How to Calculate the Height of a Horse

The height of a horse is information that is used by riders, owners and people who enjoy watching equestrian events. The height of a horse is measured in units referred to as "hands." The hand unit of measurement dates back many years and was developed as a universal means of measuring horses before the introduction of tape measures. One hand is equal to 4 inches.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the horse on solid ground with its front feet as evenly together as possible.

    • 2

      Stretch a tape measure from the ground up to the withers. Locate the withers at the highest point of the shoulders, at the base of the mane.

    • 3

      Keep the tape measure straight beside the horse. Visualize a line from the withers to the tape or use a level between the withers and tape for better accuracy.

    • 4

      Obtain the measurement in inches from the tape and convert the measured inches to hands.

    • 5

      Divide the total number of inches measured from the ground to the withers by 4, as one hand equals 4 inches. For example, if a height of 60 inches was measured, divide 60 by 4 to get a measurement of 15 hands.