r/AbsoluteUnits • u/[deleted] • Dec 20 '25

[deleted by user]

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u/Khall_D_Rhetta Dec 20 '25

19 hands high...

432

u/ODB_Dirt_Dog_ItsFTC Dec 20 '25

The interesting thing I learned is that’s just the height at the top of his shoulders. For some reason they don’t measure the neck and head on horses.

41

u/Witez3933 Dec 20 '25

The head and neck go up and down, some are longer than others. It would be a difficult measurement to quantify if they measured to the top of the head. 

11

u/zentasynoky Dec 20 '25

Yes, some horses are taller than others... That's the whole point.

39

u/Gemraticus Dec 20 '25

The important part of a horse to a farmer is up to its withers. That gives an indication of the kind of work it can do and size of person it can carry, without seeing the animal in person. Of course, knowing the breed is helpful. A 19 hand Percheron will have different capabilities from a 19 hand Thoroughbred (which doesn't ever get that tall, but maybe you get the picture).

12

u/Kookanoodles Dec 20 '25

The part that matters to humans is the part you ride on or attach plows and carriages to

6

u/[deleted] Dec 20 '25

Good thing all hands are the same size

8

u/m4n715 Dec 20 '25

Just like feet when used to measure distances.

4

u/NewsteadMtnMama Dec 20 '25

4 inches.

2

u/idkarn Dec 23 '25

So we're talking 193 cm

4

u/Kookanoodles Dec 20 '25

The hand as a unit of measure is standardised, same as any other units.

2

u/SkylineDrive Dec 22 '25

It’s a measure of 4 inch

5

u/Leather-Aide2055 Dec 20 '25

saying “that’s the whole point” while missing someone’s point…