Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The hand is a non-SI unit of measurement of length standardized to 4 in (101.6 mm). It is used to measure the height of horses in many English-speaking countries, including Australia, [1] Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. [2] It was originally based on the breadth of a human hand.
A hand is a unit of length used to measure the height of horses and ponies. One hand is four inches, and a value of '12.3 hands' represents 12 hands + 3 inches (51 inches). This template converts hands into the equivalent heights in inches and centimetres.
Thus, a horse described as "15.2 h" is 15 hands plus 2 inches, for a total of 62 inches (157.5 cm) in height. [24] The size of horses varies by breed, but also is influenced by nutrition. Light-riding horses usually range in height from 14 to 16 hands (56 to 64 inches, 142 to 163 cm) and can weigh from 380 to 550 kilograms (840 to 1,210 lb). [25]
Horses are sometimes measured in hands – one hand is 4 inches (10.2 cm). Horse heights are extremely variable, from small pony breeds to large draft breeds. The height at the withers of an average thoroughbred is 163 centimetres (16.0 hands; 5 ft 4 in), and ponies are up to 147 centimetres (14.2 hands; 4 ft 10 in).
Icelandic horses weigh between 330 and 380 kilograms (730 and 840 lb) [2] and stand an average of 13 and 14 hands (52 and 56 inches, 132 and 142 cm) high, although the shortest measured Icelandic horse was 113cm (11.1hh), and the tallest measured 157cm (15.3hh).
High-stepping action is typical of the Saddlebred, as seen in this "five-gaited" horse, performing the rack.. American Saddlebreds stand 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches, 152 to 173 cm) high, [2] averaging 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches, 152 to 163 cm), [3] and weigh between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds (450 and 540 kg).
hand A measurement of the height of a horse. Originally taken from the size of a grown man's hand but now standardized to 4 inches. The measurement is usually taken from the ground to the withers. If expressed with a period and number after it, the number represents additional inches, so 15.3 hands ("fifteen-three") would be 15 times four ...
The criollo is tractable, intelligent, willing, and sensible. Criollo horses average 14.3 hands (149 cm) high, being the maximum height for stallions and geldings of 14 to 15 hands (142-152 cm) high. The difference between the maximum and minimum height for mares is approximately 2 cm (one inch).