Measuring A Horse’s Height: Tools and Techniques

If you understand how to measure your horse’s height correctly is key to recognizing their size, their care, and the equipment you should purchase. While it may seem basic, using the right tools and techniques ensures precision and helps avoid confusion. If you are a novice horse owner or simply want to improve your skills, this guide is designed for you. 

In the article, “Measuring A Horse’s Height: Tools and Techniques”. We will lead you through the process and equipment required to obtain an exact measurement each time.

Measuring A Horse’s Height By Hands

If you’re into horses, you’ve likely heard the expression “hands” or “hands high” when talking about a horse’s height. But why hands?

This custom goes back more than 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. At that time, there were no standard measurement units for everyone. The Egyptians had at their disposal the plumb bob, cubit rod, and calibrated ropes for a variety of measurements, but they still struggled with standardizing sizes.

The width of an adult male’s hand turned out to be a useful solution. Because the hands of most men were quite alike in size, using “hands” made it simpler to estimate the height of a horse. To do this, hands were placed side by side, one above the other, from the ground up to the highest point of the horse’s back. For instance, if it took 15 hands to reach the top, the horse would be described as 15 hands high.

This simple yet effective method has stood the test of time and is still in use today. But how long is a hand and can measuring a horse’s height with other tools? Read on below.