Big Jake Was a red lentil -bellious Vallak who lived from March 2001 to June 2021 and was known for its huge height. When Big Jake was measured in 2010, he reportedly broke the record for the world’s highest living horse, and he held that record for the rest of his life. In their hands he measured 20 and 2-3/4 ″ high, corresponding to 6 feet 10 inches. He is the second highest horse ever recorded behind Sampson (Foaled 1846 in Toddington Mills, Bedfordshire, England; 21.25 hands).
At birth, Big Jake weighed about 240 kilos (110 kg), which is about 100 kilos (45 kg) more than the average for his breed. He was born in the US state of Nebraska in 2001. He was not very high for a foal, but he was higher than his parents, which was average in height. When it became clear that Big Jake would be quite huge and demand special housing, Jerry Gilbert, the horse’s future owner, took over ownership. Smokey Hollow Farm announced Big Jake’s passing on June 27, 2021, with Gilbert’s wife who indicated that death had occurred about two weeks before but did not give the media a specific date. Jerry Gilbert paid tribute to Big Jake as a “gentle giant” and stated that he was going to keep his booth empty as a memorial.
