Horses are measured in hands, a unit of measurement that dates back to ancient times. One hand is equal to 4 inches, and a horse is typically measured from the ground to the highest point of its shoulder. The average horse is 15 hands, but some horses can be as small as 8 hands and as tall as 17 hands. So, the question arises: can a horse be 16.4 hands?
Understanding Horse Measurements
Horse measurements are usually given in hands, but they can also be given in centimeters or inches. To convert a measurement in hands to a measurement in inches, multiply the number of hands by four. For example, a horse that is 15 hands is 60 inches tall (15 x 4 = 60).
Horses can range in size from 8 hands to 17 hands. This is a wide range, and a horse can be any size within that range. While 16.4 hands would fall within this range, it is not a common measurement.
Why 16.4 Hands is Not a Common Measurement
Most horses are measured in whole hands. This is because it is easier to measure a horse in whole hands rather than in fractions of hands. For example, it is easier to measure a horse that is 16 hands than one that is 16.4 hands. This is because measuring a horse in fractions of hands requires more precision, which can be difficult to achieve when measuring a horse.
In addition, many breed organizations are more likely to recognize measurements given in whole hands. For example, the American Quarter Horse Association recognizes horses that are between 14.2 and 16 hands. They do not recognize horses that are 16.4 hands.
What to Do If Your Horse is 16.4 Hands
If your horse is 16.4 hands, you should still be able to measure it accurately. To do this, you will need to use a measuring stick that is marked in both hands and inches. This will allow you to measure the horse accurately and still use a hand measurement that is accepted by most organizations.
It is also important to keep in mind that 16.4 hands is still considered a large horse. This means that your horse may have some unique needs that are different from those of a smaller horse. For example, a 16.4 hands horse may require larger blankets and tack than a smaller horse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for a horse to be 16.4 hands. However, this is not a common measurement, and many breed organizations do not recognize it. If your horse is 16.4 hands, you should be able to measure it accurately using a measuring stick that is marked in both hands and inches. Additionally, you should be aware that a 16.4 hands horse may have some unique needs that are different from those of a smaller horse.