Did you know that horses are measured not in feet or meters but in ‘hands’? Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a curious newbie, knowing how to measure a horse’s height accurately is essential.

This article leverages years of equine expertise to simplify the process, ensuring precise and professional measurements. From identifying the correct tools to understanding the ‘hands’ system, we’ll guide you through each step.

Let’s get started on making your horse measurements a breeze.

How to Measure a Horse’s Height – Key Takeaway

To measure a horse’s height, use a measuring stick or tape to measure from the ground to the highest point of the withers, the ridge between the shoulder blades. This ensures an accurate height in ‘hands,’ the standard unit. Knowing this method helps in understanding a horse’s true height and health.

How Tall is the Average Horse in Hands?

The average horse stands between 15 and 16 hands tall, translating to about 5 and 5.5 feet at the shoulder. However, height varies by breed. Ponies, for example, are under 14.2 hands, while draft horses can exceed 17 hands.

This range helps to categorize horses for different roles, from riding to heavy labor. Knowing the average height helps in selecting the right horse for your needs, whether for riding, showing, or work.

Understanding these differences in height can give you a clearer idea of what to expect when you’re around different breeds of horses.

Why are Horses Measured in Hands?

Horses are measured in hands because it’s a simple, old method that’s still useful today. A ‘hand’ is four inches, roughly the width of a human hand.

This system started when rulers and tape measures weren’t available. People used what they had: their hands.

Measuring in hands remains convenient and helps everyone easily understand a horse’s height. It’s consistent and traditional, so it’s used worldwide.

This method allows for quick comparisons between horses. Whether you’re at a stable or a horse show, saying a horse is ’16 hands’ is clear and universally understood. It keeps things straightforward.

How to Measure a Horse by Hands

One hand is equal to four inches. When measuring horses in hands, decimals are used for partial measurements. For example, a horse that is 14.2 hands is 14 hands plus 2 inches, which equals 58 inches in total: (14 x 4) + 2 inches.

A horse can’t be 14.5 hands, because the number after the decimal represents whole inches, not fractions. If a horse is 14.2 1/2 HH, it means he is two and a half inches over 14 hands.

Horses are measured from the ground, just beside and behind a foreleg, to the top of the withers (shoulders).

The withers are a part of the horse that doesn’t change height when the horse moves its head or back. This is the standard method for measuring a horse’s height.

This method is used no matter what measurement unit you use (hands or centimetres), what country you’re in, what type of riding you do, or what breed of horse or pony you have.

Tools for Measuring a Horse’s Height

To measure a horse’s height, you can use several tools:

Equine height measuring stick

This is the most accurate and easiest method. It’s a tall stick with inch measurements and a horizontal bar that slides up and down.

You place the stick beside the horse and slide the bar down to touch the horse’s withers. Some sticks have a leveling bubble to ensure it’s held level.

Height tapes

These can be bought at feed or tack stores. They’re inexpensive but can be tricky to use because they’re light and floppy.

You need one person to hold the bottom against the ground and another to read the measurement at the horse’s withers. The tape must stay perpendicular to the ground.

Often, these tapes also have a horse weight measure on the other side.

Regular tape measure

You can use a regular tape measure, but it has the same issues as height tapes. Metal tape measures can also make noise, which may cause the horse to move.

Homemade measuring device

A simple method is to tie a piece of binder twine to a large metal nut or washer. The weight keeps the string steady while you eye up the withers and mark the twine.

Then measure the length from the bottom of the washer to the mark on the twine. To make it easier, you can use a yardstick, a piece of lath, or even a whip to get a line from the twine to the withers.

Hold the yardstick so it sits on the horse’s withers, parallel to the ground, and note where it hits the tape.

How to Measure a Horse’s Height: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Horse

Stand your horse squarely on a flat, even surface. Make sure it’s relaxed and standing naturally—not shifting weight or leaning. This ensures an accurate height reading.

Step 2: Position the Measuring Tool

Place the measuring tape or stick beside the horse. It should be straight, standing upright, and aligned with the highest point of the withers.

Step 3: Use the Measuring Bar

If you have a stick with a sliding bar, lower the bar gently until it rests on top of the withers. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can alter the reading.

Step 4: Record the Measurement

Note the height in inches or centimeters. For horses measured in hands, divide the inches by four. The remainder becomes the decimal. Example: 62 inches equals 15.2 hands.

Step 5: Consider Shoes for Accuracy

For official measurements or competitions, check whether the horse should be barefoot or shod. Shoes can slightly increase height and may affect classification between ponies and horses.

Horse Height Hands Conversion Chart 

To help you better understand how hands convert to our traditional units of measurement, I’ve put together a handy conversion chart. 

Common Horse Measuring Mistakes

Measuring a horse sounds simple. In reality, small mistakes can change the result by an inch or more.

Here are the most common errors to watch out for.

Not standing on level ground. Uneven surfaces shift the horse’s posture and throw off the reading. Always measure on flat, firm ground for consistent results.

Restless or improperly standing horse. If the horse is leaning, bending a leg, or holding its head too high or low, the height will be wrong. The horse should stand square with weight evenly distributed.

Using rigid tools for body measurements. Yardsticks and metal tapes work for height but fail when measuring girth or blanket size. A flexible tailor’s tape follows the horse’s natural shape and gives accurate body measurements.

Measuring alone. Trying to measure on your own often leads to crooked tools and shaky readings. Having a helper keeps the tape steady and the horse calm.

Measuring from the wrong place. Height must be measured at the highest point of the withers, not the head, neck, or middle of the back. The withers stay consistent even when the horse moves.

Ignoring the shoe allowance. Shoes can add extra height. For official measurements, some organizations require subtracting about ¼ to ⅜ of an inch if the horse is shod. Always check the rules.

Miscalculating “hands”. One hand equals four inches. The number after the decimal represents inches, not fractions. For example, 62 inches is written as 15.2 hands, not 15.5. Likewise, 63 inches becomes 15.3 hands, not 15.75.

How to Measure the Height of a Horse: FAQs

Horse Height Measurement: Conclusion

Measuring a horse correctly makes a real difference. It helps with proper fit, feeding plans, and choosing the right work or discipline.

Measure straight from the ground to the withers using a ruler or tape. Keep the horse standing level and still. Do it right, and you’ll always know your horse’s true height.

What next? Check out our article on Jockey Weight and Height to learn how a jockey’s size complements the horse’s build for peak performance.