why are horses still measured in hands?

Question

when every other of our traditional measures like LB's feet & inches has been stopped.

Answer 1

Many horse are now measured in Cm's. if a horse goes for a life height certificate it will receive the measurement in cm's so instead of being 14.2 hh, they will be 148cms. Also many junior show jumping classes have height restrictions that are stipulated in cm's rather than hands. Their are classes for 128 cms (ponies under 12.2hh),138cms (under 13.2hh), and 148 cms (ponies under 14.2hh)

Hands is not a generic measurement that you can measure anything by which is why it is still used, it only measures horses where as you can measure anything in feet or lb's.

x x x

Answer 2

you won't be able to get a genuine length with a tape, it desires to be executed with a measuring stick. greater precise than a tape is slightly string, a weight and a spirit point. Tie the string to the burden, positioned the point around the withers (so zee bubblez iz in zee center) and then degree from the floor to the backside of the point. The vertical shouldn't touch the pony via fact if it does that's deviating from their genuine top. Measuring is an paintings. interior the united kingdom we are very strict in affiliated classes as to the top of a horse or pony, getting the animal use to the measuring stick so he remains comfortable is fundamental to a maximum suitable top length. a comfortable horse stood sq. can degree 14.2 yet, get him alert and annoying then he would desire to be 15 palms.

Answer 3

Because no-one has realised you could measure them in feet?

Answer 4

Good question, but maybe they stood their ground and demanded it stay that way and good on them.

Answer 5

because horses don't have Feet... duh...