As an experienced equestrian, I've often found myself in the midst of lively debates about the height of horses. It's a topic that sparks confusion among even the most seasoned riders and horse enthusiasts. What do we mean when we say a horse is 15 hands high? Why don't we measure from hoof to head, or from tail to nose? And why on earth are horses measured in hands when they clearly don't have any?
In this comprehensive guide, we will clear all your doubts about horse measurement. We'll dive into the history behind the unit 'hands', understand how it's used today and even discuss how to convert this archaic yet charming unit into more globally understood measurements such as centimeters, inches, and meters.
Why is a hand 4 inches?
The unit 'hand', now standardized to 4 inches, has a fascinating history that takes us back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians began the practice of using the human hand's breadth – including the thumb – as a measuring unit. While the size of hands can vary greatly, the unit was eventually standardized to 4 inches in the horse industry, making it easier to measure and discuss horse heights.
And if you're gearing up to measure your horse, you might want to ensure you're dressed for the occasion. Our Jodhpur Collection has some comfy and stylish options you could consider.
Does everyone measure horses in hands?
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone measures horses in hands. While it is a common unit of measurement in English-speaking countries, many nations around the world that use the metric system measure horses in centimeters. So depending on where you're trotting around with your horse, you might hear its height expressed differently.
Regardless of how you measure your horse's height, it's essential to ensure they are well cared for, and that starts with their diet. Our collection of can help keep your equine friend in top shape.
How tall is a 17 hand horse?
When you hear someone say their horse is 17 hands high, it may sound like an enigma, but it's quite simple when you understand the system. Remember, 1 hand equals 4 inches. So, a 17-hand horse stands 68 inches tall at the withers - that's 5 feet 8 inches!
Suitable footgear is a must when dealing with such tall companions. Check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection to find something that fits your style.
What does 14 hands mean for a horse?
Now that we're well-versed with the hand unit, calculating the height of a 14-hand horse should be a breeze. Multiply 14 hands by 4 inches (since 1 hand equals 4 inches), and voila, you get a height of 56 inches. So, when a horse is said to be 14 hands, it stands 56 inches tall from the ground to its withers.
Dealing with horses of various sizes requires the right gear. Our Horse Riding Gloves Collection offers excellent grip and comfort, no matter the size of your equine companion.
How tall is a 20 hands horse?
For our larger equestrian friends, 20 hands high is quite the stature! Again, using our handy formula, 20 hands times 4 inches gives us a whopping 80 inches. That's 6 feet 8 inches! Now, that's a tall horse.
Whether you're riding a towering 20-hand horse or a more petite pony, comfort is key. Our Jodhpur Collection ensures a comfortable ride, no matter the height of your horse.
What does 14 hands mean for a horse?
Now that we're well-versed with the hand unit, calculating the height of a 14-hand horse should be a breeze. Multiply 14 hands by 4 inches (since 1 hand equals 4 inches), and voila, you get a height of 56 inches. So, when a horse is said to be 14 hands, it stands 56 inches tall from the ground to its withers.
Dealing with horses of various sizes requires the right gear. Our Horse Riding Gloves Collection offers excellent grip and comfort, no matter the size of your equine companion.
How tall is a 20 hands horse?
For our larger equestrian friends, 20 hands high is quite the stature! Again, using our handy formula, 20 hands times 4 inches gives us a whopping 80 inches. That's 6 feet 8 inches! Now, that's a tall horse.
Whether you're riding a towering 20-hand horse or a more petite pony, comfort is key. Our Jodhpur Collection ensures a comfortable ride, no matter the height of your horse.
Where do you start and finish to measure a horse?
The starting point for measuring a horse is the ground level, and the endpoint is the highest point on the horse's withers, the ridge located between the shoulder blades. This standard measurement method ensures consistency, as the horse's head and neck can move and cause variations in the height.
Accuracy is crucial when measuring your horse, whether for a competition or your records. Therefore, we highly recommend the Lincoln Easy-Measure, which is specifically designed for this purpose.
What is the conversion of hands to cm?
Remember that a hand, in horse measurement terms, equals 4 inches. And since 1 inch equals 2.54 cm, one hand equals approximately 10.16 cm. So, if your horse is 15 hands high, that's about 152.4 cm.
While you're here, why not take a look at our Jodhpur Collection? They're perfect for those days spent measuring, training, and simply enjoying your horse's company.
What is the conversion of hands to inches?
Converting hands to inches is quite simple, thanks to the straightforward relationship between these two units. As we've established, one hand equals 4 inches. So, if your horse is 16 hands high, that equates to a height of 64 inches. Straightforward, right?
Keep in mind, no matter your horse's height, having the right apparel is key to a comfortable ride. Explore our Jodhpur Collection for the perfect riding attire.
What is the conversion of hands to meters?
For those who prefer the metric system, converting hands to meters is a two-step process. First, convert the hands to inches (since 1 hand equals 4 inches), then convert those inches to meters (knowing that 1 inch equals 0.0254 meters). So, a horse that's 18 hands high is approximately 1.83 meters tall. Maths can be fun, right?
When handling horses of different heights, having the right gloves for grip and control is vital. Check out our Horse Riding Gloves Collection to find your perfect fit.
Conclusion: The Hands-On Approach to Horse Measurement
In conclusion, understanding how horses are measured may initially seem as puzzling as a Rubik's cube, but with a little bit of practice, it quickly becomes second nature. This centuries-old tradition of using hands as a unit of measurement provides a unique, standardized approach to assessing a horse's height. So, whether you're dealing with a petite pony or a towering Clydesdale, remember - it's all in the hands!
As we wrap up this informative journey, we can't help but emphasize the importance of having the right equestrian gear. From our Jodhpur Collection and Horse Riding Boot Collection to the specially designed Lincoln Easy-Measure, we have everything you need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
Remember, it's not just about the ride; it's also about ensuring your horse's overall health and well-being. Visit our section to keep your equine companion in peak condition. And don't forget to explore our collection of Horse Treats and Gifts to reward your four-legged friend for their cooperation during measuring sessions.
Happy Riding!
