Big Jake, the world’s tallest living horse at 20.2hh, has died at the age of 20.
Big Jake lived on Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin, USA. The news was shared on the farm’s Facebook page at the end of June.
Big Jake stood over 20hh
“It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of Big Jake,” said the post.
“Big Jake was much more than a world record holder. He was a central part of our family. We feel very privileged to have had him in our lives. He truly loved people and impacted many over the course of his lifetime.”
Big Jake was a Belgian Draft horse and held the Guinness World Record for being the World’s Tallest Horse. He was certified in 2010, measuring an incredible 20 hands 2.75 inches (210.19cm) to his withers.
Born in Nebraska, it became apparent quickly after his birth that he was something special.
“He weighed 240 pounds, and that’s unusual for a foal,” Jerry Gilbert, owner of Smokey Hollow Farm, told NBC. “The average would be 140 pounds.”
Big Jake was broken to drive, and pulled a carriage with fellow Belgian Draft Almighty Bruce, who passed away in spring 2021.
Bruce was also 20 hands high, and the two horses were said to have been “quite the pair.”
Big Jake went to many shows during his career.
“He really knew how to work the crowd,” added Jerry.
Big Jake (right) driving alongside Almight Bruce
“He knew he was special, and whenever we would show him people would be taken back by his size.”
He was a big character on the farm, too.
“Jake would take a nap at about 1pm every day, and he snored,” said Jerry. “It was the funniest thing.”
The Gilberts have made plans to memorialise Big Jake on their farm. They have chosen to keep his stable empty, with a brick displaying the horse’s name and picture outside.
