A four-year-old Shire horse from Towcester has officially entered the record books as the world’s tallest living horse, measuring 199 cm (about 6.5 feet) at the withers.
The horse, named Hugo, is owned by Brett Masters of Tove Valley Shire Horses. According to Masters, the gentle giant is still growing and could surpass his current height, reports BBC.
Officials from Guinness World Records approached Masters after hearing about the locally famous horse. An official assessment was subsequently carried out by a veterinarian, who measured Hugo without shoes to ensure an accurate result.
Masters acquired Hugo when he was 18 months old and initially did not realise that the horse was unusually tall. Shire horses can continue growing until around eight and a half years of age, meaning Hugo could have another three years of growth.
Because of problems linked to his hyperactive growing plates, Hugo requires specialised care. His routine includes a carefully managed feeding regime, dietary supplements and regular treatment from a chiropractor, masseuse, veterinarian and dentist, who visits every six months.
Masters described Hugo’s care as a “five-star lifestyle”, saying the horse “wants for nothing”. Despite his imposing size, Hugo is “the kindest, most gentle kind of horse”, Masters said, adding that he is “very happy” and “loves a good fuss”.
Hugo regularly attracts attention whenever he goes out in public, with spectators stopping to film him and marvel at his size.
Shire horses were historically used as working animals on farms and for transport because of their large stature and ability to pull heavy loads. Hugo continues that tradition through public demonstrations, where he pulls agricultural implements and drives wagons. He is also learning to be ridden.
The tallest and heaviest horse ever documented in history remains Sampson, later renamed Mammoth, a Shire gelding bred by Thomas Cleaver of Toddington Mills in Bedfordshire. Sampson measured 2.19 metres (7 feet 2.5 inches) in 1850.
Masters received no monetary payment for Hugo’s official record recognition. However, he joked that any local carrot farmer willing to donate carrots would have a very willing recipient in Hugo.
