World’s Tallest Horse Dies Aged 20

World’s Tallest Horse Dies Aged 20

The world’s tallest horse, Big Jake, dies aged 20.

The 20-year-old Belgian Draft lived on Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin. Measuring in at 6ft 10 (2.1m) and weighing a massive 1,136kg, Big Jake was named to world tallest horse in 2010.

Valicia Gilbert, wife of the farm’s owner, Jerry Gilbert, said Big Jake died two weeks ago but declined to give the exact date of death when press reached out to her. Valicia explained;

We would rather not remember him by a date — it’s been a traumatic event for our family.”

Jerry Gilbert told WMTV that Big Jake was a “superstar” and a “truly magnificent animal.” He continued to explain how Big Jake was born in Nebraska and weighed 109 kg at birth. His birth weight was approximately 45kg heavier at birth than a typical Belgian foal.

“He loves to play around and play with people’s hair,” Jerry said of Big Jake in a 2012 YouTube video. “He’s kind of a big jokester, actually.” Big Jake also loved belly rubs, Jerry told Guinness World Records.

He also ate more than average-sized horses: a full bucket of grain twice per day in addition to a bale of hay each day.

Since Big Jake’s death, Jerry commented;

It’s very quiet (at the farm).”

“The other horses know. I think they have their own grieving time because Jake was the center of attention around here. There is a huge void. It feels like he’s still here, but he’s not.”

Jerry plans to memorialise Big Jake by keeping his stall empty. A brick will be inserted on the outside of the stall with Big Jake’s picture and name.

Header Image: Jerry Gilbert brushes Big Jake at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2014. [Credit: AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger]

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