Buzz
Sampson's legacy includes massive horseshoes that are hard to match. Credit: James Brokensha Photography / Getty ImagesMain Highlights
- Sampson, famously known as Mammoth, was a Shire horse from the 19th century, standing at an impressive 21.25 hands (7 feet, 2.5 inches) and weighing 3,360 pounds, earning him the title of the largest horse in recorded history.
- Bred by Thomas Cleaver in Bedfordshire, England, Sampson became a symbol of equine grandeur.
- Other giant horses include Big Jake, a Belgian horse reaching 20 hands and 2.75 inches, alongside other large breeds such as the Shire, Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron, and Suffolk Punch.
Sampson, a remarkable Shire horse from the 19th century, became a legend due to his extraordinary size and power, overshadowing even the most massive draft horses of his era.
Despite numerous attempts to surpass his record, Sampson still holds the title of the largest horse ever documented by historians and record-keeping organizations.
Mammoth: A Legend Among Horses
While details about Sampson's life are scarce, Guinness World Records has preserved the key facts about this extraordinary horse, including his impressive measurements.
As recorded by the reference book, Sampson stood at 21.25 hands, equivalent to 7 feet, 2.5 inches (2.19 meters), and weighed 3,360 pounds (1,524 kg), earning him the distinction of being the "Tallest Horse."
For comparison, the typical horse stands between 14 to 17 hands tall, measured from the ground to the withers, the highest point just behind the neck.
Sampson, bred by Thomas Cleaver, came into the world in 1846 in Toddington Mills, Bedfordshire, England. As a Shire gelding, he was part of a horse breed renowned for its remarkable size and strength.
Eventually, Sampson was given the name Mammoth, a fitting tribute to his towering stature that surpassed all other horses of his time.
Big Jake: The Gentle Giant
Decades after Sampson's era, in 2010, another horse emerged as a potential rival for the title of the world's largest horse.
Big Jake, a Belgian gelding, measured 20 hands and 2.75 inches, or 6 feet, 10.8 inches (2.1 meters). Residing at Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin, he gained fame when Guinness World Records recognized him as the "tallest living horse" in their 2011 edition.
Similar to Sampson, Big Jake belonged to a horse breed celebrated for its immense size. Belgian horses, originally bred in Belgium for agricultural tasks and heavy hauling, are widely respected for their strength and stature.
At birth, Big Jake weighed 240 pounds (109 kg). By the time he earned the title of the world's largest horse, he had grown to an astonishing 2,500 pounds (1,200 kg).
Born in March 2001, Big Jake passed away in June 2021, living a remarkable 20 years. His owner, Jerry Gilbert, shared that Big Jake sustained his massive frame by consuming two buckets of grain and one bale of hay daily.
The World's Largest Horse Breeds
Certain horse breeds are renowned for their extraordinary size and strength. Known as draft or draught horses in some areas, these massive breeds have historically been vital to farming and transportation.
Shire Horses
Hailing from England, the Shire horse is celebrated for its impressive stature and calm temperament. Typically standing between 17 to 19 hands, Shires rank among the tallest horse breeds globally, with exceptional individuals like Sampson surpassing 20 hands.
Throughout history, Shire horses have been employed for tasks such as hauling heavy loads and tilling fields.
Belgian Heavy Drafts
Belgian draft horses, or Belgian heavy drafts, are another breed admired for their immense size and strength. Originating in Belgium, these horses usually stand between 16 and 17 hands tall, though exceptional individuals like Big Jake can grow even taller.
Known for their robust build and calm nature, Belgian horses are perfectly suited for farming and pulling heavy loads.
Clydesdale, Percheron and Suffolk Punch Horses
Other notable large breeds include the Clydesdale, hailing from Scotland; the Percheron, native to France's Perche region; and the Suffolk Punch, England's oldest draft horse breed.
Over the centuries, these horses' impressive size, intelligence, and gentle temperament have made them favorites for tasks like pulling carts and carriages, participating in parades and exhibitions, and performing agricultural duties such as farming and logging.
