Why should the horse's head be relaxed during measurement?

The horse's head should be relaxed during measurement primarily to avoid any height discrepancies. When measuring a horse for height, it's important that the animal stands squarely and naturally, with its head in a relaxed position. If the horse's head is held up or carried in an unnatural position, it can inadvertently alter the height reading. This could lead to an incorrect measurement, which is critical in various contexts such as competitions, sales, and determining appropriate tack sizes. A relaxed head position allows for a more accurate representation of the horse’s true height.

Although comfort for the horse and aesthetic appearance might be considered, they do not directly address the primary concern of obtaining an accurate measurement in equine practice. Similarly, while the owner's comfort is valuable, it is not a justification for ensuring the horse's head is relaxed during the measurement process.