A Shire horse named Hugo, living in the UK, has been recognised as the world’s tallest living horse, standing at 199 centimetres, or about 6 feet 6 inches, according to Guinness World Records.
Hugo weighs around 890 kilograms and has attracted attention because of his exceptional size. His owners, Brett and Lisa Masters, say that despite his imposing stature, he has a gentle temperament and behaves much like a large pet dog.
Hugo Could Continue Growing
Hugo’s growth is reportedly not yet complete. His owners believe he could continue growing until around seven or eight years of age, meaning his height could potentially increase further.
The horse lives in Towsester, UK, where his unusual size had already made him a local attraction. People attending events often stopped to see him and record videos.
Shire Horses Known for Strength
Shire horses are among the largest horse breeds and are known for their size and strength. Historically, they were used for farming, transporting goods and pulling heavy loads.
Despite Hugo’s record as the tallest living horse, he does not hold the record for the tallest horse in history.
According to Guinness World Records, that distinction belongs to Sampson, another Shire horse. Sampson was recorded in 1850 at 2.19 metres, or approximately 7 feet 2.5 inches tall.