How is the height of a horse traditionally measured?

Correct answer: In Hands

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What people think about it: 15 Comments
Player BARTEMAEUS 10
Player BARTEMAEUS 10
Betsy, I worked on a racing stud farm when I was a teenager, so I knew. Also as a lot of people will undoubtedly know, the area that is measured is called the "withers"
Player #2445394
Player #2445394
nimblemoon, It is, cos these days it is done with a measuring stick, which marks every 'Hand' (4inches) & every inch. May not of been precise before this. And to whoever wrote the answer/description - a 10.2'' animal is called a Pony, not a horse !
Betsy
Betsy
I think horses are such extraordinary animals! I always knew the height was determined by hands yes but I always thought it was measured from the ground to the underbelly! who knew!!!!!
Montana Lady
Montana Lady
dollis1963, why is it strange to measure things with hands but not with feet? It's the same basic concept.
Hip
Hip
beach1961, it would be the width of a typical hand rather than the length of the hand.
Player BARTEMAEUS 10
Player BARTEMAEUS 10
nimblemoon, Historically it wasn't precise, but now a hand is 4 inches, so that's very precise.
chumley4
chumley4
Did not know. Interesting
UnopposedHyena16
UnopposedHyena16
Montana Lady, how could you possibly measure something as tall as a horse with your feet ? perhaps thats why hands are used
Player #104994723
Player #104994723
Wesley Vance, ditto 🤔
Wesley Vance
Wesley Vance
I blew that one !
TJ SISTER
TJ SISTER
I don't know why they are, they just are.
Player #5100533
Player #5100533
Hoolie, A horse is Not a room. 4 inch increments are more precise.
Player elguapo
Player elguapo
Sweet Senior, what do women's sizes based from?
Player Elsinore
Player Elsinore
nimblemoon, we now use a measuring stick, that has a ruler and a level..... a "hand" equals 4 inches
nimblemoon
nimblemoon
Doesn't sound very precise!