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Definition
A unit of length equal to exactly 4 inches (10.16 cm), used internationally to measure the height of horses.
Explanation
Horse height is measured vertically from the ground to the withers (highest point of the shoulder). A horse standing 16 hands tall is 64 inches (162.56 cm) at the withers. Horses under 14.2 hands are classified as ponies. The unit standardized what was previously the width of a human hand, and has been used for horse measurement since at least Henry VIII standardized it in 1541.
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A system of measurement used primarily in the United States, based on historical English units.
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