The Average Height for a Horse

Each breed of horse has a different average size. To determine the height of a horse, measure from its withers -- a noticeable bump where the neck and back meet -- to the ground, using 4-inch increments called hands high -- or hh.

  1. Draft Horses

    • Heavy, or draft, horses are the largest of the breeds, including Clydesdales, which range from 16.2 to 18 hh in height, and Belgians, which are about 16 hh tall. So, Clydesdale are between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall, and Belgians are about 5 feet 4 inches tall.

    Light Horses

    • Many breeds fall under this category, including thoroughbreds, which stand at about 16 hh -- or 5 feet 4 inches -- tall, and quarter horses, which range from 14 to 16 hh -- or 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall.

    Small/Miniature Horses

    • The Caspian is considered a small horse, although its average height is only 9 hh -- or 3 feet -- tall. Miniature horses are measured in inches and come in many different height categories, the tallest being 34 inches.