Shagyas came from the Seglawy Sheifi strain of Desert breds developed by the Bani Sakher.. Shagya himself was reportedly a bit over 15.2 hands tall. More than likely that is band height wherein the tape is not just taken to the top of the withers but rather follows the curve of the horses heart girth- thus giving a slightly longer length and making it seem like the horse is taller than they really are. best Bruce Peek