Why is it important to measure the horse standing square?

Measuring a horse while it is standing square is crucial to ensure an accurate height measurement. When a horse is positioned squarely, all four feet should be aligned evenly, and the horse's body is balanced. This alignment allows for an accurate reading of the horse's height at the withers, which is essential for various purposes, including competition classifications and health assessments.

If a horse is not standing square, it can lead to discrepancies in height measurements. For instance, if the horse shifts weight onto one side or stands with its feet unevenly placed, the height measured may either be too high or too low, which can have implications for its use in competitions, registries, and sales. Hence, ensuring the horse stands square guarantees that the measurement reflects its true height, which ultimately impacts its classification and suitability for certain disciplines within the equine industry.