How to Measure a Horse Height

Accurately determining a horse height is essential for various equine-related endeavors.

Beyond basic identification, precise measurements are crucial for fitting tack, evaluating a horse’s suitability for specific disciplines, and making informed decisions in breeding and purchasing.

Whether you’re a seasoned horse owner, a novice enthusiast, or involved in professional equine industries, understanding how to measure a horse’s height correctly is a fundamental skill.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to measure your horse’s height accurately, ensuring you have the correct information for optimal equine care and management.

Understanding Horse Measurement Units

To accurately assess a horse’s size, it’s essential to grasp the measurement system used.

The most prevalent unit for equine height is the “hand.”

Derived from the width of a human hand, one hand equates to four inches (or approximately 10.16 centimeters). For instance, a horse standing at 15 hands tall measures 60 inches in height.

While the hand remains the traditional unit in many English-speaking countries, the metric system, specifically centimeters, is employed in other regions and within international equestrian competitions governed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

It’s crucial to be familiar with both systems to effectively communicate a horse’s size and dimensions, especially when dealing with international equine transactions or events.

Equipment Needed

To accurately measure a horse’s height, you will need the following equipment:

Measuring tape or stick: This should be at least 6 feet long and clearly marked in inches or centimeters.
Level: To ensure the measuring tape is held straight.
Helper: It’s often easier to measure a horse with the assistance of another person.
Notebook and pencil: To record the measurement.

Steps to Measure a Horse Height

Preparation:
- Choose a level, solid ground surface for the measurement. Avoid slopes or uneven terrain.
- Ensure the horse is standing squarely on all four legs.
- The horse should be calm and relaxed.
Positioning the Measuring Tape:
- Hold the measuring tape or stick vertically against the horse’s front leg, starting at the ground and extending upward.
- Place the level on top of the measuring tape to ensure it’s straight.
Identifying the Measuring Point:
- The official measurement point is the highest point of the withers. The withers are the prominent bony area at the base of the horse’s neck, between the shoulder blades.
- Gently feel for the highest point of the withers with your hand.
Taking the Measurement:
- Align the measuring tape with the highest point of the withers.
- Read the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
- Record the measurement in your notebook.
Converting to Hands:
- If using inches, divide the measurement by four to convert to hands. For example, a 64-inch horse is 16 hands tall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Measuring Point: Ensuring the measurement is taken at the highest point of the withers is crucial.
Tilted Measuring Tape: The tape must be held vertically for an accurate measurement.
Ignoring Horse Posture: The horse should be standing squarely for consistent results.
Measurement Errors: Double-check the measurement to avoid mistakes.

How Tall is the Average Horse?

So, how tall is the average horse? Well, most horses fall somewhere between 13.3 and 17.3 hands tall, which is about 1.4 to 1.8 meters.

Just a fun fact: in the UK, if a horse is under 14.2 hands (or 1.47 meters), we call it a pony for competition purposes, even though some pony breeds can actually be taller!

When you look at different types of horses, you’ll notice some big height differences.

For example, light riding horses usually stand between 14 and 16 hands (1.42 to 1.63 meters), while larger riding horses are generally around 15.2 to 17 hands (1.57 to 1.73 meters).

If we talk about heavy draft horses, they tend to be a bit taller, usually standing between 16 and 18 hands (1.63 to 1.83 meters).

Keep in mind that things like genetics and nutrition play a big role in how tall a horse can get.

And just so you know, we measure height from the highest point of the withers, which is where the neck meets the back, all the way down to the ground.

Horse breed	Average height (hands)	Average height (inches)	Average height (metres)
American Warmblood	15–17 hands	60–68 inches	1.52–1.73m
Arabian horse	14.1–15.1 hands	57–61 inches	1.45–1.55m
Ardennes horse	15.3–16.1 hands	63–65 inches	1.60–1.65m
Cleveland bay horse	16–16.2 hands	64–66 inches	1.63–1.68m
Clydesdale horse	16–18 hands	64–72 inches	1.63–1.83m
Connemara pony	12.2–14.2 hands	50–58 inches	1.27–1.47m
Dales pony	13–14 hands	52–56 inches	1.32–1.42m
Dartmoor pony	11.1–12.2 hands	45–50 inches	1.14–1.27m
Dutch Warmblood	15–17 hands	60–68 inches	1.52–1.73m
Eriskay pony	12–13.2 hands	48–54 inches	1.22–1.37m
Exmoor pony	11.1–12.3 hands	45–51 inches	1.14–1.30m
Fell pony	13.2–14 hands	54–56 inches	1.37–1.42m
Hackney horse	14.2–16.2 hands	58–66 inches	1.47–1.68m
Hackney pony	12–14 hands	48–56 inches	1.22–1.42m
Halfinger	13.2–15 hands	54–60 inches	1.40–1.52m
Hanoverian horse	15.3–17.2 hands	63–70 inches	1.60–1.78m
Highland pony	13–14.2 hands	52–58 inches	1.32–1.47m
Holsteiner	16–17 hands	64–68 inches	1.63–1.73m
Irish draught horse	15.1–16.3 hands	61–63 inches	1.55–1.60m
New Forest pony	12–14.2 hands	48–58 inches	1.22–1.47m
Percheron	16–17 hands	64–68 inches	1.63–1.73m
Shetland pony	7–10.2 hands	28–42 inches	0.71–1.07m
Shire horse	16–17 hands	64–68 inches	1.63–1.73m
Spotted pony	8–14 hands	32–56 inches	0.81–1.42m
Suffolk Punch horse	16.1–17.3 hands	65–71 inches	1.65–1.80m
Swedish Warmblood	16–17 hands	64–68 inches	1.63–1.73m
Thoroughbred horse	15.2–17.2 hands	62–70 inches	1.57–1.78m
Welara	11.2–15 hands	46–60 inches	1.17–1.52m
Westphalian horse	15.2–17.2 hands	62–70 inches	1.57–1.78m

Image Credit: https://equusmagazine.com/

How to Convert Horse Measurement Units

Converting between inches and hands can be confusing, but it’s essential to know how to do it accurately when working with horses. Here are the steps for converting between units:

Inches to Hands

Take the measurement in inches.
Divide by four to get the equivalent hands measurement. For example, 68 inches is equivalent to 17 hands (68 ÷ 4 = 17).

Hands to Inches

Multiply the number of hands by four. For example, 16 hands is equal to 64 inches (16 x 4 = 64).

Metres to Hands

Take the measurement in metres.
Convert the feet measurement to inches by multiplying by 12.
Divide the total number of inches by four for the equivalent hands measurement. For example, a horse measuring 1.65 metres would be approximately 16.2 hands tall (1.65 x 3.28 = 5.412; 5.412 x 12 = 64.944; 64.944 ÷ 4 = ~16.2).

Hands to Metres

Take the measurement in hands.
Multiply by four for the number of inches.
Divide the total number of inches by 39.37 to convert to metres. For example, a horse measuring 15 hands would be approximately 1.52 meters (15 x 4 = 60; 60 ÷ 39.37 = ~1.52).

Knowing how to accurately convert between units is crucial for buying and selling horses, competing in shows, and ensuring proper nutrition and training for your horse’s size.

It’s also important to keep in mind that horses can continue growing until they are around five years old, so regular measurements should be taken throughout their development.

Using Horse Height Information

Once you have accurately measured your horse’s height, you can use this information in various ways:

1. Equipment Selection

Tack Fitting: Proper fit of saddles, bridles, and other tack is crucial for horse comfort and performance. Incorrectly sized equipment can cause pain, discomfort, and even injuries.
Girth and Leg Wraps: Accurate height measurement aids in selecting the correct size of girths, leg wraps, and other equine accessories.

2. Discipline Suitability

Height Restrictions: Many equestrian disciplines have height requirements or categories. For instance:
- Showjumping: Height determines the appropriate jumping classes.
- Dressage: Certain tests have height-specific criteria.
- Driving: Harness and vehicle sizes are often based on horse height.
Physical Demands: Horse height can influence its suitability for certain disciplines. For example, taller horses may excel in jumping, while shorter horses might be better suited for dressage or driving.

3. Health and Development Monitoring

Growth Assessment: Tracking a young horse’s height can provide insights into their growth rate and overall health. Deviations from normal growth patterns may indicate potential health issues.
Body Condition Scoring: Height can be used in conjunction with other measurements to assess a horse’s body condition and identify potential nutritional imbalances.

4. Breeding and Genetics

Breed Standards: Many horse breeds have specific height standards. Adhering to these standards is crucial for maintaining breed purity.
Sire and Dam Matching: Height is considered when matching stallions and mares for breeding purposes to produce offspring with desired characteristics.
Genetic Analysis: Height data can contribute to genetic studies and research on equine growth and development.

5. Purchasing and Selling

Market Value: Horse height can influence its market value. Generally, taller horses command higher prices in certain disciplines.
Suitability for Buyer: Accurate height information helps potential buyers assess if a horse is suitable for their intended use.

6. Other Considerations

Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate height records is essential for long-term management and potential legal matters.
Veterinary Care: Height information can be useful for veterinarians when assessing a horse’s overall health and making treatment recommendations.
Equine Insurance: Some equine insurance policies may consider height as a factor in determining coverage and premiums.

Image Credit: www.sstack.com

Additional Tips

1. Measure Multiple Times

Consistency is Key: Taking multiple measurements of your horse’s height can help to identify any inconsistencies and ensure accuracy.
Different Angles: Measure your horse from different angles, such as from the front and side, to verify the results.
Track Changes: If you measure your horse regularly, you can monitor growth or any changes in height over time.

2. Consider Professional Help

Expert Guidance: If you are unsure about measuring your horse’s height or if you encounter difficulties, consulting a professional equine expert is highly recommended.
Certified Professionals: Veterinarians, farriers, or experienced horse trainers can provide accurate measurements and offer valuable advice.
Breed Associations: Some breed associations have specific guidelines for measuring height and may offer assistance.

3. Utilize a Height Measuring Stick

Specialized Tool: A dedicated height measuring stick is designed specifically for measuring horses and can provide greater accuracy compared to a standard measuring tape.
Clear Markings: Height measuring sticks often have clear markings in hands and inches, eliminating the need for conversions.
Portability: Many height measuring sticks are portable and easy to store, making them convenient for use on the go.
Additional Features: Some height measuring sticks may include features such as a level or a target for precise alignment.

By following these recommendations, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your horse’s height measurements and ensure that you have reliable data for various equine-related purposes.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of measuring a horse’s height is essential for responsible horse ownership.

Accurate height measurements are crucial for making informed decisions about your equine companion, from selecting the right tack to assessing suitability for various disciplines.

Monitoring a horse’s growth and development also requires consistent height measurements. By following the guidelines in this article, horse owners can confidently determine their horse’s height.

Understanding the right measuring point, using proper equipment, and ensuring optimal conditions are vital for reliable results.

Consistency is key, so taking multiple measurements helps verify accuracy and spot any discrepancies.

With a solid grasp of horse measurement units and the ability to measure accurately, you’ll be equipped to make informed choices that enhance your horse’s well-being and performance.