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As horse enthusiasts, we are always fascinated by the elegance and grace of these majestic animals. However, there are some horses that stand out not only for their beauty but also for their incredible size. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 biggest horses in the world, their stories, and their notable achievements.
From Goliath, the Shire horse who was mistaken for an adult horse at just two years old, to Zeus, the Belgian draft horse who weighed a whopping 3,100 pounds, we will take a closer look at each of these amazing animals. So, saddle up and join us as we explore the world of the top 10 biggest horses.
For our list on The 10 Most Expensive Horse Breeds in the World click this link.
Key Takeaways
- The article discusses the top 10 biggest horses in the world and their remarkable stories.
- These horses come from different breeds and have different owners, but they all share the common trait of being incredibly large.
- The article highlights the notable achievements of each horse, including their Guinness World Records and their impact on their owners’ lives.
The Story of Goliath
Goliath was a Shire horse born in 1992 in Canada. At the beginning of his life, he faced challenges due to his big size. He was confused for an adult horse and started working at the young age of two years. However, his luck changed when he was four years old and was adopted by Harry Ransom, who found him in a bad state but decided to get him into the group of horses that worked in the Youngin COEs Bricker II spectacle.
At that time, it was discovered that Goliath was bigger than the average horses, measuring 76 inches in height. He made it into the Guinness World Records as the tallest horse in the world at that moment. Goliath’s size was a whole challenge for a jockey, but he was known for his elegance and amazing way of walking.
Sadly, Goliath died on July 20th, 2001, from natural causes. Despite his short life, he left a remarkable legacy as one of the biggest horses in the world. His story is a testament to the beauty and strength of these magnificent animals.
Cracker’s Journey
We were fascinated by the story of Cracker, a Shire horse born in 1989 in Somerset, England. When he was just a few years old, he traveled to Lincolnshire and became an instant sensation with his 76.2 inches in height. People from all over Britain flocked to see him, and he was even invited to the Burgh Railway Museum for an event where he impressed visitors with his elegance and obedience.
Despite his size, Cracker was known for his gentle nature and willingness to work. He was often used for promotional events and parades, and his owners were proud of his achievements. Cracker’s fame only continued to grow, and he became a beloved figure in the world of Shire horses.
Sadly, Cracker passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on. He inspired countless people to appreciate the beauty and majesty of these incredible animals, and his story continues to capture the imaginations of horse lovers around the world.
We were struck by the dedication and care that Cracker’s owners showed him throughout his life. They recognized his potential and worked hard to ensure that he was healthy, happy, and well-cared for. We can only imagine the joy and pride they must have felt as they watched him become one of the most famous horses in the world.
Overall, Cracker’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and love. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest Shire horses of all time, and his story will continue to inspire generations of horse lovers to come.
Radar’s Notable Presence
One of the most notable horses on this list is Radar, a Belgian draft horse born in 1998 in Iowa, United States. This horse was impossible to miss with its 2,400 pounds and towering height of 79.5 inches. Radar was loved by the preferred family, his owners, and lived with them until his death on October 5th, 2016.
Radar’s presence was so impressive that he stole the attention of everyone who saw him. His owners were proud to have him and shared his story with anyone who would listen. Despite his size, Radar was known for his gentle and loving nature, making him a favorite among those who knew him.
While Radar’s height was certainly impressive, it was his personality and demeanor that left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His owners often spoke about his friendly nature and the joy he brought to their lives. Even after his passing, Radar remains a beloved figure in the world of horses and a testament to the incredible size and beauty of these majestic animals.
Overall, Radar’s notable presence serves as a reminder of the incredible power and grace of horses and the impact they can have on those around them. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn about Radar and the other incredible horses on this list, and we hope that their stories will continue to inspire and amaze us for years to come.
Remington, The Clydesdale Breed
Remington is a Belgian draft horse that was born in Texas, United States, and comes from the Clydesdale breed. This magnificent horse measures 80 inches in height and earned the title of the tallest horse alive in 2008 by the Guinness World Record.
One funny and intimidating story about this giant horse is that after he stepped on the foot of his owner, he had to use orthopedic boots. The weight of this massive animal must have hurt!
Clydesdale horses are known for their strength and beauty. They are a breed of draft horse that originated in Scotland and were used for farming and transportation. Today, they are often used in parades and shows, where their impressive size and elegant movements are on full display.
Remington is a prime example of the power and grace of the Clydesdale breed. Despite his size, he is well-loved by his owners and is a beloved member of their family. His impressive stature has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records and has made him a celebrity in the horse world.
Overall, Remington is a testament to the majesty of the Clydesdale breed and is a true giant among horses.
Tina, The Shire
Tina is a Shire horse that was adopted by Jim and Marge Williams, who owned a hotel and a riding school called Spring Brook. At the time of adoption, Tina was only four months old, but the Williams soon realized that she had great size and didn’t stop growing. They decided to call Guinness World Records after making the official measurements and confirming that she was 80 inches tall. Tina was named the highest horse in the world in 2007.
Tina’s owners were amazed by her size and elegance. They took good care of her and provided her with the best food and shelter. Tina was a gentle giant, and she loved to interact with people. She was a popular attraction at the hotel, and many visitors came just to see her.
Tina’s size also presented some challenges. It was difficult for her to move around in small spaces, and she needed a lot of food and water to sustain her massive body. However, her owners were dedicated to providing her with everything she needed, and Tina lived a long and happy life.
In conclusion, Tina was a remarkable Shire horse that captured the hearts of many. Her size and elegance made her a popular attraction, and her owners provided her with the best care possible. Tina will always be remembered as one of the tallest horses in the world.
Po, The Battle Horse
Moving on to number 5 on our list, we have Po, the incredible battle horse. This giant horse stands at a towering height of 80.8 inches and weighs a whopping 2,500 pounds. It’s no wonder that Po needed a lot of food to maintain his size, devouring 99.2 pounds of grain and two liters of water every day.
Po’s first owner sold him because he couldn’t afford to keep him well-fed and in good condition. Fortunately, Shireen Thompson stepped in and decided to adopt him after seeing him in the Daily Mail. Po now lives on a little farm in Toronto, Ontario with his loving family.
It’s amazing to think about the sheer size of Po and how much food and care he requires. Despite his massive size, he is a gentle giant and a beloved member of his family. We can’t help but be in awe of Po’s incredible presence and strength.
Big Jake’s Record
Moving on to number four on the list of the top 10 biggest horses in the world, we have Big Jake. This majestic horse carries the incredible measurement of 82.75 inches, making him officially the tallest horse in the world according to the Guinness World Records.
Big Jake was born in January 2000 and his owner is Jerry Gilbert, who is also the manager of the Smokey Hollow Farm. From birth, Big Jake was an impressive horse, weighing in at 238 pounds, which was 50 pounds more than another newborn horse of his own race.
Despite his size, Big Jake is known for his gentle nature and friendly personality. He has become quite the celebrity, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to see him at the farm.
Jerry Gilbert takes great pride in owning Big Jake and has stated that he takes excellent care of him. This includes providing him with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise to keep him in top shape.
Overall, Big Jake is truly a remarkable horse and a testament to the incredible size and strength that these animals can possess.
Sovereign’s Recovery
When we found Sovereign, he was in a deplorable state, practically abandoned with rotten teeth and an infection in his helmet. We decided to buy him and paid approximately $232. Now, this huge horse is in better condition and has good care from his owner.
Sovereign is a Shire horse that measures 84 inches and is considered the tallest in Great Britain. His adorable size makes it a challenge to ride him, as he can’t use a horse seat. Instead, we must use a box and an oil drum to get on the big steed.
Despite his size, Sovereign is a gentle giant and has won the hearts of many. His recovery has been a long journey, but with proper care and attention, he has been able to overcome his past neglect and thrive under his new owner’s care. We are proud to have played a part in his recovery and look forward to seeing him continue to grow and thrive.
Samson, The Mammoth, was a shire horse born in 1846 in Bedfordshire, England. He was owned by Thomas Cleaver, who nicknamed him Mammoth due to his large size. Samson became known for his incredible height, measuring 84.8 inches, making him the tallest and heaviest horse in the world at the time.
Despite his massive size, Samson was neutered at just one and a half years old because his testicles were so large that they were about the size of soccer balls. His owner, Thomas Cleaver, took great care of him and ensured that he was well-fed and healthy.
Samson’s size made him a popular attraction, and he was often shown at fairs and exhibitions. He was known for his gentle temperament and was a favorite among children. Samson’s legacy lives on today, and he is still remembered as one of the tallest horses to have ever lived.
Overall, Samson was a remarkable animal, and his size and strength continue to captivate people to this day. We can only imagine what it must have been like to stand next to such a majestic creature and witness his sheer size and power.
Zeus, The Greek Mythology Horse
Zeus was a Belgian draft horse that lived up to his name as a god from Greek mythology. He measured an incredible 86 inches in height and weighed a whopping 3,100 pounds. During his early years, Zeus lived with his owner, a farmer in Maine, but was eventually sold due to his massive size.
Zeus found a new home at the Omni Mount Washington resort in New Hampshire, where he was put to work pulling sledges in Nestle nuke with another Belgian draft horse weighing 2,500 pounds. Despite his size, Zeus was obedient and hardworking, impressing everyone who saw him.
Zeus is a testament to the incredible size and strength that horses can possess. While he may not have held any official world records, his massive stature and impressive work ethic make him a true giant of the equine world.
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Hey there, I’m Jasmine! I’m a total horse fanatic and have been working with these amazing animals for as long as I can remember. I’m passionate about sharing my love for horses with others and helping them learn more about these majestic creatures. As a professional horse trainer and riding instructor, I’ve developed a deep understanding of equine science and am committed to the welfare of horses. That’s why I founded OwnTheHorse.com, a blog where I share my knowledge and insights with fellow horse enthusiasts. I love connecting with my readers and building a friendly community of horse lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, I’m here to help and inspire you. Above all, I’m a friendly and compassionate person who truly cares about the well-being of horses and their human companions.