- Height varies across the west, but most are small, generally 12 to 14 hands (56 to 60 inches, 142 to 152 cm), and not taller than 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm), even in herds with draft or Thoroughbred ancestry. Average weight goes between 700 and 1000 pounds.
What’s the tallest a horse can grow to?
It was then, that the Guinness World Records measured Jake at an extraordinary 20 hands, 2.75 inches (210.2 centimeters or 82.75 inches) and was officially named the tallest living horse. The average height of a Belgian horse is usually between 16 and 17 hands.
How tall can a horse get in hands?
A standard adult horse, on average, measures 14-17 hands at the withers, but some can exceed 18 hands while others can be as small as 8-9 hands depending on the breed.
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.
Can you ride a 2 year old horse?
Most breeds of horses are broken to ride when they are between two and three years old. It is important to wait until this age because the joints need to develop enough to support the weight of the rider. Horses that are broken too early can wind up having joint problems and soundness issues as they age.
Can a horse be 15.5 hands?
There is a proper way to figure and write out the measurement of a horse. 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. 62 inches – 15.2 (when you divide by 4 you will get 15.5, but the.
How tall are Clydesdales?
Most adult full-size horses’ height is in a range from 14.2 to 16.2 hands. Even though most riders consider 15 to 15.2 hands high medium-sized horses the most comfortable, novices find the smaller horse a better option for ride learning.
Is 15 hands a big horse?
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. A cob measures at about 15 hands and often straddles the line between ponies and “horse” sized.
What is a wither on a horse?
The withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal, typically a quadruped. In many species, it is the tallest point of the body. In horses and dogs, it is the standard place to measure the animal’s height.
How tall is a 20.1 hand horse?
We have our winner, and the answer is 20 hands 1 inch, or 20.1 hands. That translates to 81 inches tall at the center of his withers. A hand is 4 inches, so increments are by.
Average Horse Height: How Big Do They Get? (with Size Chart)
Horses are considered to be enormous creatures by the majority of people, and for the most part, this is correct. In height and weight, the normal horse is around five feet tall and weighs 800-1200 pounds. Generally speaking, a horse must be at least 57 inches tall, yet some horses are just two feet tall! Horses that weigh more than 2200 pounds and tower well over six feet tall are seen on the other extreme of the range. Today’s topic is horse heights, and this post will cover everything from the tiniest to the highest, as well as everything in between.
What Is the Average Height of a Horse?
Even while horses are available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from quite little to incredibly gigantic, the majority of them are somewhere in the center. A horse’s height is around five feet in height on average. Many horses are taller than five feet, and many others are shorter, but five feet is around the average height. Horse heights, on the other hand, aren’t usually measured in centimeters. It is more common to express heights in hands, thus a horse that is five feet tall will measure 15 hands in height.
The difficulty is that there are just too many distinct breeds of horses, each of which comes in a wide variety of sizes, making it difficult to establish a realistic average.
For this reason, it is advisable to look at typical horse heights by breed rather than the average height of five feet.
Average Height of the Most Popular Horse Breeds
Let’s take a look at several common breeds, as well as a couple that are less well known, to get a better understanding of normal horse sizes. We’ll look at the smallest and tallest equine varieties, as well as the kinds that are in between.
- Falconella– The Falabellla is a miniature horse breed from Argentina, and it has the distinction of being the world’s smallest breed. Falabellas can grow to be as short as 25 inches in height when fully mature, but they never grow to be taller than 32 inches. Unlike other horses, Shetlands are measured in inches rather than hands, which makes them unique among horse breeds. They stand around 40 inches tall on average and never exceed 46 inches in height
- The American Miniature Horse– As the name implies, the American Miniature Horse is a miniature version of a full-size horse that was developed over 400 years of selective breeding to achieve its current size. They may reach a maximum height of 34 inches, while the most are between 30-32 inches tall. Quarter Horse– Quarter horses, the most popular breed in the United States and the breed with the largest registry in the world, stand an average height of 14.3 to 16 hands
- They are also known as American Quarter Horses. Paint– On average, paint horses stand between 14.2 and 15.2 hands tall, which is 58-62 inches in height, though specimens with Thoroughbred genes can grow to be much taller than this. In accordance with breed standards, Arabians can grow to be 14.1-16.1 hands tall, with an average height of 15.1 hands (61 inches) and a maximum height of 15.1 hands (61 inches). Thoroughbred– Thoroughbreds are horses that are lean and strong, and they are primarily used for racing purposes. Typically, a Thoroughbred will stand at 16 hands, which is equal to 64 inches in height. Horses from Belgium– Belgians are among the world’s largest horses, weighing an average of 2000 pounds! They are not the tallest breed, standing on average 16-17 hands tall
- However, they are one of the most docile. Brougham– Broughams are another of the largest horse breeds that exist. Clydesdales are another large horse breed that exists. It is possible for them to reach heights of 19 hands and weigh up to 2200 pounds, though the average Clydesdale stands at about 18 hands or 72 inches tall. When it comes to horse breeds, the Shire is unquestionably the largest on the planet. One Shire gelding named Sampson stood an incredible 21.2 hands tall, earning him the title of the tallest horse in history as well as a Guinness World Record for being the tallest horse ever.
Equine Size Chart
| TYPE | HANDS | INCHES |
| Miniature | 6.2 | 26 |
| Miniature | 6.3 | 27 |
| Miniature | 7 | 28 |
| Miniature | 7.1 | 29 |
| Miniature | 7.2 | 30 |
| Miniature | 7.3 | 31 |
| Miniature | 8 | 32 |
| Miniature | 8.1 | 33 |
| Small Horse | 8.2 | 34 |
| Small Horse | 8.3 | 35 |
| Small Horse | 9 | 36 |
| Small Horse | 9.1 | 37 |
| Small Horse | 9.2 | 38 |
| Shetland | 9.3 | 39 |
| Shetland | 10 | 40 |
| Shetland | 10.1 | 41 |
| Shetland | 10.2 | 42 |
| Shetland | 10.3 | 43 |
| Shetland | 11 | 44 |
| Pony | 11.1 | 45 |
| Pony | 11.2 | 46 |
| Pony | 11.3 | 47 |
| Pony | 12 | 48 |
| Pony | 12.1 | 49 |
| Pony | 12.2 | 50 |
| Pony | 12.3 | 51 |
| Pony | 13 | 52 |
| Pony | 13.1 | 53 |
| Pony | 13.2 | 54 |
| Pony | 13.3 | 55 |
| Horse | 14 | 56 |
| Horse | 14.1 | 57 |
| Horse | 14.2 | 58 |
| Horse | 14.3 | 59 |
| Horse | 15 | 60 |
| Horse | 15.1 | 61 |
| Horse | 15.2 | 62 |
| Horse | 15.3 | 63 |
| Horse | 16 | 64 |
| Horse | 16.1 | 65 |
| Horse | 16.2 | 66 |
| Horse | 16.3 | 67 |
| Horse | 17 | 68 |
| Horse | 17.1 | 69 |
| Horse | 17.2 | 70 |
| Horse | 17.3 | 71 |
| Horse | 18 | 72 |
| Horse | 18.1 | 73 |
| Horse | 18.2 | 74 |
| Horse | 18.3 | 75 |
Why Are Horses Measured in Hands?
Thanks to contemporary instruments such as tape measures, it is now quite straightforward to measure almost anything. The first tamed horses were domesticated thousands of years ago, and tape measures were not yet invented at that point in time. As a result, individuals resorted to using what they had at their disposal, which was their hands. The practice of measuring a horse with your hands became the norm, and we continue to do it today. Although, back then, there was no common standard other than the hand, and everyone had a different-sized hand, making it a somewhat imperfect method, it is still useful today.
You may quickly convert hands to inches by multiplying the height in hands by four, which is a straightforward calculation.
It is possible to discern a decimal behind a hand measurement, such as 15.1, in some cases.
As a result, 15.1 hands are equivalent to 61 inches. 15.2 hands are equal to 62 inches. The length of 15.3 hands is equal to 63 inches. And because there are only four inches in a hand, the next 15.3 hands are followed by 16 hands, which is equal to 64 inches after that.
How to Measure a Horse Accurately
A lot has been said about horse heights, but how exactly are horses measured is still up in the air. Measuring a human is straightforward; you simply measure from the ground to the top of their head. However, measuring a horse is a little more complicated. Instead of measuring from the top of the animal’s head to the top of its withers, you will measure from the top of the animal’s withers. To begin, make sure your horse is standing on level ground. Simply measure the distance from the top of the front shoulder, also known as the withers, to the ground with a measuring tape or a measuring stick.
Consequently, if your horse’s height is 66 inches, discover the next lower number that is divisible by four, which in this case is 64 inches.
You still have two inches left over, which will be converted to a decimal of.2 for a conversion of 16.2 hands from 66 inches using a decimal of.2.
How to Estimate a Young Horse’s Mature Height
In the event if you were able to observe the parents of your horse, you could already have an idea of how enormous it could become. You may be wondering, though, what size you may expect your horse to grow to if you didn’t have the opportunity to see him at that stage. Fortunately, there is a formula that you may use to estimate the approximate size of your horse when he is completely matured. Your horse will need to be six months old in order to participate in this activity. The length of the horse’s lower leg from the foot to the knee is 93 percent of the size it will be when completely matured at this time.
- Begin by taking a measurement of the lower leg of your horse.
- In order to multiply by four, you must divide the measurement by 93, multiply by 100, then divide the result by four again.
- In our case, 16 divided by 93 is equal to 0.17 a percent.
- Photograph courtesy of Stephane Debove/Shutterstock
What Is the Right Size Horse for You?
As you can see, horses come in a wide range of colors and breeds. But how can you know which size is best for you? It is dependent on your requirements. If you only want to maintain a horse as a pet and you want to cut its care requirements to a bare minimum, you can consider a pony or miniature horse as an option. However, if you want to ride your horse, a pony isn’t going to do the trick either. For riding, you’ll need to choose a horse that weighs at least seven times as much as you do in order to guarantee that the horse is capable of carrying your weight as well as all of your extra equipment.
If you’re above six feet tall, on the other hand, you should consider a bigger horse that’s standing a solid 16-17 hands in height.
For heavyweight bruisers, an even bigger horse, such as a gigantic draft horse such as a Belgian or Shire that stands over 17 hands, may be the best choice, such as a Belgian or Shire that stands over 17 hands.
Conclusion
Some horses are colossal, towering about seven feet in height. Even though the normal horse stands roughly five feet tall, ponies and miniature horses may be as tiny as 25 inches in height! None of these horse breeds is superior than the others; they are just distinct from one another. The characteristics of each breed are distinct, and with so many various sizes to pick from, there is a horse available to suit every rider. Credit for the featured image goes to Yurkovski through Shutterstock.
How Tall is a Horse? (Average Horse Height Chart)
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) |
When it comes to mature full-size horses, the majority of them stand between 14.2 and 16.2 hands tall. Despite the fact that most riders regard medium-sized horses between 15 and 15.2 hands height to be the most comfortable, rookie riders feel that smaller horses are a better alternative for learning to ride.
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.
Average Horse Height: How Big Do they Get, With Size Chart
Depending on the breed, a typical adult horse measures 14-17 hands at the withers on average, however some may measure up to 18 hands at the withers while others can be as little as 8-9 hands. The Draft horses, which include the Clydesdale, Shire, Belgian, and Percheron, are the world’s biggest horses, having been designed for the purpose of hauling or pulling heavy burdens. The Miniature horse, Falabella, and Shetland pony are the smallest of the breed, yet they are surprisingly powerful and durable for their size.
How to Measure a Horse’s Height
It is possible to determine the size of a horse by placing a height-measurement stick or height tape behind its front foreleg and measuring from the ground to the top of its withers. In this case, the full widths are marked in hands (abbreviated as hh), and the partial widths are denoted in inches. The height of 15 hands and 4 inches is the height of a horse that measures 15.4 hands and 4 inches tall.
Size Chart: Average Height of Some Popular Breeds
| Breed | Height(hh) |
| Clydesdale | 16-18 |
| Cob | 14-15 |
| Miniature Horse | 8.5-9.5 |
| American Quarter Horse | 14-17 |
| Shire Horse | 17-18 |
| Mustang | 14-15 |
| Thoroughbred | 15.2-17 |
| Arabian | 14.1-15.1 |
| Haflinger | 13-15 |
| American Paint Horse | 14.2-15.2 |
Interesting Facts
- Big Jake, a Belgian gelding that is 20 hands 2.75 inches tall, is the world’s largest horse living, according to the World Horse Organization. Sampson (later called Mammoth) was a 19th century Shire gelding that stood at 21.2 12 hands and was registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s tallest horse of all time. In addition, Einstein, a Miniature Horse, holds the record for the world’s smallest foal, measuring 3.5 hands when it was born. Thumbelina is a Dwarf Miniature horse that measures 4.25 hands and is the world’s smallest horse
- Einstein is also the world’s smallest horse.
Horse Height Chart
There are hundreds of distinct horse breeds in the globe, and they come in a variety of sizes. You may find horses that are as little as your sofa and horses that are so tall that you would need a ladder to go close enough to touch their ears. However, if you’re new to horses, getting to know all of the different breed heights might be a difficult task. When compared to a pony, what distinguishes tiny horses as miniature? When compared to a thoroughbred, how large is a draft horse? And what exactly is a ‘hand’ in this context?
Watch a video that demonstrates how to measure the height of a horse.
To see a bigger version of this photograph, click here.
The AMHA will not register a horse that is taller than 34 inches, however the AMHR has two different categories of sizes: horses under 34 inches and horses between 34 and 38 inches in height. All Miniature Horses that are registered will be under 38″ in height.
The Average Height for a Horse
Ponies are defined as animals measuring 14.2 hands or less at the withers and less than 15 hands overall. Horses are defined as any equine reaching more than 14.2 inches in height. A horse’s average height and weight is around 15.2 hands. However, this is not representative of the average performance of all horses across all breeds and disciplines. It’s been said that “horses for courses,” which refers to the fact that horses were raised and trained for a specific size and physiology in order to do distinct duties.
Equine Measurements
Equines are measured in hands, with each hand equaling 4 inches in circumference. That indicates that the average horse with 15.2 hands is 62 inches tall at the withers, or slightly about 5 feet and 2 inches tall at the withers. Determine the height of your animal by measuring it from the bottom of the hooves to the top of the withers with a measuring stick or tape. When measuring your horse, make sure he is standing on a level place.
Small, Medium and Large Ponies
Ponies are classified according to their height into three categories: tiny, medium, and giant. A small pony cannot be taller than 12.2 hands in height for competition reasons, while a medium pony can be anywhere between 12.3 and 13.2 hands in height. The height of a huge pony is between 13.3 and 14.2 hands.
Smaller Average Height Breeds
Some well-known breeds of horses typically mature at a size that is close to or somewhat smaller than the norm. A good example of this is the quarter horse, which is among the most popular breeds in terms of yearly registrations and stands an average height of 59.3 inches, with a height range from 57.3 to 61 inches. The Morgan stands 60 inches tall on average, with heights varying between 56 and 63 inches. However, a third average-sized breed did not develop in the United States, unlike the first two.
Taller Breeds
Despite the fact that many of them have “normal” stature, two racing breeds stand out as being significantly taller than the usual horse. With a range of 62 to 68 inches or more, the thoroughbred develops to an average height of 63.78 inches, or approximately 16 hands, with a maximum height of 63.78 inches or more. The standardbred horse, which is used for harness racing, stands around 63 inches tall on average, with a range of 60 to 66 inches or more on occasion. Horses of a variety of warmblood breeds, which are frequently employed as sport horses in disciplines such as dressage and show jumping, as well as eventing, are among the tallest of the equines used primarily for riding.
The Oldenburg is available at sizes ranging from 16 to 17.2 hands (64 to 70 inches).
Draft Breeds
Draft horses, the heaviest of all equines, are also the tallest, with an average height of 6.5 feet. Despite their calm demeanor, these “gentle giants” are genuine workhorses, capable of hauling tremendous amounts of weight. When fully grown, the Belgian, one of the most prevalent draft horse breeds, stands at an average height of 16 hands.
While the Percheron averages 16.2 hands, the Clydesdale averages between 16 and 16.1 hands every session. Despite being the biggest and heaviest of the draft breeds, the Shire stands an average height of 17 hands, with several approaching the 18-hand mark. References Photographic Credits
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years and has published several books. In addition to reporting for a large newspaper chain, she has been published in a number of publications, including “Horse News,” “Suburban Classic,” “Hoof Beats,” “Equine Journal,” and other similar publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University as well as an Associate of Arts degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she currently resides.
Average Horse Height: How tall is your horse?
What is the height of your horse? After all, what is the typical horse’s height, exactly? Do they tower over you, or do they stand on an equal level with you? What exactly does this mean in horse-speak? And that is precisely what I will be talking about in this essay! Throughout this essay, I’ll be talking about typical horse heights and what it implies, as well as how to communicate about horse heights properly. There are certain differences between horse measures and any other measurements we are accustomed to utilizing.
This includes understanding the different types of horses and their sizes.
How are Horses Measured? What is the Average Horse Height?
Horses of various heights are classified into distinct “height” groups. Miniature horses, ponies, and horses are all included in this category. Draft horses are given their own category in certain publications and educational materials, but I have not included them because they are frequently as tall as typical light riding horses, if not taller. They are also heavier.
Miniatures
Miniature horses are true horses with dwarfism, as opposed to miniature ponies. Horse breeders have been successful in isolating this gene and using it to produce the highly sought-after miniature horse, which is commonly used as a pet and as a cart horse. Because of their little size, miniature horses are the shortest of the horse breeds. A little horse is defined as any horse that is shorter than 38″. If the horse is any taller than that, it would be labeled a pony. 38″ is equal to 9.2 hands in standard measurement.
The term “pony” refers to a horse that is more than 9.2 hands in height.
Ponies
Ponies are the next step up in height from miniature horses in terms of horse height. They range in size from 9.2 hands to 14.2 hands, for a total measurement range of 5 entire hands, or 20 inches. Small, medium, and giant ponies are all subdivided into three categories: “small,” “medium,” and “large.” Not all pony breeds grow to be as short as 9.2 hands and as tall as 14.2 hands, and not all pony breeds grow to be as short as 9.2 hands. It just relies on the pony and the quality of its offspring.
Horses
Horses are defined as any sort of horse that is taller than 14.2 inches. Similarly to the height disparity between ponies and humans, this may vary by nearly 5 hands, reaching a maximum of 19.2 hands, or 20 inches. There haven’t been many horses trapped (horse slang for measured) at heights greater than 19.2 feet. Of course, the individual horse and its breeding will have an impact on this as well. Horse breeds such as the Quarter Horse are typically shorter, standing at around 15 hands. This is related to the breeding of the animals and the reasons for which they are designed.
For horses such as the Thoroughbred, on the other hand, it is preferable for them to stand higher.
It is preferable for Thoroughbreds to be taller in order to compete in racing and other English activities in which they are involved.
They can occasionally stand even shorter than that.
Draft horses are large-boned and wide-bodied animals that are ideal for farm work and hauling. The majority of the time, though, they aren’t considerably taller than tall-riding horses. For a healthy horse, have a look at these nutrients.
Average Horse Height
If you were trying to figure out what the average horse height was, it would depend on how you went about measuring it. Do you want to quantify it in terms of all horse types that have ever existed (miniatures, ponies, and horses) or just one sort of horse? Alternatively, do you wish to quantify it just in terms of horse type? I’m going to give you two instances of each.
All Horse Groups
Consider the following scenario: you wish to calculate the average height of all horse groups that have ever existed. For example, let us assume that the shortest height of a fully matured miniature horse is 8 hands. Obviously, this does not include outliers who may be significantly shorter. To put it another way, let’s suppose that the tallest horse height is 19.2 hands, again eliminating the few outliers who may have been trapped at a higher height than the average. The mean of the two numbers is 13.6, which puts us in the middle to top range of pony heights on the scale.
The “pony” group is about in the middle of all three groups, and the measurement ranges from mid-to-high, which puts it roughly in the middle of all three groups.
Average Horse Height, Only the “Horse” Type
This measurement is a tad easier to compute than the previous one. Horses range in height from 14.2 to 19.2 hands, once again omitting any outliers who may be taller than this range of 14.2 to 19.2 hands. The average height span for this group is 17.3 hands. This may appear to be a large average, but keep in mind that it includes draft horses, who typically reach between 18 and 19 hands in height. Again, if we’re talking about numbers, I’d say the vast majority of riding horses are between 15.3 and 16.3 hands tall, depending on the breed.
Conclusion
Horses’ height varies far more than that of humans, and they are measured in a completely different way! I hope this post has helped you gain a better understanding of the average horse heights and how horses are assessed in the horse world. It would be really appreciated if you could share it with us, as well as your own horse measurement experiences!
FAQs
1.) Friesian horse – The Friesian horse is the highest horse breed in the world, with the tallest horses reaching a height of 14 hands when completely grown. Not only that, but its height also adds to the overall appeal of the structure. This stallion was originally from Northern Holland and was well-known for its beauty and robust body, which is why it was frequently employed as a battle horse during the Dutch Revolt. 2.) Ukranian Riding Horse – This is the highest breed of riding horses, descended from Ukraine, with the tallest horses standing at 13 hands in height on average (142cm).
Despite the fact that the American Saddlebred is not the tallest horse breed in the world, it is still regarded one of the tallest breeds and boasts the tallest stallions, who are roughly 13.2 hands tall (139cm).
4.) Fjord horse – This breed, which originated in Norway, is the tallest horse in the world, standing at 13 hands (142cm) and having a very lengthy history.
Lipizzaner – Another highest horse breed that originated in Europe, the tallest horses of this breed stand at 12.2 hands in height, making them the fifth tallest horse breed (117cm).
It was originally utilized for military purposes, but presently it is frequently employed by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Which five small horse breeds originated from North America?
First and foremost, Morgans are the smallest horses of this little breed, standing at 13.2 hands (139cm) at the withers, and they were first utilized by settlers during the American Civil War. They may have long and healthy lives, and some have even lived for more than 30 years in some cases! 2.) The state of Tennessee Walking horse – When fully matured, the horses of this tiny horse breed measure roughly 13 hands (139cm) in height, making them the tallest small breed in North America when it comes to height.
- 3.) American Miniature Horse – This breed, which originated in Texas, stands 11.2 hands tall (109cm) and was initially employed for farming activities such as herding small herds of cattle.
- Fourth, the American Shetland Horse – This little breed of horse, which originated in North America, stands 10.2 hands high (104cm).
- Cintos are little horses that originated in North America and measure roughly 10 hands high (102cm).
- 5.) American Pinto – They are also simple to train, which making them appropriate for a variety of activities including as riding, driving, and even racing!
The 12 Smallest Horse Breeds Around the World
Children and smaller, lighter beginning riders who believe they are not ready for a full-sized horse can benefit from smaller horses since they will have a lesser distance to fall if they become dismounted. They are frequently used as a transitional ride when a kid or rookie rider becomes more comfortable with riding and gaining charge of their mount, Horses come in all shapes and sizes, from towering 6-foot draft horses to small ponies that barely rise over 2 feet. The average height of a horse is 15.2 hands, which is approximately 5 feet in height.
Horses are the most common type of equine.
Tip
In order to properly measure a horse, you must first ensure that it is on level ground. Put a measuring tape at the base of one of the front hooves and measure up from there. Then, raise the tape up to the top of the withers until it is taut (the ridge between the shoulder blades). The measurement does not include the height of the head.
Breed Characteristics
Horses of smaller stature maintain their modest size throughout their lives and mature more quickly than bigger horses. In comparison to bigger horses, smaller breeds tend to be more stoic and intellectual, which may also translate into them being more stubborn and independent in their thinking. Generally speaking, the larger the breed, the more docile the mount is going to be. Horses and ponies that are smaller in stature are extremely strong. They have greater strength than a horse when it comes to pulling or carrying big things, despite their smaller stature.
Their coats tend to become thicker and have thicker manes and tails in the winter, and their hooves tend to be harder.
When compared to horses, they have heavier bone structure and shorter legs in relation to their bodies. These 12 breeds of horses and ponies are among the world’s tiniest horses and ponies.
Miniature Horse
courtesy of ArisSu / Getty Images Known as the little horse, it is one of the world’s tiniest horses. It is divided into two height sections. The tallest person is scarcely more than 9.5 feet tall (38 inches). Miniature horses are frequently too little to be used for horseback riding. They can, however, pull carts, engage in obstacle courses and jumping competitions, and function as therapy animals in some cases.
Breed Overview
Height: Typically between 8.5 hands (34 inches) and 9.5 hands (36 inches) (38 inches) Weight ranges from 150 to 350 pounds. Personality traits: Small, muscular frame; proportions akin to bigger horses
Falabella
courtesy of Andyworks / Getty Images The Falabella is a small horse from Argentina that is about the size of a pony. Andalusian and Iberian lineages are included in its ancestral stock. The horse is named after the Falabella family, who intentionally bred little horses in order to produce a continuously diminutive form of the breed over several generations. As a result of their controllable size and trainable temperament, falabellas are frequently utilized as guide animals.
Breed Overview
Height ranges from 6.25 hands (25 inches) to 8.5 hands (25 inches) (34 inches) Weight ranges from 40 to 100 pounds. Characteristics of the physical world: Hair is silky and smooth; the body is thin and compact; the skull is massive.
Shetland Pony
courtesy of Zuzule / Getty Images Don’t be fooled by their little stature. Shetlands are a breed of horse that is robust, clever, and full of personality. They are, nevertheless, kind and frequently wonderful with youngsters as well. These horses, which originated in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, were used for a variety of tasks including agricultural work and coal hauling in mines. Their thick coats provide them with the ability to withstand frigid winters.
Breed Overview
Height ranges from 7 hands (28 inches) to 11.5 hands (32 inches) (46 inches) 400 to 450 pounds in weight Compact body; large head; short legs; luxuriant mane and tail; distinctive physical characteristics
Noma
OpenCage.com / Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 The Noma horse breed is the smallest of Japan’s indigenous horse breeds. When these horses were produced during the 17th century, they were intended to be used largely as pack animals on steep terrain and on inaccessible islands. Despite the fact that they are a severely endangered horse breed today, they continue to be a popular attraction at Japanese zoos and farms.
Breed Overview
Height ranges from 10.75 hands (43 inches) to 13.75 hands (47 inches) (55 inches) 450 pounds is the maximum weight. Physcial Characteristics: Cylindrical body with oblique buttocks, narrow legs, and strong hooves. Continue to the next section, number 5 of 12.
Yonaguni
Getty Images courtesy of Yusuke Okada/a.collectionRF. The Yonaguni is yet another Japanese miniature horse breed that is critically endangered. Yonaguni Island, on the island of Okinawa, is where it originated.
Originally, the breed was utilized for farm labor and transportation. Today, it is frequently utilized for teaching reasons in local schools, as well as for leisure riding purposes. As of 2019, there were around 100 Yonaguni left in the world.
Breed Overview
Height ranges from 11.75 hands (46 inches) to 11.75 hands (47 inches) (47 inches) 460 pounds is the maximum weight. Physical Characteristics: Large head; short neck; long, sloping back; sloping shoulders
Icelandic Horse
Beerpixs / courtesy of Getty Images The Icelandic horse is approximately 3 inches shorter than a conventional horse because of its strength and compactness. They are bigger than ponies, although their legs are shorter than those of the Icelandic. These horses are commonly employed in sheepherding to control or manage animal flocks, and they have a long history of success. They are able to withstand adverse environments. Thisgaited horse breed features a stepping action known as a “tolt,” which defines the horse’s single-footed gaiting.
Breed Overview
Hands between 13 and 14 inches in height (52 and 56 inches) Weights range from 730 and 840 pounds. Physical Characteristics: A broad withered head, a deep chest, and strong, powerful legs.
Guoxia
MagicYoung Horses from Guoxia are thought to have originated in China more than 2000 years ago. Guoxia is said to have originated in the Chinese districts of Debao, Jinxi, and Tianyang. In terms of height, the horse is barely 40 inches tall. Guoxia is an excellent choice for youngsters. People frequently employed the ponies to transport fruit baskets in orchards, which is reflected in their name, which translates as “horse beneath the fruit tree.” For centuries, the breed had been forgotten and was thought to be extinct.
Despite the fact that they are still an uncommon breed, their numbers have stabilized.
Breed Overview
10 fingers in height (40 inches) Weight:Unknown It has a tiny head, short neck, small ears, and a straight back; its coloring is generally roan, bay, or gray in hue. Physical Characteristics:
Fjord Horse
Michael Cummings / Getty Images is the owner of the image. The fjord horse is one of the world’s lesser horse breeds, and it is native to Norway. Its origins may be traced back to Norway. The average height of a fjord is 54 inches, which is approximately 6 inches less than the average height of a horse. This breed is commonly found in mountainous areas and on agricultural fields. It is frequently used to haul tourist buses. They are soft and simple to ride, and they may be ridden by both children and adults alike.
Breed Overview
Height: 13.1 to 14.3 feet with hands (53 to 59 inches) Weight ranges between 880 and 1,100 pounds Strong, arched neck; sturdy legs; with a compact, muscular body; its head is medium-sized and well defined, with a broad, flat forehead, a straight or slightly dished face, small ears, and large eyes; its body is compact and muscular; it has a strong, arched neck; sturdy legs; and a compact, muscular body. Continue to the next page, number 9 of 12.
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse (Class B)
courtesy of Carmelka / Getty Images Class B is a subset of Class A. It is 11 inches shorter than a conventional horse, making it a Kentucky mountain horse. It is a little Kentucky mountain saddle horse of lesser stature. It stands at an average height of 49 inches. The horse is particularly popular with novices, young riders, and children of larger stature.
In addition to being nice and clever; the horse is also peaceful and quiet. Aside from that, it is also recognized for its ambling stride. Class A horses are those that stand higher than 14.2 hands and are native to Kentucky’s mountains.
Breed Overview
Height ranges from 11 to 14.1 hands (44 to 57 inches) 950 pounds is the weight of the vehicle. Well-muscled, compact form with a flat facial profile, mid-length, well-arched neck, deep chest, and well-sloped shoulders.
Haflinger Horse
Carina Maiwald is a Getty Images contributor. The Haflige area of Austria is where the Haflinger horse got its start. The horse is around 3 inches lower in height than the ordinary horse, with an average height of approximately 56 inches. The horse is clever, powerful, compact, and aesthetically pleasing to look at. The Haflinger horse is a wonderful family horse, capable of transporting both children and adults. In addition to their outstanding demeanor and disposition, Haflingers are noted for their intelligence.
Breed Overview
Typical physical characteristics include a short, stocky build with strong hooves and legs; light gold to a darker chestnut or liver chestnut coloration with white points on the legs; light gold to a darker chestnut or liver chestnut coloration with white points on the legs; and a light gold to a darker chestnut or liver chestnut coloration with white points on the legs.
Pony of the Americas
courtesy of Corbis via Getty Images / Photograph courtesy of Getty Images The pony of the Americas is a horse breed that originated in Iowa in the 1050s as a result of a mix between an Arabian, an Appaloosa, and a Shetland pony. It is a gorgeous spotted pony with a lot of versatility. They were originally developed for Western riding, but are now also used for English and endurance horseback riding. The most distinguishing feature of this breed is its Appaloosa markings, which are combined with height requirements of up to 13 hands.
Breed Overview
Height: 11 to 13 feet and hands (44 to 52 inches) Weight ranges between 770 and 880 pounds Features: A slightly dimpled face, a big chest, and a sturdy physique; Physical Characteristics: Color patterning on an Appaloosa
American Quarter Pony
JD Lamb/ Flickr / Creative Commons By the year 2.0 An American quarter pony is a suitable transition horse for young riders as they develop from riding a pony to riding their first small horse. It has a physique and structure that is similar to that of an American quarter horse, yet it is a distinct breed. Breeders created the breed by crossing miniature quarter horses with paint horses, Appaloosas, and American pony breeds, among other things. They may grow up to 14 hands in height and are excellent all-around horses.
These clever ponies are extremely trainable, making them excellent for both beginning and seasoned riders alike.
Breed Overview
Hands between 13 and 14 inches in height Weight ranges between 800 and 1100 pounds. Characteristics of the physical world: The head is short and broad, with tiny ears and wide-set eyes, set on a slightly arched neck; the shoulders are sloping, the withers are pointed, the chest is broad and deep; the back is short and the hindquarters are broad and deep; the tail is short and the hindquarters are broad and deep.
Breeds to Avoid
If you are an adult and intend to ride these smaller horses, there are two breeds that you should avoid at all costs: tiny horses and Falabella horses. Only little children, no more than 50 pounds in weight, should ever be allowed to ride these miniature horses. Generally speaking, a pony can carry a human (with tack) who is 20 percent of their own body weight on its back. Falabellas are the tiniest horses, with some weighing as little as 40 pounds. As a result, those ponies should never be ridden for fear of causing damage to the pony’s back.
You should ensure that the pony or small horse is at least 950 to 1000 pounds in weight if you are a bigger person (weighing more than 170 pounds).