Horses come in all shapes and sizes, and they vary greatly in height. A horse’s size is measured in “hands,” with one hand being equal to four inches. So, can a horse be 16.4 hands?
The answer is yes, though it’s rare. The average horse is 15 hands, and horses over 16 hands are considered large. So, horses that are 16.4 hands or taller are considered very large.
What Does 16.4 Hands Look Like?
A 16.4 hand horse is very tall. To give you an idea of the size, here are some measurements for a 16.4 hand horse:
- Height at the withers: 68.4 inches
- Height at the croup: 72.4 inches
- Height at the cannon: 28.2 inches
What Breeds Have Horses This Large?
There are several breeds of horses that can reach 16.4 hands or taller. The most common of these breeds are:
- Shire: The Shire is a draft horse breed from England. They are known for their large size and strength, and can reach heights of up to 17.2 hands.
- Clydesdale: The Clydesdale is another draft horse from Scotland. They are known for their graceful movements and can reach heights of up to 17.2 hands.
- Friesian: The Friesian is a warmblood horse breed from the Netherlands. They are known for their beauty and can reach heights of up to 17 hands.
- Selle Francais: The Selle Francais is a sport horse breed from France. They are known for their athleticism and can reach heights of up to 17 hands.
- Irish Draught: The Irish Draught is a draft horse from Ireland. They are known for their strength and can reach heights of up to 16.4 hands.
What Are the Benefits of a Horse This Large?
Horses that are 16.4 hands or taller have several benefits. They are ideal for activities that require strength and endurance, such as jumping, dressage, and eventing. They also make great pleasure horses, since they are usually very gentle and easy to handle.
What Are the Downsides of a Horse This Large?
Of course, there are some downsides to owning a horse this large. For one, they require more food than smaller horses, which can be expensive. They also may have difficulty fitting into smaller stalls, and may need a larger trailer to transport them.
Are Horses This Large More Prone to Health Problems?
Horses this large can be prone to certain health problems, such as joint issues and lameness. Therefore, it’s important to have your horse regularly checked by a veterinarian and to keep up with regular hoof care.
Are Horses This Large Suitable for Novice Riders?
Horses this large can be suitable for novice riders, but it’s important that the rider has a good level of experience and confidence. It’s also important to have an experienced instructor, who can guide the rider and help them learn how to control the horse.
What Is the Lifespan of a Horse This Large?
The lifespan of a horse this large is typically the same as that of a smaller horse. The average lifespan of a horse is 25-30 years, but some horses can live up to 40 years or more.
Are Horses This Large Expensive?
Horses that are 16.4 hands or taller are usually more expensive than smaller horses. This is because they require more food and care, and they may need specialized equipment, such as a larger trailer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, horses can be 16.4 hands or taller. Horses this large are rare, but they can be found in several breeds, such as the Shire, Clydesdale, Friesian, Selle Francais, and Irish Draught. They have several benefits, such as being suitable for activities that require strength and endurance, and they can make great pleasure horses. However, they can also be prone to certain health problems and they require more food, care, and equipment than smaller horses.