How Many Inches Is A Horse Hand

Have you ever wondered how tall your horse is and how it's measured? When it comes to measuring a horse, equestrians use a unit called a "hand." In this article, we will explore what a horse hand is, how tall various horse breeds are, and a step-by-step guide on measuring a horse correctly. By the end, you will have all the information you need to figure out your horse's height yourself!

What is a Horse Hand?

A horse hand is a unit of measurement used to measure the height of a horse, particularly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. A hand equals exactly 4 inches, which originated from the width of a man's hand, including the thumb.

Why Use Horse Hands?

The use of hands to measure a horse's height is a centuries-old practice, dating back to Ancient Egypt. This method has stood the test of time because it is a convenient and easily understandable measurement for people of all cultures and languages. It is especially helpful when comparing the sizes of different horses or evaluating which type of horse is suitable for specific disciplines.

Horse Height Classification

Horses are generally classified into three categories based on their height:

1. Ponies: The smallest of the three classes, ponies typically stand under 14.2 hands (58 inches) at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades).
2. Horses: Horses are taller than ponies, ranging from 14.2 hands to 17 hands at the withers. This classification includes a wide variety of breeds and sizes.
3. Draft Horses: The largest of the classifications, draft horses are typically taller than 17 hands (68 inches) at the withers. These gentle giants are used for working tasks, such as pulling carts and ploughs due to their massive size and strength.

Measuring Your Horse

To measure a horse, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the horse is standing on a level surface: Leading your horse to a flat area will provide the most accurate measurement.
2. Place the horse in a natural position: Square your horse, meaning that all four hooves are placed directly under the body and evenly spaced.
3. Stand at the side of your horse: Look at the horse from the side, ensuring that the neck and head are comfortably positioned and in line with the rest of the body.
4. Locate the withers: The withers are the ridge between the shoulder blades and are used as the starting point for measuring a horse's height.
5. Use a measuring tool: You can use a tape measure or a specialized horse measuring stick to measure your horse's height. If a tape measure is used, convert the inches you come up with to hands by dividing the number by four.

How Many Inches Is A Horse Hand Example:

Let's say you want to measure your own horse called Sparky. Following these steps, you lead Sparky to a level surface and position him correctly. You stand at his side and find the withers. Using your tape measure, you measure from the ground to the top of the withers, recording a height of 62 inches. To convert this measurement to hands, divide 62 by four, which equals 15.5 hands. So, Sparky is 15.5 hands tall at the withers.

Now that you've learned about horse hands and how to measure your horse correctly, you're ready to put this knowledge into practice! Feel free to explore more guides on How to Own a Horse, and don't forget to share this article with fellow equestrians to spread the knowledge. Happy measuring!