If you’ve ever heard someone say a horse is “15 hands high,” you might have wondered what they meant. A “hand” is a unit of measurement equal to 4 inches, and it’s how people measure the height of horses from the ground to their withers (the ridge between their shoulder blades).
While it might seem strange to use such an old-fashioned measurement in a world that’s largely adopted the metric system, the practice of describing a horse’s height in hands has been around for centuries and is still common in some regions.
Here, we’ll explore the history of the “hand” as a unit of measure, why horses are measured in hands even today, and how you actually measure a horse using this method.
What is a ‘Hand’? Defining the Unit of Measurement
When talking about horses, a “hand” isn’t just a part of your body. It’s a unit of measurement, and one hand is equal to exactly 4 inches.
Horse height is expressed in hands and inches. So, for example, if someone says a horse is “16.2 hands,” that means the horse is 16 hands and 2 inches tall. The number after the decimal point represents the additional inches. There’s no “16.5 hands,” because that would be written as “16.2 hands.” Fractions are rounded down to the nearest inch. So, something that is 16 hands and 2 1/2 inches would be expressed as 16.2 hands.
The standard practice is to measure a horse’s height at its withers. The withers is the highest point of the horse’s shoulder blades.
So, if you want to convert hands to inches, just multiply the number of hands by 4. You can also convert hands to centimeters. One hand is about 10.16 centimeters.
A History Rooted in Tradition: The Origins of the Hand
The practice of measuring horses in hands is rooted in traditions that go back thousands of years.
Ancient Roots
The “hand” measurement likely started as a way to relate the height of a horse to the breadth of a man’s hand, a natural and easily accessible tool.
The concept can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where the royal cubit was a standard unit of measure. The palm was a subdivision of the cubit, and likely served as a basis for measuring horses and other livestock.
Even the Romans were measuring horses in hands in 30 AD, according to historical records.
Over time, the hand measurement evolved, with Anglo-Saxon and Germanic influences shaping the measurement system as it spread throughout Europe.
Standardization and the English Influence
The “hand” was formally standardized in England during the reign of King Henry VIII, who declared in 1541 that one hand would be equal to four inches.
The English and British tradition of using the “hand” as a standard measurement reflects the cultural significance of horses in British history, where horses were essential for transportation, agriculture, and warfare.
Why “hands” persist: tradition, practicality, and infrastructure
So, why do equestrians still talk about horses in terms of hands? It all boils down to a few key factors.
Cultural and historical significance
Tradition plays a huge role. Measuring horses in hands isn’t some newfangled invention. This system has been around for over 1,000 years! It’s woven into the very fabric of equestrian history and culture. For many horse people, using hands is a way to connect with that long and storied past.
Practical applications in the field
Believe it or not, “hands” are actually pretty practical. When you’re out in a field trying to get a quick estimate of a horse’s height, it’s a lot easier to use hands than to fumble around with a measuring tape. It’s a quick and dirty method that gets the job done.
Plus, there’s a whole established infrastructure built around this measurement. Everything from horse dealing to showing classes has evolved around specific height categories measured in hands. It’s deeply embedded in the equestrian world.
Geographic distribution
You’ll find that “hands” are still the go-to measurement in many countries with strong equestrian traditions. This includes places like Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, and India.
How to measure a horse in hands
Here’s how you can measure a horse’s height:
- Find the withers. The withers are the highest point of a horse’s shoulder blades.
- Use a measuring stick or tape measure to determine the distance from the ground to the withers.
Once you have the height in inches, you can convert it to hands and inches. Remember that one hand equals four inches. For example, a horse that measures 64.8 inches is 16.2 hands tall (that’s 16 hands and 2 inches). A horse that measures 68 inches is exactly 17 hands tall.
Also, keep in mind that measurements are typically rounded up to the nearest inch. So, if a horse measures a little over 64 inches, you’d likely round it up to 64.1 hands.
The debate: “hands” vs. metric – accuracy and modernization
These days, you’ll find that some people in the equestrian world have started pushing for the use of metric measurements when describing the height of a horse.
Arguments for metric
The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), which governs international equestrian events, uses the metric system for measurements. Staying in line with FEI standards is one argument for using metric measurements.
Another argument is accuracy. As equestrian activities and technologies have become more sophisticated, there’s a need for more precise measurements than “hands” can provide.
Arguments for “hands”
The “hand” system has survived this long because it’s practical and convenient. The simplicity and long tradition of using hands to measure horses makes it an easy system to use in many situations.
It’s true that hand measurements can vary a bit from region to region. However, the variations in hand measurements across different countries are generally pretty minimal, usually within about five percent accuracy.
Coexistence of systems
For now, both systems are often used together. It’s common to see a horse’s height given in both hands and centimeters or meters.
If you’re involved with horses, it’s a good idea to understand both systems so you can communicate effectively with others in the equestrian community.
Common Questions and Explanations
If you’re new to the world of horses, you may have some questions about this unusual system of measurement. Here are some of the most common questions about measuring horses in hands.
Is measuring horses in hands still a widely used practice?
Yes, in many parts of the world, horses are still measured in hands. This system is especially common in horse trading, showing, and breeding. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries, and it continues to be a practical way to quickly communicate a horse’s size.
How is a horse’s height measured in hands?
The measurement is taken from the ground to the highest point of the horse’s withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). A hand is equal to four inches. So, a horse that measures 15 hands is 60 inches tall (15 x 4 = 60). Any inches remaining after the full hands are noted after a decimal point. For example, a horse that is 62 inches tall is 15.2 hands tall.
What is the history of measuring horses in hands?
The practice of measuring horses in hands dates back to ancient Egypt. The “hand” was originally based on the average width of a human hand. Over time, the measurement was standardized to four inches. The system made its way through Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Even with modern measuring tools available, the tradition of using hands persists, especially in the horse industry.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s the story behind why horses are measured in hands. This unique unit of measurement has ancient roots, and while it might seem a little unusual today, it’s remained in use for centuries because it’s practical and carries a lot of cultural weight within the horse world.
Even with the rise of the metric system, the “hand” endures. It’s a living link to equestrian history and a reminder of the long and fascinating relationship between humans and horses.