Any equine enthusiast will be familiar with the unique terminology that can be found in the horse world. For non-equestrian people, however, measuring horses in hands may seem quite strange. Nonetheless, this is the official measurement used to measure horses in most parts of the world.
In this guide, we're going to take a look at what a horse hand is and also at the average horse height. Read on to discover everything you need to know about how to measure a horse.
Why Are Horses Measured in Hands?
No one knows for sure exactly when we started using hands to measure horses, but the term has been used for many centuries. One horse hand (h) measures 4 inches which represents the width of a large hand.
Before there were tape measures people would literally measure livestock by hand measuring. This seems simple enough, however, sometimes horses can be 15 and a half horse measuring hands which is 62 inches. This would be written as 15.2 hands because there are 4 inches in a hand. The decimal of a hand will only be represented as 1, 2 or 3 inches. You would never find a 15.4h horse, for example, instead, it would be 16h.
How Tall is a Horse in Feet and Inches?
For some people, it is easier to visualize horses in feet and inches instead of a hand measure, so when it comes to conversions you can use these approximations.
A large pony that measures 14h would be approximately 4.6 feet high or 56 inches.
Average height horses standing at 15.2 to 16h would measure approximately 5.3 feet or 63 inches and 20h horses would be exceptionally large standing at 6.6 feet or 79 inches.
Horses very rarely grow as tall as 20h high. Read our guide about when a horse stops growing to learn more.
What Part of the Horses' Body Should I Measure?
Horses are always measured from the bottom of a front hoof up through to the highest point of the withers. The reason why horses aren’t measured up to their true highest point (the tip of the ear), is that they don’t often hold their heads high and still for a long time.
Taking the measurement of horses from the foot, through the leg and shoulder, up to the withers is a much easier, sturdier and reliable measuring place.
What You'll Need to Measure Horses
First, you'll need a flat level surface to stand your horse on. Depending on what method you will use for measuring, you may need an extra pair of hands to help.
If you need to convert hands to inches or vice versa then it's a good idea to have a calculator available too.
The last thing you'll need is a measuring device, which we'll explore below.
What Measuring Device To Use?
The most professional, accurate and easy method to use for taking the measurement of horses is a horse measuring stick. These purpose made sticks are rigid, have a protruding arm to rest on the horses' withers and are marked in hands and inches. The stick is placed on the ground, in line with the horses' front hoof, and then the arm can be moved up and down to rest on the withers.
If you need to regularly measure a lot of horses then it's worth investing in a measuring stick for horses.
We recommend the Aluminum Horse Measuring Stick by Showman.
Other methods that can be used to measure horses are a horse measuring tape or standard measuring tape. Using a tape will usually require two people to get an accurate measurement. Tapes aren't as tough as a stick and they'll need to be held down. If you're using a normal measuring tape then you'll have to convert the reading into hands.
Alternatively, you can use a long stick or piece of string to measure your horses. Simply run it from the withers down to the floor and make a mark where it lines up with the withers. You can then measure the stick or string to find out your horses height.
We like the Measure Horse and Pony Tape by WIN TAPE.
How to Measure Horses
Now that you know what part of a horse to measure and what to use, your next step is to take the measurement.
For the most accurate reading when it comes to measuring a horse in hands, you need to get your horse to stand on a flat level surface. It should also be standing square and upright on all four legs. Make sure that your horse is relaxed and comfortable with the measuring device that you're using before going ahead and taking the measurement.
How Tall is the Average Horse?
When it comes to finding out the average height of a horse in inches, it's worth noting that each breed has it's own average height. All of the different breeds of horse will be categorized into one of four types depending on height.
There are four main types of horses and these are, ranging from the smallest, miniature horses, ponies, standard horses and draft horses. Each of the different breeds will fall into one of these categories. Shire horses will always be draft size and a Falabella will always be a miniature for example. This means that for horses to qualify as certain breeds then they have to fall into the average height for the category.
Smallest
The smallest of these categories is the miniature and their average horse height in hands must measure below 9.22 hands or 38 inches. It's common for miniature horses to be measured in inches rather than hands. Anything over 9.2 hands but shorter than 14.2 hands is considered to be a pony. Common pony breeds include the Shetland and Welsh.
Standard
A standard horse is anything standing over 14.2 hands. Tall horse breeds include the thoroughbred and smaller breeds of horses, that stand just over 14.2 hands include the quarter horse.
Draft
The draft horses are characterized by their heavy, strong build as well as their size. Draft horses will usually stand between 17h and 19h and they include breeds such as the Shire.
How do you Measure the Height of a Horse With Shoes?
When you're measuring a horse it's important to take into consideration whether or not they're wearing shoes. If they are wearing shoes then you may want to deduct this height from your final measurement. If you have to submit your horse's size for competition, always check if they want the measurement with or without shoes.
Conclusion
Knowing the average horse height is vital when it comes to practicing good horsemanship. Not only does the height of your horse determine it's breed but it's necessary information when it comes to buying tack for your horse or giving it medication. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about how to measure a horse.
