Why Do We Measure Horses In Hands?

Over the last several thousand years, units of measurements have changed, except when it comes to measuring horses. The term "hand" is traditionally used to measure the height of horses because it was originally the standard unit of measurement during the Middle Ages. One “hand” is equal to 4 inches, which is the approximate span between a human’s thumb and outstretched fingers.

But why do we still use this measurement?

Thousands of years ago, there were no measuring tapes lying around, but people still needed a way of measuring their riding horses for purposes of selling and trading. So they used a unit of measurement that they always had with them – their hands. This unit of measurement was standardized in the 1500s, and has been used ever since.

• An average adult horse stands between 14 and 17 hands high and is measured from the ground to the highest point on their withers.
• The word "hand" used to measure horse height most likely was derived from an ancient Babylonian unit of length that equates to 4 inches.

Despite its long history, there is some debate as to whether using hands as a measurement is appropriate or adequate. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the “hand” has served as a critical unit of measure for centuries and remains an integral part of horse breeding culture today.