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Over 100 years ago Professor J. Wortley Axe
defined a horse’s height as ‘the vertical
distance from the highest point of the withers
to the surface on which it stands’. This still
remains the basis for height measurement in
horses and ponies today. Despite modern
technological advancements, we continue
to use a wooden stick with a spirit level to
perform all official measurements in the UK.
It is very important to accurately know and
certify the heights of horses and ponies as
height is the only factor used to classify
horses and ponies for competitive purposes.
Generally, the larger animals within each
height class possess a competitive advantage
and animals are therefore frequently
valued accordingly.
Currently, annual or full height certification is
issued by the Joint Measurement Board (JMB),
the measurement being performed by one of
a panel of approved equine veterinarians.
Each appointed veterinary surgeon will have
a measuring stick that has a metal footplate
and fitted with a spirit level that is certified by
Weights and Measures or Trading Standards
every four years. The height measurement
when performed, takes place on a specifically
prepared hard, flat level surface. This surface
is regularly checked and certified by a
Steward or Secretary of the JMB itself to
ensure it is level.
Measuring rules at Fédération Equestre
Internationale (FEI) competition sites are
slightly different and allow for the fact that
measurements are taken under competition
conditions. For example, a 148cm pony
is allowed to measure up to 151 cm with,
or 150 cm without horse shoes.
Under JMB rules, ‘Annual’ height certificates
are given to animals aged four years and
above, and ‘Full’ certificates are issued to
animals once they are at least seven years of
age. All animals must have received at least
one ‘Annual’ measurement before a ‘Full’
certificate can be issued.
The animal must be presented in good
condition with no signs of distress or dehydration.
The animal must not have been given any
prohibited substance. If the animal is found to
test positive for any of these substances severe
penalties are issued by the member societies
and all measures become invalid.
HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
19
EQUINE MATTERS
How high
?
Height measurement explained
Graham Hunter BVM&S GPCert(EqP) CertEP CertAVP(ESO) MRCVS,
Ardene House Veterinary Practice
The animal must be presented in a
headcollar with no bit, with its passport
and any previous JMB certificates.
A microchip is required for certification
and if one is not already present, one
will be implanted immediately after a
measurement is performed.
The animal must have all four shoes
removed and the feet must be correctly
prepared and balanced as for shoeing
with the wall taken down level with the
bearing edge of the sole.
The animal must be positioned for
measurement on the certified level
measuring pad with the front legs parallel
and perpendicular; the toes of the front
feet should be in line, allowing not more
than 1.5 cm difference. Both hind feet
must be taking weight and as near
perpendicular as possible; the toes of the
hind feet should be not more than 15cm
out of line with each other.
The animal’s head must be in its natural
position in relation to its neck, positioned
so that the eye is neither more than 8cm
below, nor more than 8cm above the
highest point of the withers.
The measurement must be taken at
the highest point of the withers, i.e.
immediately above the spinous process
of the fifth thoracic vertebra.
Measuring procedure
Veterinary surgeon
Graham Hunter
XLVets Equine practice
Ardene House
Veterinary Practice
It is a really good idea to leave plenty of
time for your journey to the measurement
centre, so that both you and your animal
arrive calmly.