Hugo the Shire horse recognized as world's tallest living horse

Hugo, a four-year-old Shire horse living in Towcester, Northamptonshire, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest living horse. Standing at 199 centimeters (approximately 19.2 hands), his height was verified by a veterinarian measuring the animal without shoes to ensure accuracy.

Owner Brett Masters, who runs Tove Valley Shire Horses, noted that Hugo is still in a growth phase and is expected to continue developing until approximately eight and a half years of age. Due to his rapid growth, Hugo receives intensive specialized care, including regular visits from a veterinarian, dentist, chiropractor, and massage therapist, alongside a strictly controlled diet and supplements.

While Hugo holds the record for the tallest living horse, he does not surpass the historical record held by Sampson (later known as Mammoth), a Shire horse recorded at 2.19 meters in 1850.