Horse length

A horse length, or simply length, is a unit of measurement for the length of a horse from nose to tail, approximately 8 feet (2.4 m).^[1]

Use in horse racing

The length is commonly used in Thoroughbred horse racing, where it describes the distance between horses in a race. Horses may be described as winning by several lengths, as in the notable example of Secretariat, who won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths (248 feet (76 m)). More often, winning distances are merely a fraction of a length, such as half a length.

Other measures

Distances smaller than that are similarly described in reference to the equine body with terms such as a "neck",^[2] and a "head", a "short head" or "nose", the smallest possible named advantage by which a horse can win. In Ireland a margin of more than 30 lengths is described as a "distance". In the United Kingdom, the maximum recognised distance is 99 lengths, with anything over this being referred to as "99+ lengths". In France the term "short neck" is used for a margin intermediate between a head and a neck. Harness race finishing margins are typically measured in meters.

Other uses

These terms are used in other disciplines of equestrianism as well, particularly useful as a guide for riders in spacing animals apart when a number of them are all together in a riding arena, such as during group riding instruction or at a horse show.

Abbreviations

In reporting result of horse races winning margins are commonly abbreviated:

See also

• Glossary of equestrian terms
• Glossary of Australian and New Zealand punting (horse-racing terms)
• List of unusual units of measurement
• Glossary of North American horse racing

References