Biggest Horses in the World: Horses have been the emblem of grace, power, and victory. These gentle giants stand out not just for their personality and courage, but for their utter size. Let’s meet the largest horses in the world that instigate awe and wonder wherever they go.
World’s Biggest Horses: Name, Breed & Height
Rank | Horse Name | Breed | Height (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Year Born |
1 | Big Jake | Belgian | 82.75 | 2,500 | 2001 |
2 | Sampson | Shire | 84.8 | 3,150 | 1846 |
3 | Dreadnought | Shire | 84 | 2,400 | 1893 |
4 | Doctor Le Gear | Shire | 83.5 | 2,800 | 1949 |
5 | Poe | Shire | 80.8 | 2,200 | 1850 |
6 | Brooklyn Supreme | Belgian | 80.5 | 2,000 | 1933 |
7 | Fedor | Percheron | 80 | 2,400 | 1898 |
8 | Sultan | Shire | 79.5 | 2,600 | 1922 |
9 | Lincolnshire Tom | Shire | 79 | 2,200 | 1850 |
10 | Charlemagne | Brabant | 78.5 | 2,300 | 1941 |
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Big Jake, the Gentle Giant (82 inches tall and 2,200 pounds)
The undeniable title holder, the Belgian Big Jake stands at a staggering 20 hands 2 ¾ inches (82.75 inches) tall, being listed as one of the top 10 tallest horses in the world. He wasn’t always destined for greatness but was a runt during birth, weighing just 66 pounds.
He was formally declared the tallest horse in the world by the Guinness World Records in 2010 and held the title.
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Sampson: The Legendary Shire (84 inches tall and 2,107 pounds
Sampson was a master of equine size, tagged as the biggest horse in the world. Standing tall with 84.8 inches and weighing a stunning 2,107 pounds, he gained fame and name for his immense work load, pulling power in the farms of England.
Sadly, Sampson lived short due to problems from a castration method. He remains a marvel in the world of horses, remembered for his unbelievable power and physique.
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Dreadnought: A Gentle Powerhouse (84 inches tall and 2,000 pounds)
Popular as one of the world’s largest horses, Dreadnought grew up to at 84 inches tall and weighed around 2,000 pounds. Dreadnought worked on farms and even pulled a double-decker omnibus in London and enjoyed a long and healthy life.
He was known for his calm nature and extraordinary pulling power, making him a precious asset to his owners.
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Doctor Le Gear: A Showstopper (83 inches tall and 1,980 pounds
Standing at 83.5 inches and weighing 1,980 pounds, Doctor Le Gear was a Shire stallion whose handsome form won him championship shows and impressed many around him, being one of the biggest horses in the world.
Doctor Le Gear wasn’t just a mighty stud, though. He was also a strong and multitalented horse, used for ploughing and farm work when not gracing the show ring.
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Poe: A Shire Stallion (80 Inches Tall and 1,863 Pounds)
Rounding out the top five is Poe, a Shire stallion born in 1850 who stood at 80.8 inches and weighed around 1,863 pounds, listing him as one of the largest horses in the world. While not as tall as some of his compatriots on this list, Poe was still an impressive sight, known for his powerful build and thick mane and tail.
Poe enjoyed a long life, working on farms and leaving behind a line of strong and healthy offspring.
World’s Largest Horses: The Remaining Gentle Giants
The world of horses doesn’t end with the top five. Five more majestic horses deserve all the praiseworthy allocation as well.
- Brooklyn Supreme: Tagged as the tallest horse ever, the 80.5-inch tall Belgian giant known for his quiet personality and remarkable pulling power.
- Fedor: An 80-inch tall Percheron steed whose power and acumen made him a precious workhorse.
- Sultan: A 79.5-inch tall Shire stallion popular for his graceful carriage and authoritative build.
- Lincolnshire Tom: A 79-inch tall Shire stallion famous for his resilience and endurance.
- Charlemagne: A 78.5-inch tall Brabant stallion, known for its versatility and good temperament.
The title of the biggest horse in the world is a testament to the awe-inspiring size and strength of these magnificent creatures. Whether marvelling at their towering stature or appreciating their gentle nature, these gentle giants captivate the imagination and showcase the remarkable diversity within the animal kingdom.