What is the unit of measure used by the equine industry to measure the height of animals?

In the equine industry, the height of horses is measured in hands, which is a unit specifically designated for this purpose. One hand is equivalent to 4 inches. This measurement has historical significance within the industry, as it originated from the average width of a human hand.

Using hands allows for a standardized method of measuring horse height, which is essential for various reasons, including breed classification, competition regulations, and health assessments. While other units such as feet, meters, and inches are commonly used for measuring height in various contexts, hands are uniquely tailored to the needs and conventions of the equine sector, making them the most appropriate choice in this case.