Old, but still used norms for judging the height in horses.
| Cob "double pony" | 150 cm (14' 3 hands) |
| Small horse | 151-155 cm (14' 3.5 - 15' 1 hands) |
| Medium (height) horse | 156-165 cm (15' 1.5 - 16' 1 hands) |
| Tall horse | over 166 cm (16' 1.5 hands) |
According to English marking of horses, any horse under 148 cm (about 14' 2 hands) tall in the withers, no matter what breed/race is called a pony.
Tall horses are very seldom evenly build, often on too tall leg, less durable and enduring but more demanding (hard keepers).
Warm-blooded horse over 170 cm (16' 3 hands) in the withers (stick measurement) is too tall for breeding as well as for use (often clumsy). Such oversized horses were excluded from the breeding program. Too tall horses are not economical, because they need more feed/water just for maintenance alone (even without work). In carriage and/or under rider as well, they are less athletic than the small or medium size horses. The ideal size of a warm-blood is between 155 cm (15' 1 hands) to 165 cm (16' 1 hands). Smaller horses are standing more securely on their legs, they are more durable and maneuverable/athletic, therefore they are more suitable in difficult terrains and hard use.