Are you a horse enthusiast who's curious about horse measurements? Or perhaps you're considering purchasing a horse and have come across the term "hand" as a unit of measurement? Here, we will unveil the mystery behind this seemingly odd unit of measurement and offer you a comprehensive understanding of what a hand is in horse measurement.
What Is A Hand In Horse Measurement Table of Contents
What is a Hand in Horse Measurement?
A hand is a non-standard and traditional unit of measurement used primarily for measuring the height of horses, ponies, and other equines. This unit has been in use since ancient times and is still considered a standard today around the world. One hand is equivalent to 4 inches or 10.16 centimeters. The measurement is typically made from the ground to the horse's withers - the highest point of the horse's back where the neck meets the shoulder. This is because the withers are generally level, making it the most consistent and reliable point for accurate height measurements.
How did the "Hand" Unit Originate?
The origins of the "hand" as a unit of measurement can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Babylon. In ancient Babylon, the palm was a unit of length that evolved into what we know as the hand today. Horses have been a vital part of human civilization for millennia, and so it's not surprising that a specific unit of measurement evolved to cater to these majestic animals. Over time and with the expansion of different cultures, the concept of using a hand as a unit of measurement for horses became widely accepted and used around the world.
An Improved Standard Method
While the hand as a unit of measure has become standardized, the actual size of a human hand is not consistent across different people. This led to the need for a standardized method of measuring to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Today, a hand typically refers to a measurement of precisely 4 inches, rather than being based on an individual's hand size.
Why is the Hand Measurement Still Used?
Tradition and convention have a lot to do with the continued use of the hand as a unit of measurement for horses. The horse community is deeply embedded in tradition, and the use of the "hand" connects modern equestrians with centuries of horse history. Additionally, the hand as a unit of measurement is uniquely tailored to horses, making it easier for people within the horse community to communicate and understand each other when discussing equine height.
Using Hands and Inches in Horse Measurements
When using the hand for measuring horse height, horses are often described as being a specific number of hands high (abbreviated as "hh"). For example, a horse that is 15.2 hh stands 15 hands and 2 inches tall. Using this notation allows for seamless, clear communication regarding a horse's height within the community.
What Is A Hand In Horse Measurement Example:
Imagine you are looking to buy a horse, and you come across an ad for a horse that is described as being 16.2 hands high. To better understand the horse's size, you can convert this measurement to inches:
16 hands x 4 (1 hand = 4 inches) = 64 inches + 2 extra inches = 66 inches in total height
In this example, the horse stands 66 inches tall, or 5 feet 6 inches, giving you a clearer idea of its size.
Now you're prepared to dip your toes into the world of horse measurements and can confidently navigate conversations about horse heights using the hand as a unit of measurement. As you continue your journey into the world of horse ownership, remember that this information is just the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to explore other guides on How to Own a Horse and share this article with fellow horse enthusiasts to help more people gain a better understanding of horse measurement concepts.
