obtain the measurement in hands.
- Consider the following example: If your horse is 162 cm tall, apply the calculation 162 x.39 to get its height. This is equivalent to 63.77 inches.
- 4 Write sections of the hands in a specified decimal form using a certain format. When a horse’s height includes a piece of a hand, the height is expressed as a decimal after the measurement of the entire hand. It is not, however, a conventional decimal representation. In addition to complete hands, a half hand should be indicated by the number.2, which indicates that it is 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length. Use. A quarter hand is worth one point, while a three-quarter hand is worth three points.
- Example: If the horse is 16 full hands and 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length, it should be stated as 16.3
- The decimals.1,.2, and.3 are the only ones you will use in this calculation. if the measurement is any larger than that, it will only be the equivalent of one additional entire hand
- 5 Measure the height of a horse to evaluate whether or not it is the appropriate size for you. When purchasing or selling a horse, the height of the horse is the most important factor to consider. Being able to determine the exact size of a horse and whether or not a horse will be the appropriate size for them to ride or do the type of job they require is quite beneficial.
- Choosing a horse under 16 hands tall, for example, will allow you to comfortably get on and off of it if your preference is to ride a horse that is not very large in stature. 16 hands tall is the typical height of an adult horse. If you want a powerful, tall horse that will have a lot of strength and stamina, go for a horse that is above 16 hands tall
- Otherwise, look for a horse that is under 16 hands tall. A pony is defined as a horse that is less than 14.3 hands in height, regardless of its breed.
- Tip:There are additional considerations to consider when considering if a horse is the appropriate size for you, such as the amount of weight it will be required to transport. Advertisement
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Summary of the Article Assure that your horse is standing on firm, level ground and that its front feet are as evenly spaced as possible before taking its height measurement. Grasp a measuring tape and run it up the horse’s front legs to the horse’s withers, which is the top of his shoulders between his neck and back. Equine measurements are normally given in hands, with one hand being equivalent to four inches. If you want to know how big your horse is in hands, divide their height in inches by 4.
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HHorses are available in a variety of sizes and forms, with their bodies varying based on their breed, food, and degree of exercise. It is necessary to measure the height of a horse since this will allow you to better manage its feeding requirements and exercise level. Furthermore, it is critical information that you will want while selecting the most appropriate horse for you. The proper way to measure the height of a horse is from the withers of the tallest horse to the ground. Let’s see what happens.
Hand Unit
A hand unit is equivalent to 4 inches (10 cm), and you must use it to measure a horse from the wither, which is the place at which the horse’s shoulders are at their tallest. Despite the fact that the hand may be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, it was Henry VIII who standardized it to 4 inches (10 cm) in length in 1541.
Horse height measurement
| Hands | Inches (m) | Hands | Inches (m) | Hands | Inches (m) |
| 7 | 28 (0.71) | 11 | 44 (1.12) | 15 | 60 (1.52) |
| 7.1 | 29 (0.74) | 11.1 | 45 (1.14) | 15.1 | 61 (1.55) |
| 7.2 | 30 (0.76) | 11.2 | 46 (1.17) | 15.2 | 62 (1.57) |
| 7.3 | 31 (0.79) | 11.3 | 47 (1.19) | 15.3 | 63 (1.60) |
| 8 | 32 (0.81) | 12 | 48 (1.22) | 16 | 64 (1.63) |
| 8.1 | 33 (0.84) | 12.1 | 49 (1.25) | 16.1 | 65 (1.65) |
| 8.2 | 34 (0.86) | 12.2 | 50 (1.27) | 16.2 | 66 (1.68) |
| 8.3 | 35 (0.89) | 12.3 | 51 (1.29) | 16.3 | 67 (1.70) |
| 9 | 36 (0.91) | 13 | 52 (1.32) | 17 | 68 (1.73) |
| 9.1 | 37 (0.94) | 13.1 | 53 (1.35) | 17.1 | 69 (1.75) |
| 9.2 | 38 (0.97) | 13.2 | 54 (1.37) | 17.2 | 70 (1.78) |
| 9.3 | 39 (0.99) | 13.3 | 55 (1.39) | 17.3 | 71 (1.80) |
| 10 | 40 (1.02) | 14 | 56 (1.42) | 18 | 72 (1.83) |
| 10.1 | 41 (1.04) | 14.1 | 57 (1.45) | 18.1 | 73 (1.85) |
| 10.2 | 42 (1.07) | 14.2 | 58 (1.47) | 18.2 | 74 (1.89) |
| 10.3 | 43 (1.09) | 14.3 | 59 (1.50) |
The technique for gauging horses is not difficult to understand. Given that a hand is equal to 4 inches, the computation is as follows: 1hh = WH x 4 inches + FHWH– the total number of hands. The hand fraction is abbreviated as FH. As an illustration: A horse that is 12 hands tall will have 12 x 4 + 0 = 48 inches in length. A horse that is 12.2 hands tall will have 12.2 x 4 + 2 = 50 inches in length. In most countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, the United States, Canada, India, and South Africa, the hand is the primary measurement unit for horses.
Horse Types
Height-based classifications are available for horses, with subcategories such as miniature, Shetland, and draft horses being occasionally seen within the three basic classifications.
Horse heigh
| Horse type | Hands | Inches (meters) |
| Miniature | 6.2 hands | 26 to 28 inches (66 – 70 cm) |
| 7 hands | 28 inches (71 cm) | |
| 7.2 hands | 30 inches (76 cm) | |
| 8 hands | 32 inches (81 cm) | |
| Small | 8.2 hands | 34 inches (86 cm) |
| 9 hands | 36 inches (91 cm) | |
| 9.2 hands | 38 inches (97 cm) | |
| Shetland | 10 hands | 40 inches (1.02 m) |
| 10.2 hands | 42 inches (1.07 m) | |
| 11 hands | 44 inches (1.12 m) | |
| Pony | 11.2 hands | 46 inches (1.17 m) |
| 12 hands | 48 inches (1.22 m) | |
| 12.2 hands | 50 inches (1.27 m) | |
| 13 hands | 52 inches (1.32 m) | |
| 13.2 hands | 54 inches (1.37 m) | |
| Horse | 14 hands | 56 inches (1.42 m) |
| 14.2 hands | 58 inches (1.47 m) | |
| 15 hands | 60 inches (1.53 m) | |
| 15.2 hands | 62 inches (1.58 m) | |
| 16 hands | 64 inches (1.63 m) | |
| 16.2 hands | 66 inches (1.68 m) | |
| 17 hands | 68 inches (1.73 m) | |
| 17.2 hands | 70 inches (1.78 m) | |
| 18 hands | 72 inches (1.83 m) | |
| 18.2 hands | 74 inches (1.89 m) |
Height-based classifications are available for horses, with subcategories such as tiny, Shetland, and draft horses being occasionally seen within the three basic divisions.
Miniatures
Miniatures are miniature horses that have been created by isolating the genes that produce this desired characteristic from the others. A toy horse might be a treasured companion, or you can use it to pull a cart around the yard.
They are always shorter than 9.2 hands or 38 inches (97 cm), however there are certain categories that consider creatures shorter than 8 hands or 32 inches (90 cm) to qualify as miniatures (81 cm). The taller animals are herded together with a herd of little horses.
Pony height
| Breed | Height | |
| Shetland pony | 7 to 10.2 hands | 28 to 42 inches (71 – 107 cm) |
| Spotted pony | 8 to 14 hands | 32 to 56 inches (81–142 cm) |
| Dartmoor pony | 11.1 to 12.2 hands | 45 to 50 inches (114 – 127 cm) |
| Exmoor pony | 11.1 to 12.3 hands | 45 to 51 inches (114 – 130 cm) |
| Welara | 11.2 to 15 hands | 46 to 60 inches (117 – 152 cm) |
| Eriskay pony | 12 to 13.2 hands | 48 to 54 inches (122 – 137 cm) |
| Hackney pony | 12 to 14 hands | 48 to 56 inches (122 – 142 cm) |
| New Forest pony | 12 to 14.2 hands | 48 to 58 inches (122 – 147 cm) |
| Welsh Pony | 12.2 to 13.2 hands | 50 to 54 inches (127 – 137 cm) |
| Connemara pony | 12.2 to 14.2 hands | 50 to 58 inches (127 – 147 cm) |
| Dales pony | 13 to 14 hands | 52 to 56 inches (132 – 142 cm) |
| Highland pony | 13 to 14.2 hands | 52 to 58 inches (132 – 147 cm) |
| Fell pony | 13.2 to 14 hands | 54 to 56 inches (137 – 142 cm) |
Ponies
Ponies are horses that range in height from 10 to 13.2 hands (1.02 m) or 40 to 54 inches (1.02 m) in height (1.37 m). Ponies may be divided into three sizes: small, medium, and large. Small ponies are the most common. Keep in mind that in the United Kingdom, only horses under 14.2 hands or 58 inches (1.47m) in height are called ponies.
Horses
This category includes any horse with a height greater than 14.2 hands, however some of them may stand as tall as 18.2 hands, or 74 inches (1.89 m). Only a few of horses stand at around 19.2 hands or 78 inches (1.98 m) tall.
Horse height
| Breed | Height | |
| Spanish Mustang | 12 to 14 hands | 48 to 56 inches (122 – 142 cm) |
| Halfinger | 13.2 to 15 hands | 54 to 60 inches (140 – 152 cm) |
| Gypsy Vanner | 14 to 15 hands | 56 to 60 inches (142 – 152 cm) |
| Morgan | 14 to 15 hands | 56 to 60 inches (142 – 152 cm) |
| Walkaloosa | 14 to 15 hands | 56 to 60 inches (142 – 152 cm) |
| American Standardbred | 14 to 15 hands | 56 to 60 inches (142 – 153 cm) |
| Appaloosa | 14 to 15.3 hands | 56 to 63 inches (142 – 160 cm) |
| American Quarter Horse | 14 to 16.1 hands | 56 to 65 inches (142 – 165 cm) |
| Paso Fino | 14.1 to 15 hands | 55 to 60 inches (140 – 152 cm) |
| Arabian | 14.1 to 15.1 hands | 55 to 61 inches (140 – 155 cm) |
| Tennessee Walker | 15 to 15.1 hands | 60 to 61 inches (152 – 155 cm) |
| Lipizzaner | 15 to 15.3 hands | 60 to 63 inches (152 – 160 cm) |
| Criollo | 15 to 15.3 hands | 60 to 63 inches (152 – 160 cm) |
| Paint Horse | 15 to 16 hands | 60 to 64 inches (152 – 163 cm) |
| American Saddlebred | 15 to 16.1 hands | 60 to 65 inches (152 – 165 cm) |
| Andalusian | 15 to 16.1 hands | 60 to 65 inches (152 – 165 cm) |
| Hackney | 15 to 16.2 hands | 60 to 66 inches (152 – 168 cm) |
| Gypsy Vanner | 15 to 16.2 hands | 60 to 66 inches (152 – 168 cm) |
| Orlov Trotter | 15 to 17 hands | 60 to 68 inches (152 – 173 cm) |
| American Cream draft | 15 to 17 hands | 60 to 68 inches (152 – 173 cm) |
| American Warmblood | 15 to 17 hands | 60 to 68 inches (152 – 173 cm) |
| Belgian Draft | 15 to 17.3 hands | 60 to 71 inches (152 – 180 cm) |
| Westphalian | 15.2 to 17.2 hands | 62 to 70 inches (157 – 178 cm) |
| Ardennes | 15.3 to 16.1 hands | 63 to 65 inches (160 – 165 cm) |
| Irish Draught | 15.3 to 16.1 hands | 63 to 65 inches (160 – 165 cm) |
| Dutch Warmblood | 15.3 to 17 hands | 63 to 68 inches (160 – 173 cm) |
| Suffolk | 15.3 to 17 hands | 63 to 68 inches (160 – 173 cm) |
| Trakehner | 15.3 to 17 hands | 63 to 68 inches (160 – 173 cm) |
| Thoroughbred | 15.3 to 17.2 hands | 63 to 70 inches (160 – 178 cm) |
| Percheron | 16 to 17 hands | 64 to 68 inches (160 – 173 cm) |
| Holsteiner | 16 to 17 hands | 64 to 68 inches (160 – 173 cm) |
| Shire | 16 to 17 hands | 64 to 68 inches (163 – 173 cm) |
| Swedish Warmblood | 16 to 17 hands | 64 to 68 inches (163 – 173 cm) |
| Hanoverian | 16 to 17.2 hands | 64 to 70 inches (163 – 178 cm) |
| Oldenburg | 16 to 17.3 hands | 64 to 71 inches (163 – 180 cm) |
| Cleveland Bay | 16 to 17.3 hands | 64 to 71 inches (163 – 180 cm) |
| Clydesdale | 16 to 18 hands | 64 to 68 inches (163 – 173 cm) |
Height of an average horse varies depending on the breed of the horse. Quarter horses, for example, often reach 15 hands or 60 inches (1.52 m) in height, which permits them to perform their intended functions. In contrast, Thoroughbreds are utilized for racing, and as a result, they must be significantly taller. They typically have at least 16 hands or 64 inches between them (1.63 m). Finally, draft horses are the tallest, with heights ranging from 17 to 19 hands, or 68 inches (1.73 m) to 76 inches (1.93 m), respectively (1.93 m).
Summary
When it comes to practicing proper horsemanship, knowing the height of the horse is critical. This measurement establishes the specific breed and provides the required information for determining the meal size and medicine dose, if any are necessary.
How to Measure a Horse Height & Weight?
In order to describe your horse to someone, you would most likely highlight the breed, color, and speed of the horse in question. However, on particular instances, including as formal contests, it is required to specify the equine body measurements of the competitors. You might wonder how to measure a horse because horse classification necessitates exact measurements of height and weight. Let’s have a look at your available alternatives.
Reasons to Measure Your Horse
Once you’ve met and been acquainted with your horse, you’ll learn about its lifestyle, habits, food, and overall personality. Then you should keep track of its weight and height on a regular basis. If you have a foal, taking frequent measurements will help you to keep track of its growth and development. You will be able to prepare appropriate meals and detect any health concerns earlier if you do so. When administering treatment to a horse, it is also critical to know the exact weight of the horse.
Finally, such precautions are important while purchasing equipment, particularly saddles, which are available in a variety of forms and sizes.
Measuring Horse Weight
In general, tall horses weigh more than shorter horses, although the exact weight of a horse varies on a variety of factors. Breed, age, food, and physical activity are the most significant factors to consider. For example, two horses of the same height and weight can be separated by more than 500 pounds (227 kg). There are a variety of methods for measuring your horse. The most efficient and precise method is to use a scale. Horses, on the other hand, are large animals, making proper scales difficult to come by and expensive.
- Alternatively, a trailer scale or an industrial scale might be used to weigh the horse.
- Fortunately, you have two additional solutions that are easily relevant no matter where you are.
- If you don’t mind a little arithmetic, you can measure the heart girth and body length of your horse.
- Then, measure the distance between an animal’s withers and its buttocks to obtain its body length, then apply the following formula to establish the weight of a horse in pounds: Adult horse weight is calculated as (girth x girth x body length) / 300.
A more expedient method is to utilize an internet calculator. It is more efficient, and you will not stress the horse by repeatedly measuring and attempting to obtain exact findings.
Girth length
| 30 inches (76 cm) | 100 pounds (45.5 kg) |
| 45.5 inches (116 cm) | 300 pounds (136.5 kg) |
| 55 inches (140 cm) | 500 pounds (227 kg) |
| 64.5 inches (164 cm) | 800 pounds (364 kg) |
| 70.5 inches (178 cm) | 1,000 pounds (455 kg) |
| 75.5 inches (192 cm) | 1,200 pounds (454 kg) |
| 77.5 inches (197 cm) | 1,300 pounds(591 kg) |
Height is a determinant in how heavy a horse is, and the weight of a horse is affected by a variety of variables. Breed, age, food, and physical activity are the factors that matter the most. In certain cases, two horses of the same height might weigh more than 500 pounds different from one another (227 kg). It is possible to measure your horse in a variety of methods. Using a scale is the most efficient and precise method. In spite of the fact that horses are large and heavy animals, horse-scales are rare and costly.
- Alternatively, a trailer scale or industrial scale might be used to weigh the horse.
- Fortunately, you have two other solutions that are easily adaptable to any situation.
- Calculate the heart girth and body length of your horse if you don’t mind doing some basic arithmetic.
- Find the distance between an animal’s withers and its buttocks to obtain its body length, and then apply the following formula to determine the weight of a horse in pounds: a.
- It is more efficient, and you will not stress the horse by repeatedly measuring and attempting to obtain correct findings as you would with a more traditional method.
Horse Weight by Breed
Even when you see a horse for the first time, you can estimate its weight with a high degree of certainty if you know what breed it is by looking at it. Clydesdale, Shire, and Suffolk horses, for example, are significantly heavier than Welsh Cobs or Quarter horses, which are lighter in weight.
Horse weight by breed
| Breed | Average weight |
| Miniature Horse | 200 to 500 pounds (91 – 227 kg) |
| Quarter Horse | 1,000 to 1,300 pounds (454 – 589 kg) |
| Welsh Cob | 1,000 to 1,300 pounds (454 – 589 kg) |
| Andalusian | 1,200 to 1,300 pounds (544 – 589 kg) |
| Clydesdale | 1,600 to 1,800 pounds (726 – 816.5 kg) |
| Shire | 1,700 to 2,700 pounds (771 – 1225 kg) |
The Shire called Samson was the world’s biggest horse, weighing 3,359 pounds at the time of its death (1,524 kg). It was also the world’s tallest horse at the time of its capture. Miniature horses, on the other hand, are little and light creatures, weighing between 200 and 500 pounds on average (91 to 227 kg).
Calculating Horse Height
The Shire called Samson, who weighed 3,359 pounds, was the world’s biggest horse ever (1,524 kg). As a bonus, it was the world’s tallest horse ever measured in height. Horses of the miniature kind, on the other hand, tend to be light creatures, weighing between 200 and 500 pounds on average (depending on the breed) (91 to 227 kg).
Height
| 9 hands | 400 to 500 pounds (181 – 227 kg) |
| 10 hands | 530 to 600 pounds (240 – 272 kg) |
| 11 hands | 660 to 700 pounds (299 – 317.5 kg) |
| 12 hands | 700 to 800 pounds (299 – 363 kg) |
| 13 hands | 800 to 860 pounds (363 – 390 kg) |
| 14 hands | 900 to 1,200 pounds (408 – 544 kg) |
| 15 hands | 880 to 1,200 pounds (299 – 544 kg) |
| 16 hands | 1,100 to 1,400 pounds (499 – 635 kg) |
| 17+ hands | 1,500 to 2,200 pounds (680 – 998 kg) |
Remember that, unlike when measuring horse weight, you should not lay the tape directly on the animal’s skin. Hold a measuring stick or tape absolutely vertically adjacent to the horse’s body, rather of a ruler. For practical reasons, the majority of owners choose to use a stick, which is a long metal rod with a bubble in a little glass drop. It is important to remember to measure the height of the horse from the top of the withers to the ground.
When measuring, you may use the drop to establish the proper angle to use. It is recommended that you check the height you have got numerous times in order to acquire an accurate approximation. Knowing the height of your horse will allow you to determine its weight more accurately.
Pick a Right Horse for Yourself
In theory, you can ride any horse that is capable of supporting your weight. Despite this, many riders evaluate and select a horse based on the build, stamina, and temperament of the animal. Because it is critical to pick an animal that is a good fit for your measurements, knowing the exact height and weight of your horse is critical.
Rider inside leg
| 24 inches (61 cm) | 10 hands |
| 26 inches (66 cm) | 10.3 hands |
| 28 inches (71 cm) | 11.2 hands |
| 30 inches (76.2 cm) | 12.2 hands |
| 32 inches (81.3 cm) | 13.1 hands |
| 34 inches (86.4 cm) | 14 hands |
| 36 inches (91.4 cm) | 15 hands |
| 38 inches (96.5 cm) | 15.3 hands |
| 40 inches (102 cm) | 16.2 hands |
If you are tall, riding a little horse will not be a pleasant experience since your legs will be just over the ground. As a result, you should seek for a more superior animal. The horse’s height should be around 60% of the height of your inside leg in ideal circumstances. If your inseam is 34 inches (86.4 cm), the minimum horse height should be 14 hands, or 34 inches, in order to accommodate you (86.4 cm). Short individuals, on the other hand, may most likely feel uncomfortable when riding animals that are too enormous for them.
Horse Weight-carrying Capacity
Another thing to consider is that the horse you ride is responsible for transporting both you and all of the essential equipment. When trotting and strolling, a healthy horse can carry a burden equal to 20 to 25% of its own weight without becoming fatigued. If you intend to gallop, the burden on a horse’s back should not be more than 15 percent of the animal’s total weight. As you can see, it is critical to understand the type of weight a horse will carry as well as its intended use before selecting one.
Only such an animal is capable of transporting you, as well as a saddle, blankets, and other supplies.
Your weight
| 110 pounds (50 kg) | 550 pounds (250 kg) |
| 150 pounds (68 kg) | 750 pounds (340 kg) |
| 180 pounds (82 kg) | 900 pounds (408 kg) |
| 200 pounds (91 kg) | 1,000 pounds (455 kg) |
| 250 pounds (113 kg) | 1,250 pounds (567 kg) |
| 280 pounds (127 kg) | 1,400 pounds (635 kg) |
| 300 pounds (136 kg) | 1,500 pounds (680 kg) |
An additional consideration is that the horse on which you ride transports both you and all of the essential gear. When trotting and strolling, a healthy horse can carry a burden equal to 20 to 25% of its body weight. It is recommended that the burden on a horse’s back does not exceed 15 percent of its total mass if you intend to gallop with it. This demonstrates the need of determining the type of burden horse to be used as well as its intended use before selecting one. For example, if your scale reads 200 pounds, your horse must weigh more than 1,000 pounds (455 kg) (91 kg).
Saddle type
| Riding style | Type | Weight |
| Western | Roping | 45 pounds (20 kg) |
| Western | Cutting | 27 pounds (12 kg) |
| Western | Trail | 22 pounds (10 kg) |
| Western | Barrel Racing | 24 pounds (11 kg) |
| Western | Synthetic | 18.9 pounds (8.6 kg) |
| English | Jumping | 14.3 pounds (6.5 kg) |
| English | Cross country | 12.7 pounds (5.8 kg) |
| English | Synthetic | 13.3 pounds (6 kg) |
When compared to English riding, many riders believe Western riding to be a more exhilarating, tough, and demanding type of riding. As a result, Western saddles are hefty and thick, and you must choose a horse that is suited to such a situation. Always remember that a rope saddle raises the weight of a horse by 45 pounds (20 kg). A horse like the Shire, which has the necessary power and endurance, is a great choice in such a situation.
Summary
According on the breed of horse, the height and weight of an animal might vary greatly.
You should, however, always measure the animal before putting it to use. Thanks to the ease with which it may be accomplished using measuring tape or a marked stick, it is not an insurmountable chore.
Measure Horse Height
It is simple to obtain an accurate measurement of your horse’s height. To determine the height of a horse, measure the horse from the ground in a straight line up to the highest point of the withers and record the measurement in inches. The yellow line in the photo below serves to demonstrate this point. Below: Height of a horse measured from the ground to the highest point of its withers in inches is considered suitable height for a horse. Now is the time to pin it! A level surface with even or nearly even front feet is required for the most accurate assessment of the horse’s height.
Calculating The Results
It is necessary to translate the findings of your horse’s measurements from inches to “hands” once they have been taken. The right term for horse height is “hand,” which is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the height of the horse. Four inches are represented by one hand. From the ground to the top of her withers, the gray mare in the photo above measures 58 inches in height. When you divide 58 by 4, you get the number 14.5. The number 14 refers to the number of hands, and the.5 indicates that another half of a hand, or another 2 inches, has been added.
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Correctly Writing The Results
It is necessary to convert the findings of your horse’s measurements from inches to hands once they have been taken. Hand is the proper unit of measurement for horse height, and it is denoted by the symbol. An inch and a half is represented by one hand. It is 58 inches from her feet to the top of her withers on this gray mare in the photo above. When you divide 58 by 4, the result is 14.5. In this case, 14 refers to the number of hands, and the.5 refers to half of a hand, or an additional 2 inches in length.
Continue reading the article below for more information.
- The first number written is the total number of hands
- The second number written is the total number of hands
- And the third number written is the total number of hands. After that, there is a period. Following that, the remaining amount of inches is given
Correctly Speaking The Results
For the sake of argument, let us use our 14.2 mare as an example. Horsemen typically pronounce a measurement like this as “fourteen two” or “fourteen and a half” out loud.
A Few Examples
The following are a few examples of how to appropriately write and pronounce the height of a horse. Keep in mind that the number in front of the period represents forhands, and the number after the period is the number of inches remaining.
- 15 – This is a proper manner of expressing that a horse is 15 hands tall in written form. 15.0 – This is another right method of writing that a horse is 15 hands tall
- 15.1 – This is another correct way of writing that a horse is 15 hands and one inch tall
- 15.1 – This is the proper way of writing that a horse is 15 hands and one inch tall. (Spoken as “fifteen one,” or “fifteen hands, one inch.”)
- 15.2 – This is the proper method of writing that a horse is 15 hands, 2 inches tall. (Spoken as “fifteen one,” or “fifteen hands, one inch.”)
- 15.3 – This is the correct way of writing that a horse is 15 hands, 2 inches tall. This is the proper way to write that a horse is 15 hands and 3 inches tall. (Spoken as “fifteen two,” or “fifteen hands and two inches.”)
- 15.3 – This is the correct way to write that a horse is 15 hands and 3 inches tall. (Spoken as “fifteen three,” “fifteen hands, three inches,” or “fifteen hands, three inches.”)
- 15.4 – Incorrect! This indicates that a horse stands 15 hands and 4 inches tall. Considering that a hand is equivalent to four inches, this horse is actually 16 hands tall
- 15.5 – Wrong once again! Some individuals mistakenly believe that the number following theperiod represents fractions of a hand, while in fact it should be interpreted as inches. For example, some individuals write “15.5” to signify 15 and a half hands, but this should be spelled correctly as “15.2” instead.
If you like, you can add the letter “hh” to the end of a measurement, as in “15.1hh.” “Hands high” is represented by the letter “hh.”
Horse Measuring Devices
There are measuring equipment for horses available on the market that are labelled with hand and inch measures on the outside. Others are stiff poles with small cross bars at the top that may be lifted or lowered to rest on the withers of a horse. These are really convenient and provide precise measurements with ease. Horse height/weight tape, which is an unique tape measure with hands and inches marked on it, is another frequent equipment used in the horse industry.
If the person conducting the measuring makes certain that the tape is run straight up and down, as well as that the measurement is read at a level angle, they are economical and precise options.
Where Did “Hands” Come From?
As previously stated, the height of a horse is measured in hands. The practice of measuring a horse in this manner has a long history, yet it is simple to grasp. People did not have the usual measuring devices (such as tape measures, etc.) that we have now in those days that seem so long ago. They measured a horse using what was readily available (no pun intended): their own hands. A “hand” has been defined in several ways throughout history and in various locations, including the width of a person’s hand using only the fingers, the width of a person’s hand using the fingers plus the thumb, the height of a clenched fist, and maybe others.
Despite its ancient origins, the hand is still the standard unit of measurement for horses among current horse owners.
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