How to measure a horse's height in Hands

The height of a horse is measured in hands. Each hand is 4''; the width of an adult's hand. To accurately measure the height of your horse, you will need an equine weight/height tape that can normally be purchased at tack stores or hardware stores that sell equine products.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• hand stick
• equine measuring tape

1. Get your horse standing square on flat ground. You will either need someone to hold your horse for you or you can tie him on cross ties or to a hitching post.

2. Step on the bottom of the equine measuring tape. unroll the weight tape until you reach the withers. Remember to step where the height tape says to step, otherwise, you may alter the height results.

3. measure the height from the horse's feet to the top of his withers (shoulder blades). Each hand is equivalent to 4''. Document the height of your horse immediately after taking the height measurement so you don't forget the height.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are measuring a pony for a pony card, remember to measure him or her without shoes if the measurement with shoes exceeds 14.2hh