The “Hand” Measurement for Horses

Answer Key

Questions (circle answer):                     

1.  Where did the hand measurement originate from?
a.  Egypt               b.  Sumeria              c.  Greece                 d.  Japan

2.  The horse’s withers is equivalent to what part of a human’s body?
a.  top of head             b.  shoulders                 c.  hips                 d. tailbone

3.  Most early measurements were based on what?
a.  a base 10 system                b. references to the body (hand or foot)
c.  sizes of animals                 d.  biblical references

4.  Why are these types of measurements inaccurate?
a.   the written language was not developed                   b.  horses were smaller
c.   humans come in different sizes                 d.  traders would lie about sizes

5.  How long is a cubit?
a.  four fingers       b.  one complete step    c.  waist to shoulders    d.  elbow to fingers

6.  If you were to measure your leg in hands, which measurement would most likely fit? 
a.  3-5                    b.  12-20                                c.  30-50                     d. 80-100

7..  What other measurement is commonly used in English-speaking countries that is based on a body part?    
a.  cubit            b.  pace     c.  centimeter             d. foot

8.  Measurements that are “standard” do not:  a.  compute   b.  vary   c. travel  d.  flow