Here's what height on a horse means:
* Physical Measurement: It refers to the height of the horse at the highest point of its withers, which is the area between the horse's shoulder blades.
* Classification & Breed Standards: Height is crucial in classifying horses into different categories:
* Pony: Typically, horses under 14.2 hands are considered ponies.
* Horse: Horses over 14.2 hands are considered horses.
* Breed-Specific Standards: Each breed of horse has specific height standards that determine if an individual horse meets the breed criteria.
* Performance & Riding Style: Height can influence a horse's suitability for different riding disciplines. For example, taller horses are often preferred for certain disciplines like dressage or jumping, while shorter horses may be better suited for activities like driving or barrel racing.
Important Note: A horse's height is not solely determined by the number of hands. Factors like conformation (body structure) and build can also influence its overall size and how it appears.