Equine Advice: How Tall?

Gypsy, the Equine Encyclopedia, has something to say about how to measure a horse’s height.  Like all shetlands, she is always watching, listening and learning.

Horses, ponies and all equines are measured in hands.  One hand equals 4 inches.  Horses are measured from one front hoof to the top of the withers (where the neck ties into the back).  Ideally, before being measured, the horse should stand on a flat surface with all four feet squarely under him.

If a horse is between hands, then his measurement is in hands and inches (examples are 14 hands, 2 inches, 12.3, 15.2).

Equine Advice: Splashed White Pintos

Gypsy, the Equine Encyclopedia, has something to say about splashed white pintos.  Like all shetlands, she is always watching, learning and listening.

“Splashed White” is a term for paint or pinto horses with white legs and a white underside and neck.  When describing splashed white horses, some say that they have the appearance of being dipped in white paint from the bottom up.  This pattern can be paired with almost any color.

Most splashed white horses have blue eyes and some are deaf.  This color pattern is rare in the United States.

Snowball, a bantam Cochin hen.