A four-year-old Shire horse named Hugo has earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest living horse, standing at an extraordinary 1.99 metres, according to a BBC report.
The horse, which lives in Towcester, Northamptonshire, measures about 6.5ft at the withers, the ridge at the base of the neck. Guinness officials said Hugo’s height was formally verified by a veterinarian, with the measurement taken without shoes to ensure accuracy.
According to the BBC, Hugo’s unusual size has made him a local celebrity and attracted the attention of Guinness World Records officials. His owner, Brett Masters, said he receives extensive care from a chiropractor, dentist, veterinarian and masseuse, describing his routine as a “five-star lifestyle”.
Masters said he initially had no idea Hugo was exceptionally tall when he acquired him at 18 months old. He later realised the horse was “very tall, abnormally tall”, as his remarkable growth continued.
Another owner, Lisa Masters, described Hugo as a gentle giant, saying he was “a big softie, like an oversized dog”. His dental care alone involves twice-yearly examinations, highlighting the specialised attention required to keep the unusually large animal in good health.
Despite already making the record books, Hugo may not have reached his full height, his owner said. Shire horses are renowned for their enormous build and were historically used for heavy farm work and transportation, while the tallest horse ever documented was another Shire, Sampson, later renamed Mammoth, which reportedly stood at 2.19 metres (7ft 2.5in) in 1850.
