The biggest horse ever recorded in history was Sampson, Who was from Shire breed
Sampson was the biggest ever horse - a magnificent Shire who stood at an incredible 21.5 hands tall.
He lived in the early 19th century and was owned by Captain Samuel Bennett from London. Due to his impressive size, the public nicknamed him ‘Mammoth.’ Even today, very few horses come close to matching his size.
His huge size was attributed to the large amounts of oats and barley he consumed, along with his natural strength and athleticism. Sampson became famous, attracting people from far and wide who wanted to see this majestic horse. He was even used to pull carriages, showcasing his remarkable strength and size.
Sadly, Sampson died from colic at age 20 and was buried in a very large grave, marked by a monument that still stands today. He set a record as the biggest horse ever and remains one of the most impressive animals in history.
While many horses have been larger than most, they haven’t always been the healthiest or strongest. Very large or heavy horses can face health issues and may not be as agile or athletic as smaller horses. It’s important for horses to be a healthy size and weight for their breed and age to ensure their overall well-being.
Imagine being the farrier for the horse Sampson, you would need at least 2 people picking his feet up, and shoes would have need to be custom made!
Sampson Horse Height: 21.5hh / 219cm / 7ft 2in
Sampson Horse Weight: 3,360 lbs / 1524kg
The average height for women in the United States is 5 feet 4 inches, with a standing reach of 7 feet 1.4 inches. This means an average-height woman would barely be able to touch Sampson’s withers (the part of his back just behind his shoulders) with her fingertips while standing on her toes. You might need a ladder to get on top of this horse!
Sampson was gelded when he was 1 year old, which might have contributed to his impressive growth. Geldings often grow taller because their growth plates stay open longer after they are castrated.
The Tallest Horse in the world 2022
As of 2022, the world’s tallest living horse is not officially known because the Guinness World Records has not updated their records since Big Jake, the previous record holder, passed away in June 2021. Big Jake’s death was widely noted, as he was famous worldwide for being the tallest horse.
Big Jake was a Belgian draft chestnut horse and he measured 20.2hh (205cm) at the withers, and weighed around 2500 pounds.
Biggest Horse Breeds
Draft horses are often called gentle giants because of their large size and kind nature. These big horses continue to fascinate horse lovers around the world. Some of the largest horse breeds include the Belgian Draft, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch, American Cream Draft, Dutch Draft, Percheron, and Russian Heavy Draft.
Draft breeds were originally used for farm work because they are very strong and can pull heavy loads. They have the stamina for tough farm tasks and the strength to move heavy equipment. Although they aren’t commonly used for farming today, they are still popular for carriage driving and as family horses in North America. We hope you enjoyed learning about the largest horse breeds in the world!
Also read:
A 900-Pound Animal Becomes Stuck In The Mud, And A Woman Clings To Her Horse For Three Hours
You Will Want To Recycle Everything After Seeing These Photos
