What is the tallest type of horse?

The Shire is generally regarded as the tallest type of horse.

Shires are an English draft-horse breed developed for heavy farm work, hauling, and pulling carts. They are known for their exceptional height, muscular build, broad chests, and feathering—the long hair around their lower legs. Mature Shires commonly stand around 16 to 18 hands high, and some individuals reach 19 hands, or about 76 inches at the withers.

The breed's history is tied to the English Great Horse and the heavy horses used in medieval England. Over time, breeders selected larger animals for agricultural labor and transport before mechanized equipment reduced the need for working draft horses.

The Belgian is often confused with the Shire because it is among the heaviest horse breeds and can be extremely large. However, when a quiz asks for the tallest horse breed or type, Shire is the standard answer. Height is measured at the withers, not the top of the head.