What is the unit of measurement used to measure the height of a horse?

The measurement of a horse's height is standardized using "hands." One hand is equal to 4 inches, and this unit has been traditionally used in the equestrian community for centuries. The practice likely originates from using a person's hand to measure the height of a horse, making it a historically relevant choice that has become the norm within the industry.

While feet, inches, and centimeters can all be converted to correspond with height measurements, they are not the conventional terms used within the context of horses. The use of "hands" provides a familiar and accepted language for those involved in horse breeding, competition, and care. This standardization allows for consistency in communication about the sizes of horses across different regions and cultures within the equine community.