World’s Tallest Horse 2010 World Record set by Jack Belgium

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That’s when he’ll be officially presented, to thousands of horse lovers, as the Guinness World Record holder for world’s tallest living horse.

The 9-year-old Belgian gelding from Smokey Hollow Farm near Poynette stands 20 hands, 2.75 inches — that’s one quarter inch short of 6 foot 11 inches — from the bottom of his unshod hooves to his withers, or top of the shoulder blades. He’s taller than the previous record holder, a Clydesdale from Texas named Remington, who’s 20 hands tall.

Jerry Gilbert, co-owner of Smokey Hollow Farm, said a certificate from Guinness World Records in England arrived at the farm, by express delivery, in late March.

But Jake’s coronation as a world record holder will officially take place Friday, at the Midwest Horse Fair, scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the Alliant Energy Center.

Jake also will appear — along with his sidekick from Smokey Hollow Farm, a miniature stallion named Nemo — at the Kids Korral throughout the show.

Gilbert said people are welcome to take Jake’s picture, but probably won’t be allowed to stand next to him for a height comparison, because Jake, like many horses, may not be accustomed to strangers.

According to Gilbert, the Midwest Horse Fair was chosen as the place where Jake would make his debut as a record-holder because the show long has been a favorite of the people at Smokey Hollow Farm.

The event, which attracted more than 52,000 people last year, features more than 500 exhibitors, numerous horses and educational seminars.

Daily admission costs are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate; weekend passes are available for $27 in advance or $36 at the gate. Children 7 and younger are admitted to the show free, though children will need tickets for the nightly shows.

Meanwhile, Gilbert is awaiting Big Jake’s official appearance in the Guinness Book of World Records.

“He’s not guaranteed to be in the book,” he said. “The 2010 edition may have already gone to press, but maybe he’ll be in the 2011 edition.”

World’s Tallest Horse 2010 Guinness World Record Video Live