Did you know that horses are measured in hands? How big is a hand? Read on to find out how to measure a horses height.
History of Measuring Horses Height Using Hands
The measurement of horses’ height using “hands” is a traditional and standardized method that has been used for centuries in the equestrian world. The term “hand” refers to a unit of measurement equal to 4 inches (10.16 centimeters), and it is based on the width of an average person’s hand.
The history of measuring horses’ height with hands can be traced back to ancient times. Horses were essential for various activities such as agriculture, transportation, and warfare. A consistent way to measure horses was important for selecting horses for certain jobs.
The hand measurement system most likely developed when people began to use their hands as a convenient and consistent way to estimate a horse’s height. Horses were initially measured in “hands” as a practical method that didn’t require specialized tools.
The system became more formalized over time, with the hand measurement being standardized to 4 inches. The practice of measuring horses in hands gained widespread acceptance and became the way they were measured in the horse world.
Today, the hand measurement is still commonly used in the horse industry, to determine a horse’s height at the withers, which is the highest point of the horse’s back, located in front of the saddle and before the horse’s neck. Horses are measured in whole hands or hands and inches, such as 15.2 hands or 16.1 hands. For example, a horse that is 15 hands would be 60 inches tall (15×4 inches = 60 inches). Ahorse that is 14.3 hands would be 59 inches tall (14×4 inches=56 inches plus 3 inches= 59 inches).
While modern technology has introduced more precise measurement tools, the tradition of using hands to measure horses has continued, maintaining a connection to the historical roots of horsemanship.
How to Measure Your Horses Height
To measure your horse stand on level ground and measure from the ground to the top of the withers. The wither is just in front of the saddle before the neck begins. If your horse is 60 inches divide by 4= 15 hands. Another example is you measure your horse and it’s 67 inches 67 inches divide by 4 is 16.75 so your horse is 16. 3 hands high.
I hope this helped clear up any confusion about measuring your horse in hands.
If you loved this post check out how to measure your horse for a turnout blanket here.
Take Care Friends!
