Some of you avid western fans may have come across the name Matt Dillon, the courageous and determined character from the popular television series, "Gunsmoke." Airing from 1955 to 1975, the show holds a special place in the hearts of many, and so does Matt's magnificent horse, Buck. In this article, we will uncover the height of Matt Dillon's trusty steed and explore the significance of the term 'hands' in the equestrian world.
How Many Hands Was Matt Dillon'S Horse Table of Contents
Who was Matt Dillon?
Played by actor James Arness, Matt Dillon was a U.S. Marshal who protected the fictional town of Dodge City, Kansas, in the late 19th century. Throughout the 20 years the show was on air, audiences became captivated with Matt's adventures and his powerful bond with his horse, Buck.
How Many Hands Was Matt Dillon's Horse?
To answer this question, we must first understand the concept of 'hands,' a term commonly used to measure the height of a horse from the ground up to its withers.
What are hands, and how are they used in measuring horse height?
A hand is an ancient unit of length which equals approximately 4 inches or 10 centimeters. Horses' heights are measured in hands, and this practice dates back centuries. It is done by counting the number of hands from the ground to the horse's withers, which is the highest point on a horse's back, located between its shoulder blades.
In the case of Matt Dillon's horse, Buck, the horse stood at around *15.2 hands high*. This means Buck's height was approximately 62 inches (157.5 centimeters) from the ground to his withers.
Why is horse height measured in hands?
Measuring a horse's height in hands can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Persia, where the length of a full-grown male's hand was used as a standard unit of measurement. This practice was widely adopted and still remains the norm in the equestrian world today. The use of hands as a measurement unit provides an easily understood and consistent method for comparing and describing the height of different horses.
Interesting Facts About Buck
Here are a few interesting anecdotes and facts about Matt Dillon's beloved horse Buck:
- James Arness, who portrayed Matt Dillon, reportedly chose Buck himself for the show. A special bond developed between the two, and Buck became Arness's personal horse even off-screen.
- Buck was a beautiful buckskin horse, known for his golden coloration and dark mane and tail. Buckskins are a rare breed, making Buck a unique and visually striking character.
- Buck was not the only horse used on the set of Gunsmoke. James Arness had several buckskin horses that stood in as Buck during different episodes. However, the primary horse used most often was the 15.2 hands horse.
How Many Hands Was Matt Dillon'S Horse Example:
Let's say you come across a gorgeous horse named Bella who is 16 hands high. This means that Bella stands 64 inches (162.6 centimeters) tall from the ground to her withers. As a comparison, Buck was 15.2 hands high, which means Bella is slightly taller than Matt Dillon's trusty steed.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the height of Matt Dillon's horse, Buck, and the meaning behind the term 'hands' in the equestrian world. As you can see, understanding this unit of measurement is essential for horse owners and enthusiasts. It not only helps to communicate height but also contributes to a long-standing tradition within the equestrian community.
Feel free to share this article with your fellow horse lovers and explore our other guides on How to Own a Horse to learn more about these majestic creatures and how to provide them with the best care possible. Happy riding!
