Big Jake Named World's Tallest Horse

Big Jake Named World's Tallest Horse AG WORLD 34-5-22 áAt 20 hands, 2 3/4 inches, Big Jake has been named the world's tallest living horse by the Guinness Book of World Records. The 9-year-old Belgian horse lives at Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette, Wis., a fifth generation operation that breeds draft horses and runs competitive hitch teams. "His new mission is to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity," says Jerry Gilbert, spokesperson for the farm. Big Jake was born in Nebraska and weighed 240 lbs. ù 50 lbs. more than average Belgian foals. Owners of the farm purchased him for his quality genetics, not his size. Over the past few years they recognized his potential to break the height record. Guinness sent guidelines, and owners spent a month to line up the necessary witnesses and officials to record Big Jake's height (6 ft. 10 3/4 in. to the withers). He maintains a healthy weight between 2,600 and 2,700 pounds and eats 40 lbs. of hay and 8 gals. of oats with added nutrients each day. "He loves attention and loves his neck scratched. There's no mean streak in him," Gilbert says. Contact them to discuss fees and transportation costs to have Big Jake attend events, alone or as part of a hitch team. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Smokey HollowFarm (ph 608 635-2046; www.smokeyhollowfarm.com).

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