Why Horses Are Measured in Hands: Horse Hand Unit Guide
Why Are Horses Measured in Hands?
Horses have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played an essential role in human history. They have been used for transportation, agricultural work, and as an essential part of many cultures’ warfare tactics.
The measurement of a horse’s height is an important aspect of the horse world, and the unit used to measure them is known as a hand.
But why are horses measured in hands? In this article, we will explore the history and significance of measuring horses in hands, how to measure a horse, the tallest horse breed, and much more.
Horses are measured in hands because they are an accurate and convenient way to determine a horse’s height. The hand unit dates back to ancient times when people used parts of their bodies to measure things.
In the case of horses, the hand was chosen because it is roughly four inches wide and is easy to use for measurement purposes.
Read our article on What is a Pony to learn about the importance of measuring your horse
Horse Measuring Tools
There are several tools used to measure horses accurately. These include a measuring stick, a measuring tape, or a combination of both. A measuring stick is a wooden or metal stick that is marked in hands and inches.
It is placed against the horse’s withers, and the height is read at the highest point of the withers. A measuring tape is also used to measure the horse’s height, and it is wrapped around the horse’s girth and read at the highest point of the withers.
Use a good quality measuring stick with your horse on hard level ground
Where to Measure Your Horse for Height
To measure a horse’s height accurately, you must measure it at the highest point of the withers. The withers are the bony protrusions at the base of the horse’s neck, just above the shoulder blades.
It is the highest point on the horse’s body and is the most reliable location for measuring a horse’s height.
Watch our video on how and where to measure your horse.
How to measure a horse
When measuring a horse, it is essential to have someone hold the horse still and keep it calm. The person measuring the horse should stand at the horse’s shoulder facing the rear end of the horse.
The measuring stick or measuring tape should be placed against the withers, and the height should be read at the highest point of the withers.
The horse should stand squarely on all four feet with its head facing straight ahead. The process should be repeated a few times to ensure accuracy.
Finding the horses withers
Horse measuring stick with a spirit level
Read the measurement from the stick
Are Hands Fractioned?
Yes, hands are fractioned. A hand is equal to four inches, and half hands are used to measure fractions of the full hand. For example, a horse that is 15.2 hands is 15 hands and 2 inches tall.
A History of Using Hands to Measure Horses
The practice of using hands to measure horses dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians measured horses in “fists,” which were equal to the width of a man’s hand. The Greeks used “spithames,” which were the distance between the tips of the middle fingers of a man’s outstretched arms.
In medieval Europe, hands were used to measure everything from horses to fabric. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII of England standardized the hand measurement to four inches, which is still used today.
Terminology of Horse Measurements
Horses are measured in hands, and the length of each hand is equal to four inches. The terms used to describe the height of a horse are:
Hands: A horse’s height is measured in hands, and each hand is equal to four inches.
Full hands: A full hand is four inches.
Half hands: A half hand is equal to two inches.
Pony: A pony is a horse that measures less than 14.2 hands.
Horse: A horse measures 14.2 hands and over
What Is The Tallest Horse Breed?
The tallest horse breed is the Shire, which originated in England. This breed can reach up to 18 hands high, which is a staggering 72 inches. These horses were originally bred to be workhorses, pulling heavy loads and plowing fields.
They are known for their strength, endurance, and gentle temperament. Despite their size, they are generally calm and docile, making them excellent family horses.
Other tall horse breeds include the Clydesdale, which can reach up to 18 hands high, and the Percheron, which can grow up to 17.3 hands high. These breeds are also known for their strength and gentle dispositions.
Edward is 18hh. Seen here at P&J live just before the world Clydesdale Show 2022
Average Height of a Horse
The average height of a horse is around 15 hands or 60 inches. However, there are many different horse breeds, each with its own unique height and build.
Some horses are bred for their speed and agility, while others are bred for their strength and endurance. These factors can influence a horse’s height and overall build.
When it comes to choosing a horse, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a horse for racing or jumping, you may want to consider a taller breed with a leaner build. If you’re looking for a horse for trail riding or farm work, you may want to consider a breed with a more compact build.
Frequently asked questions about measuring horses
How tall is a 14 hand horse?
A 14 hand horse is approximately 56 inches (or 4 feet 8 inches) tall.
How are horses measured in the UK?
Horses in the UK are measured in hands, which is a traditional unit of measurement that dates back to ancient times. One hand is equal to four inches.
How are horses measured in European countries?
Horses are measured in centimeters in European countries. It differs in many countries in the world, so make sure you know how to convert units
How are miniature horses measured?
Minature horses, such as Shetlands are measured in inches. This is because they are so small, a more accurate horse measurement is required.
What is the easiest way to measure a horse?
The easiest way to measure a horse is to use a measuring stick or a tape measure. The horse should stand on level ground with its legs square and its head in a natural position. The measuring unit used can be either hands or meters, depending on the country and the context.
How tall is a 15hh horse?
A 15hh (or 15 hands high) horse is approximately 60 inches (or 5 feet) tall.
How do you measure a horse by hands?
To measure a horse by hands, you need to use a measuring stick or a tape measure that is marked in hands. The horse should stand on level ground with its legs square and its head in a natural position. Measure from the ground to the highest point at the top of the withers, which is the ridge between its shoulder blades.
Why do they still measure horses in hands?
Horses are still measured in hands because it is a traditional unit of measurement that is widely recognized and understood in the horse industry. It is also practical, as horses come in a wide range of sizes and the hand allows for precise measurements.
What is 1 hand equal to in measuring horses?
One hand is equal to four inches.
Are horses measured with or without shoes?
According to the FEI, they can be measured with or without shoes, but the height must be corrected for them.
What does 14 hands mean for a horse?
A 14 hand horse means that the horse is approximately 56 inches (or 4 feet 8 inches) tall.
Do they still measure horses by hands?
Yes, horses are still measured by hands, especially in countries with a strong equestrian tradition like the UK and the US.
What is the easiest way to measure a horse?
The easiest way to measure a horse is to use a measuring stick. The horse should be standing on level ground with its legs square and its head in a natural position. The measuring unit used can be either hands or centimeters, depending on the country and the context. The horse should then be measured from the ground to the withers
What does 14 hands mean for a horse?
A 14 hand horse means that the horse is approximately 56 inches (or 4 feet 8 inches) tall.
How big is 14.2 hands horse?
A 14.2 hands horse is approximately 58 inches (or 4 feet 10 inches) tall. Be careful with the dot or point (.) in 14.2, it is not a decimal point, it is a space between 14 hands and 2 inches
Is 14 hands a small horse?
14 hands is a pony
What is 1 hand equal to in measuring horses?
One hand is equal to four inches in measuring horses.
How tall is a 16 hand horse?
A 16 hand horse is approximately 64 inches (or 5 feet 4 inches) tall.
How tall is 14 hands on a horse?
14 hands on a horse is approximately 56 inches (or 4 feet 8 inches) tall.
What does it mean when a horse is 15 hands?
When a horse is 15 hands, it means that the horse is approximately 60 inches (or 5 feet) tall.
What is 1 hand equal to in measuring horses?
One hand is equal to four inches in measuring horses.
How are horses measured in the UK?
Horses in the UK are measured in hands,
How tall is a 15 hand horse?
A 15 hand horse stands at 60 inches or 5 feet at the withers.
Is a horse hand 4 inches?
No, a horse hand is equivalent to 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters in the metric system.
How do horse measurements work?
Horse measurements are based on the number of hands tall a horse stands, where one hand equals 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters.
What size horse is 14 hands?
A horse that stands 14 hands tall is considered a large pony. It is 142.24cm tall
What does it mean when a horse is 15 hands?
When a horse is 15 hands, it means the horse stands at 60 inches or 5 feet at the withers.
What does 16 hands mean for a horse?
A horse that stands 16 hands tall measures 64 inches or 5 feet 4 inches at the withers.
How tall is a 17 hand horse in feet?
A horse that stands 17 hands tall measures 68 inches or 5 feet 8 inches at the withers.
How tall is 16 hands on a horse?
A horse that stands 16 hands tall measures 64 inches or 5 feet 4 inches at the withers.
How tall is a 20 hand horse?
A horse that stands 20 hands tall measures 80 inches or 6 feet 8 inches at the withers.
How tall is 14.2 hands on a horse?
A horse that stands 14.2 hands tall measures 58 inches or 4 feet 10 inches at the withers.
What does hands high mean for horses?
“Hands high” is a way to measure a horse’s height, where one hand equals 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters.
How many hands is a horse vs pony?
The difference between a horse and a pony is as per breed standards is subjective and varies depending on the breed registry. However, based on height alone, a pony is generally considered to be less than 14.2 hands tall.
What does in horse hands mean?
“In horse hands” is a common way to describe the height of a horse, where one hand equals 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters.
Why are horses measured in hands?
Horses are measured in hands because it is an easy and practical way to describe their height. It is also a tradition that dates back to ancient times.
