Horse breeds determine size – miniature ponies are only 40 cm tall, while Shire Horses can reach over 2 meters. The record holder for the world's tallest horse was the Shire Horse gelding Sampson, at 2.19 m (1850). Today, Noddy holds the record at 2.05 m. Sampson continues to hold the record as the tallest and heaviest horse in the world. Shire Horses dominate the horse height records.
The largest horse in the world: Sampson, the gentle giant
It's been quite some time since the world's tallest horse lived . Sampson , a Shire gelding, reached the impressive height of 2.19 m in 1850. He weighed an astonishing 1,524 kg .
Considering that a typical adult large horse weighs around 500 to 600 kg, that's a truly impressive figure. Since Samspon's death, no other horse has grown larger than him.
The world's currently tallest horse is also a Shire Horse . It's named Noddy and measures 2.05 m .
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Try it now!The largest horse breed in the world: Shire Horses
It is no surprise that the largest horses are the Shire Horses.
This is the largest horse breed in the world:
- Shire Horses reach an average height of 1.78 m at the withers.
- Their maximum weight is usually 1,200 kg
- They originate from Great Britain and are now primarily bred in Germany and England.
- They were originally bred as horses for knights. Thanks to their size and muscular strength, they were able to carry the knight and his armor.
- Later, the largest horse breed was used to cultivate the fields. Today, there is a large show scene.
- Furthermore, the influence of Shire horses in England is still very evident today. The horses are often depicted on pub emblems.
A comparison with other horse breeds reveals how huge the Shire Horses can be:
- An Andalusian horse has a height of approximately 150 to 169 cm.
- A fully grown Arabian horse measures 140 to 160 cm.
- For a Norwegian Fjord horse and the Icelandic horse it is 135 to 145 cm,
- while the Dülmen wild horses only grow to 125 to 135 cm tall.
The oldest horse in the world: Old Billy's impressive life
Horses typically live between 20 and 35 years , depending on whether they are cold-blooded, warm-blooded, or thoroughbred . Sometimes, however, animals significantly exceed this age limit.
The oldest horse in the world to date was a cart horse from Great Britain, aptly named Old Billy . He lived to be a full 62 years old .
- Old Billy was born in 1760 in a British village called Woolston.
- He worked as a cart horse and was in service for more than 50 years.
- It is believed that he belonged to the Cob or Shire Horse breed.
- At the age of 59, Old Billy retired until he finally died on November 27, 1822.
- His head was stuffed and is still on display in the Bedford Museum today.
Other notable horse records
Of course, there are many other exciting records that have been set by various horses.
We have summarized them here for you:
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Fastest racehorse: The current fastest racehorse is a mare named Drip Brew. In 2020, she ran the quarter mile in just 19.93 seconds, beating the previous record holder, Winning Brew.
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Highest jump by a horse: On February 5, 1949, a horse named Huaso jumped a height of 2.47 m. It took three attempts.
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The heaviest horse: The question "How much does a horse weigh?" is a relatively difficult one to answer. Height at the withers and breed play an important role. In fact, you already know the heaviest horse in the world. It's also the largest! Sampson is not only very tall, but at over 1,500 kg, he's also the heaviest horse in the world to date.
- The ugliest horse in the world: Beauty is, as we all know, in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, it's not easy to say which horse is the ugliest. Thoroughbred horses such as the Palomino , the Friesian , or the Pura Raza Española are often considered particularly beautiful.
Conclusion about the largest horse in the world
The world's tallest horse to date is named Sampson. His record of 2.19 meters at the withers remains unchallenged to this day. Shire horses are generally considered the tallest horse breed, which also makes them particularly heavy animals. Current records are subject to change at any time.
FAQ about the largest horse in the world
What is the most beautiful horse in the world?
You decide for yourself what the most beautiful horse in the world is. Andalusians, Palomino horses, and Friesian horses are generally considered particularly beautiful. If you're wondering "How much does a horse cost?" we can tell you that external characteristics often play a role in the price. They can be particularly important for show horses. But it also depends on the animals' performance.
What is the oldest horse in the world?
The oldest horse in the world is Old Billy. He lived to be 62 years old.
What is the fastest horse in the world?
How fast can a horse run? It's possible to reach speeds of up to 71 km/h. Some horses have briefly reached even higher speeds. However, over a quarter-mile, the mare Drip Brew is currently considered the fastest horse in the world.
Important:
Pferdegold is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and is intended to help improve your horse's well-being.
Pferdegold products do not treat or cure diseases, but rather support your horse in compensating for nutritional deficiencies through targeted nutrient intake.
However, they are not a substitute for professional advice from a veterinarian or specialist. If your horse has any health problems, we strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian. Pferdegold assumes no liability for decisions made based on the information provided here.
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