Hand (unit)

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Horse-breeding in England and India - and army horses abroad (1906) (14580159299)

Hand is a unit of measurement traditionally used to measure the height of horses in some English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa. One hand is equal to four inches (10.16 cm). The measurement is taken from the ground to the highest point of the withers, which is the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal. This method of measurement ensures consistency, as the height at the withers is considered the true height of the animal, rather than at the head where it can vary significantly with the horse's posture.

History

The use of the hand as a measurement dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was not only used for measuring horses but also in construction and as a general length measurement. The exact length of the hand has varied over time, but it was standardized in the 19th century to the current measurement of 4 inches. This standardization was crucial for trade and breeding purposes, as it allowed for a consistent and reliable measure across regions.

Measurement

When measuring a horse, the person measuring will usually use a tape measure or a specialized horse measuring stick, which is marked in hands and inches. The measurement is taken in a straight line from the ground to the top of the withers. If the measurement includes a fraction of a hand, it is usually expressed in inches rather than decimals. For example, a horse that measures 15 hands and 2 inches tall would be expressed as "15.2 hands".

Usage

The hand measurement is primarily used in the equine industry to discuss the height of horses and, to a lesser extent, ponies and other equines. It is a crucial measurement for breeders, buyers, and competitors, as the height of a horse can influence its suitability for various disciplines within equestrian sports. For example, taller horses are often preferred in disciplines such as show jumping and dressage, while smaller horses or ponies may be more suitable for youth riders or certain types of racing.

Conversion

To convert hands to centimeters, multiply the number of hands by 10.16. For example, a horse that is 15 hands high is 15 x 10.16 = 152.4 centimeters tall.

Cultural Significance

The hand as a unit of measure is deeply ingrained in equestrian culture and tradition. Despite the modern metric system, the hand remains the standard unit of measurement for equine height in many countries due to its historical significance and the practicality of using a human-based measure that does not require complex conversion for understanding.

See Also

• Horse
• Equine anatomy
• Equestrianism
• Tape measure

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