What is a horse measured in hands? A horse is measured in hands, a unit of measurement equal to four inches. This guide will show you exactly how to find that important measurement. Knowing how to measure a horse in hands is key for buying, selling, and registering your equine friend. It is a simple process once you know the steps.
The Basics of Equine Measurement
Measuring a horse is not like measuring a person. We use a special system for horses. This system uses the “hand.” This equine measurement guide helps everyone talk about a horse’s size easily.
What is a “Hand”?
A hand is a traditional unit of measure. It comes from the length of a human hand, from the thumb tip to the pinky tip when held flat.
- One hand equals four inches (4″).
- In metric terms, one hand is about 10.16 centimeters (10.16 cm).
Why Use Hands Instead of Inches?
Using hands makes big numbers smaller and easier to manage. Saying a horse is 15.2 hands is much quicker than saying it is 62 inches tall. This system is used worldwide for horse height measurement.
Tools for Measuring a Horse
You need the right gear for good results. Having the correct tools for measuring a horse ensures your numbers are right.
Essential Measuring Tools
- Measuring Stick (or Height Stick): This is the best tool. It has markings for hands and inches. Some are telescoping for easy storage.
- Sturdy Flat Surface: You need a level, hard floor. Grass or soft dirt can change the reading.
- A Helper (Optional but Recommended): A second person helps keep the horse still and calm.
Improvising if You Lack a Stick
If you do not have a proper measuring stick, you can use a long, straight object, like a fence post or a yardstick. You will also need a standard tape measure to check the markings. This is a less ideal method but works in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Horse Wither Height
The standard way to measure a horse’s height is to the top of its highest point while standing square. This point is the wither. This is known as measuring horse wither height.
Preparing Your Horse
The way you prepare the horse affects the outcome. Following accurate horse measurement techniques starts here.
- Calm Environment: Lead your horse to a quiet, level area. Avoid windy spots or areas with barking dogs.
- Square Stance: Ask the horse to stand squarely. This means all four legs should be lined up evenly, with no legs stretched forward or backward. Ask your helper to gently position the horse if needed.
- Head Position: The horse’s head should be in a natural, relaxed position. It should not be cranked up high or dipped very low.
How to Use a Measuring Stick on a Horse
This part shows you how to use a measuring stick on a horse correctly.
Setting Up the Stick
- Place the base of the measuring stick firmly on the ground right next to the horse’s shoulder, over the highest point of the withers.
- Make sure the stick is perfectly vertical (straight up and down). If you are using an improvised tool, hold it firmly upright.
Taking the Reading
- Gently raise the sliding arm of the measuring stick until it lightly touches the top of the wither. Do not press down hard.
- Look straight across at the mark on the stick. Squinting or looking from a very high or low angle can throw off the measurement. Look directly across the scale.
- Read the number where the arm crosses the scale. This reading will be in hands and inches.
Common Issues to Watch For
- The horse shifting its weight.
- The measuring stick leaning inward or outward.
- The horse raising its head right as you read the number.
Deciphering the Measurement: Hands and Inches
Once you have the raw number, you need to know what it means in the hands format. This is crucial for understanding horse hand measurements.
The Standard Format
A horse’s height is always written as X hands and Y inches.
- The ‘X’ is the number of full hands.
- The ‘Y’ is the remaining inches (must be less than 4).
Example: If the stick reads 15 hands and 2 inches, the measurement is 15-2 hands.
Converting Horse Hands to Inches
Sometimes, you need the total height in just inches for registration papers or specific gear fitting. Here is how to convert horse hands to inches.
- Multiply the number of full hands by 4.
- Add the remaining inches to that total.
| Hands | Inches (Hands x 4) | Remaining Inches | Total Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 56 | 0 | 56″ |
| 15-1 | 60 | 1 | 61″ |
| 15-2 | 60 | 2 | 62″ |
| 16-3 | 64 | 3 | 67″ |
Converting Inches Back to Hands
If you have a total inch measurement, you reverse the process.
- Divide the total inches by 4.
- The whole number is the hands.
- The remainder is the inches.
Example: A horse measures 65 inches.
$65 \div 4 = 16$ with a remainder of $1$.
The horse is 16-1 hands.
Fathoming Fractions in Horse Measurement
Sometimes, the measuring stick will show fractions of an inch. This is rare with standard measuring sticks but possible if using a very detailed tool or converting from metric.
- A half-inch is often noted as .2 in horse hands.
- In the hands system, we usually stick to whole inches, or sometimes mark a half-inch on the stick itself. However, standard practice relies on the full inch measurement. If you get a half-inch reading, round down to the nearest whole inch for official measurement, as the measuring stick is designed to read in full 4-inch increments.
Advanced Equine Measurement Techniques
Beyond simple height, equine conformation measurement sometimes requires measuring other parts of the horse. These specialized measurements are important for breed standards and saddle fitting.
Measuring Body Length (Cannon Bone Circumference)
While not part of the height measurement, girth or cannon bone measurements are also taken using a tape measure.
- Cannon Bone: Measured just below the knee or hock. This helps determine bone density relative to height.
Measuring Height at the Poll
The poll is the highest point of the head, usually when the horse is standing normally. This is sometimes noted, especially for certain native pony breeds.
- Use the measuring stick, but position it on the highest point of the horse’s poll instead of the wither.
Using a Horse Size Chart
Once you know the measurement, you need context. A horse size chart helps classify your horse. Breeds have specific height requirements, especially for showing or registration.
General Size Classification Table
| Height (Hands) | Height (Inches) | Classification | Common Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12.2 | Under 50″ | Pony | Shetland |
| 12.2 to 14.2 | 50″ to 58″ | Small Pony | Welsh Pony |
| 14.2 to 15.2 | 58″ to 62″ | Cob/Small Horse | Quarter Horse |
| 15.2 to 16.2 | 62″ to 66″ | Average Horse | Warmblood |
| Over 16.2 | Over 66″ | Large Horse | Draft Breeds |
It is important to remember that these are general guidelines. Some breeds, like Arabians, are often shorter but fit into the “horse” category based on lineage, not just height.
Common Mistakes When Measuring a Horse
Even with the right tools, mistakes happen. Avoiding these pitfalls leads to better consistency in your accurate horse measurement techniques.
Error 1: Incorrect Stance
If the horse is leaning on the stick or has a hind leg significantly behind, the measurement will be inaccurate. Fix: Always ensure the horse is standing perfectly square, weight evenly distributed.
Error 2: Misreading the Stick
Looking at the stick from an angle causes parallax error. Fix: Get down to eye level with the measurement mark. Have a helper read the stick if you need to hold the horse steady.
Error 3: Not Measuring at the Wither
If you measure at the crest of the neck or the point of the shoulder, you will get the wrong number. Fix: Locate the highest bony point between the shoulder blades—that is the true wither.
Maintaining Consistency in Measurement
If you are tracking a growing foal or need to check yearly records, consistency matters.
- Use the Same Stick: Always use the same measuring device. Different sticks can have slight manufacturing variances.
- Measure at the Same Time of Day: While minimal, a horse’s posture can change slightly after heavy exercise. For best results, measure when the horse is rested.
- Double Check: Always take two measurements. If they match, you can be confident in your result.
Summary of the Process
To recap this equine measurement guide, the process is simple:
- Get a level area and a height stick.
- Ask the horse to stand squarely with a relaxed head.
- Place the stick base at the ground next to the wither.
- Raise the arm to lightly touch the wither top.
- Read the height in hands and inches, looking straight across.
This system of measuring in hands is a simple, time-tested method for assessing a horse’s stature quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I measure a foal accurately using hands?
Yes, you can measure a foal, but its height will change rapidly. Foals are usually measured in inches until they mature, and then the hand measurement is used. Their withers grow quickly.
What is the difference between measuring at the wither and measuring at the poll?
The wither is the highest point over the back between the shoulder blades. The poll is the highest point on the top of the head between the ears. For standard classification, the wither is the correct spot.
How much does a horse’s height change when it moves its head?
A significant amount! If a horse raises its head high, the wither measurement can appear shorter because the horse is stretching its back differently. Always measure when the neck is relaxed and the head is level.
What is the standard height for a pony?
Generally, any horse measuring 14.2 hands (58 inches) or under is considered a pony, though breed registries may have slightly different cut-offs.
Does the horse need shoes on or off for measurement?
It is best practice to measure with shoes off if you are determining the natural height of the horse, especially if the horse is barefoot or you plan to shoe it. If the horse is always shod and you need to know its height while shod (for certain show classes), measure with shoes on, but document this fact.