Horse riding is a popular activity for many individuals, and it can be a great way to get outdoors and experience the beauty of nature. One of the most important things to consider when selecting a horse is its size and type, as this can affect your riding experience. One of the common acronyms used to describe horses is hh, which stands for “hands high.” In this article, we will discuss what hh means in horses and why it is important to know this term when selecting a horse.
What Does hh Stand For?
The acronym hh stands for “hands high,” and it is used to describe the height of a horse. It is a measurement that is taken in hands, which is a unit of measurement equaling four inches. As a result, hh is equivalent to 16 inches, or 1.3 feet.
Why is hh Important When Selecting a Horse?
The height of a horse is important for many reasons. For example, it will determine the size of saddle and tack that you need to purchase. Additionally, the height of a horse can also affect its behavior, as taller horses may be more skittish and require more experience to handle. Finally, the height of a horse can also influence how comfortable you are when riding, as taller horses may require more strength and skill to control.
How to Measure hh
Measuring hh is relatively straightforward. The horse should be standing on level ground, and a flat ruler should be used to measure from the ground to the horse’s withers, which is the highest point of the horse’s shoulder blades. The measurement should be taken in hands, meaning that it should be divided by four to get the hh measurement.
What is the Average hh for Different Types of Horses?
The average hh measurement for different types of horses will vary, as there are many different types of horses. Some of the most common types of horses and their average hh measurements include:
- Ponies: 10 – 12 hh
- Arabians: 14 – 15 hh
- Thoroughbreds: 15 – 17 hh
- Warmbloods: 16 – 18 hh
- Draft Horses: 16 – 19 hh
What is the Difference Between hh and HH?
It is important to note that there is a difference between hh and HH. Hh is used to measure the height of a horse in hands, while HH is used to measure the height of a horse in centimeters. HH is equal to four times the hh measurement, so a horse that is 16 hh would be 64 HH.
What is the Difference Between hh and HH?
It is important to note that there is a difference between hh and HH. Hh is used to measure the height of a horse in hands, while HH is used to measure the height of a horse in centimeters. HH is equal to four times the hh measurement, so a horse that is 16 hh would be 64 HH.
Does hh Include the Mane and Tail?
No, hh does not include the mane and tail. The hh measurement is taken from the ground to the withers, which is the highest point of the horse’s shoulder blades. The mane and tail are not included in the hh measurement.
Do Different Breeds of Horses Have Different hh Measurements?
Yes, different breeds of horses do have different hh measurements. As mentioned above, the average hh measurements for different types of horses vary. For example, ponies typically have an hh measurement of 10 – 12, while draft horses have an hh measurement of 16 – 19. Additionally, some breeds of horses, such as miniature horses, can have hh measurements as low as 8.
Can hh Measurements Change Over Time?
Yes, hh measurements can change over time. As horses grow and mature, their hh measurements will increase. Additionally, horses can also lose or gain weight, which can affect their hh measurement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hh is an important acronym to know when selecting a horse, as it is used to measure the height of a horse in hands. Different breeds of horses have different hh measurements, and these measurements can change over time as the horse grows and matures. It is important to be aware of the hh measurement when selecting a horse, as this can affect your riding experience.