How to Measure the Height of Horses
Purchase a horse measuring stick marked with hand measures., Make sure the horse is standing on firm level ground with its front feet as even as possible. , Place the horse measuring stick or measuring tape at the base of one of the horse's front...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase a horse measuring stick marked with hand measures.
If a horse measuring stick is not available, a standard measuring tape is acceptable.
Horse measuring sticks can be found at equestrian supply stores (tack shops), farm supply stores and from various online retailers. -
Step 2: Make sure the horse is standing on firm level ground with its front feet as even as possible.
, The withers is located at the top of the shoulders between the neck and back and is considered the highest point on a horse.
The highest point of a horse is actually the top of its head, (also known as the poll), but since a horse moves its head up and down frequently, it is difficult to record this measurement accurately.
Stretch the measuring device to the highest point of the withers.
More precisely, extend the measuring device up to the spiny ridge between the horse's shoulder blades. , If the horse measuring stick is being used, then the measurement can be recorded in hands immediately.
If a measuring tape is being used, conversion of the measurement from inches to hands is required.
One hand equals 4 inches (10.2 cm), so divide the measurement by
4.
For example, if the horse measures 71 inches (180.3 cm), divide 71 by 4 inches.
The result is 17 hands with 3 inches (7.6 cm) left over.
The final height would be recorded as
17.75 hands. -
Step 3: Place the horse measuring stick or measuring tape at the base of one of the horse's front feet and pull the measuring device up to the withers.
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Step 4: Record the measurement.
Detailed Guide
If a horse measuring stick is not available, a standard measuring tape is acceptable.
Horse measuring sticks can be found at equestrian supply stores (tack shops), farm supply stores and from various online retailers.
, The withers is located at the top of the shoulders between the neck and back and is considered the highest point on a horse.
The highest point of a horse is actually the top of its head, (also known as the poll), but since a horse moves its head up and down frequently, it is difficult to record this measurement accurately.
Stretch the measuring device to the highest point of the withers.
More precisely, extend the measuring device up to the spiny ridge between the horse's shoulder blades. , If the horse measuring stick is being used, then the measurement can be recorded in hands immediately.
If a measuring tape is being used, conversion of the measurement from inches to hands is required.
One hand equals 4 inches (10.2 cm), so divide the measurement by
4.
For example, if the horse measures 71 inches (180.3 cm), divide 71 by 4 inches.
The result is 17 hands with 3 inches (7.6 cm) left over.
The final height would be recorded as
17.75 hands.
About the Author
Sandra Mitchell
Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.
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