How do you measure the height of a horse, donkey, or mule? The height is measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. In the United States, equids are measured in “hands.” One “hand” equals 4 inches, which is about the width of a man’s hand.

The “hand” became the standard unit of measurement for horses because years ago horses were measured by hand widths from the ground up. Today, measuring sticks are available to ensure more accurate and consistent measurement.

Measurement Procedure

Many horse shows require you to measure the height of your competition animal. If you are not showing, you might just want to know how tall your horse, donkey, or mule is.

Use the following list to measure any size horse, donkey, or mule.

  • The horse, donkey, or mule should be standing on a level surface. It is best if the surface is concrete or pavement. If those aren’t available, you can use a piece of plywood. Measuring an equid on dirt or gravel often won’t give you an accurate measurement.
  • The horse, donkey, or mule should be standing squarely on all 4 feet, meaning its weight should be evenly distributed on all of its limbs.
  • The equid’s front legs should be vertical to the ground.
  • Make sure the equid’s hind legs are vertical to the ground. Check this by drawing an imaginary line from the point of the animal’s buttocks down along the back of the hocks.
  • Ensure the horse, donkey, or mule’s head is low enough so the highest point of the body is the withers. Don’t force the animal’s head too low.
  • The equid should wear only a halter and lead rope or a bridle. It should not have on any tack—saddle or harness.
  • Measure the vertical distance from the top of the withers to the ground beside the front leg. If using a measuring stick, the crosspiece/arm/bar must be placed over the highest point of the withers. The bottom of the measuring stick should be flat on the level ground surface. If the horse has shoes on, you must deduct the height of the shoes.

Typical Pony Heights

According to US Equestrian, pony heights are as follows:

  • Hunter/Jumper/Welsh: Small up to 12.2 hands, Medium up to 13.2, Large up to 14.2.
  • Dressage/Combined Driving: Up to 148 cm barefoot, 149 cm with shoes.
  • Arabian: Up to 14.2.
  • Hackney: Up to 14.2.
  • Harness: Up to 12.2.
  • Roadster Ponies to Bike: 52 inches (132 cm) and under.
  • Roadster Ponies to Bike: 50-52 inches (127-132 cm).
  • Roadster Ponies Under Saddle or to Wagon: 54 inches (137 cm) and under.
  • Saddlebred: Up to 14.3.
  • Shetland: Up to 46 inches (~117 cm).

General Measurements of Equids

By definition, ponies stand under 14.2 hands high. Horses are 14.2 hands or taller. Most draft horse breeds stand 16 hands or taller. Most asses, donkeys, and zebras are under 14.2 hands. Some pony breed associations have more specific height requirements. (Check out this equine size chart that gives general height in hands, inches, and centimeters.)

Further Reading

Mules and Hinnies: A Scientific Point of View. Dr. Amy McLean. MySeniorHorse.com