Light riding horses are typically 14–16 hands (1.42–1.63m), larger riding horses are 15.2–17 hands (1.57–1.73m), and heavy or draft horses are usually 16–18 hands (1.63–1.83m). Growth can also be influenced by genetics and nutrition.
Horses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and you’ll find that their bodies differ depending on their breed, genetics, diet, and the amount of exercise they get.
As a rider, it’s important that you’re able to measure a horse’s height and weight, as this information will help you in a number of areas, such as monitoring their feeding needs, sizing up for the right saddle, knowing how much exercise they require, and choosing the right size horse for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of measuring a horse’s height and weight, including:
How tall is the average horse?
The average horse measures between 13.3–17.3 hands tall (or 1.4–1.8 metres), but it should be noted that this figure includes all breeds. For competition purposes, in the UK a pony is classified as being shorter than 14.2 hands (1.47m), though actual pony breeds can be taller than this — you can find out more on the differences between a horse and pony later in this section.
Looking at the different types of horse in more detail reveals more variance in height, with some being much shorter and some much taller on average. Light riding horses are typically 14–16 hands (1.42–1.63m), larger riding horses are 15.2–17 hands (1.57–1.73m), and heavy or draft horses are usually 16–18 hands (1.63–1.83m). Growth can also be influenced by genetics and nutrition.
The height of a horse is measured from the highest point of the withers, where the neck meets the back, down to the ground.
What is the difference between a horse and a pony?
Ponies and horses are both equines, but, confusingly, there are two ways a pony can be classified. Biologically there are breeds that are known as ponies that have differences in their bone and muscle structure to horses, as well as thicker manes, tails, and coats.
However, in UK competitions a horse or pony (of any breed) is known as a pony if it is under 14.2 hands (1.47m) in height, while a horse is considered to be this height or taller. In competitive riding, an equine considered a pony is usually entered into a pony classification, which sees younger riders tackling smaller jumps and shorter distances.
This can cause some confusion as there are larger pony breeds that regularly grow over 14.2 hands, but would be classed as horses at a competition. Likewise, smaller horse breeds can be shorter than this height, so while still biologically horses, would compete in a pony classification.
Why are horses measured in hands?
A hand is the historical unit of measurement used to measure the height of horses and is still widely used in lots of English-speaking countries. In equestrianism, it has been kept as the preferred unit of measure in spite of both imperial and metric systems as it is part of tradition. It is often abbreviated to “h” or “hh”.
Used since ancient times, the measurement was originally based on handspan, so quite a lot of variation was possible depending on the culture using it. In 1540, King Henry VIII standardised the measurement in England as 4 inches, which subsequently spread across the rest of the British Empire over the next several hundred years. This 4-inch standard was widely adopted and is still the preferred unit in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Metric units are mostly used in other parts of the world, as well as by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
How to measure a horse?
To measure a horse, you should make sure they are standing on an even surface and measure from the ground directly up to the highest point on their withers (A), as shown on the image below.
It’s best to use a measuring stick marked with hand intervals, but you can convert from inches or centimetres. It is also possible to use a tape measure, but you’ll probably need someone else to help you keep it straight.
Note: Looking to choose a horse that’s the right size? Then be sure to read our advice on choosing the right horse for your height.
How to convert horse measurements
Once you have your horse’s height in inches, you can convert it to hands by dividing it by 4. There’s a chance that your horse will have a measurement that can’t be split exactly into whole numbers — for example: 63 divided by 4 is 15.75. For these measurements, hands use a decimal place to represent the extra length that isn’t divisible:
A horse can weigh anything from 300–1,000kg. Like their height, this measurement will vary drastically across different breeds that are different sizes. For instance, a thoroughbred would be expected to weigh 450–500kg, while a shire horse would come in at 700–1,200kg. Ponies are smaller and can range from a Shetland pony at 180–200kg to a larger breed like the fell pony at 350–450kg.
Height is a major factor for a horse’s weight, as the increased frame of a taller horse will add bulk, so this needs to be considered when deciding if a horse is at a healthy level. Other influences that play a role are the horse’s age, diet, and level of activity. There is also the impact of their genes, which can control traits like how weight is carried, metabolism, and appetite.
Horse weight chart
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Here are some of the common breeds of horse found in the UK and their average weight range:
Horse breed Average weight (kg) Average weight (lbs) American Warmblood 550–600kg 1,212–1,322lbs Arabian horse 360–450kg 793–992lbs Ardennes horse 700–1,000kg 1,543–2,205lbs Cleveland bay horse 550–700kg 1,212–1,543lbs Clydesdale horse 700–800kg 1,543–1,764lbs Connemara pony 290–390kg 639–860lbs Dales pony 400–500kg 882–1,102lbs Dartmoor pony 200–320kg 441–705lbs Dutch Warmblood 550–600kg 1,212–1,322lbs Eriskay pony 300–400kg 661–882lbs Exmoor pony 300–400kg 661–882lbs Fell pony 350–450kg 772–992lbs Hackney horse 400–550kg 882–1,212lbs Hackney pony 250–350kg 551–772lbs Halfinger 350–600kg 772–1,322lbs Hanoverian horse 550–650kg 1,212–1,433lbs Highland pony 500–600kg 1,102–1,322lbs Holsteiner 450–700kg 992–1,764lbs Irish draught horse 600–700kg 1,322–1,764lbs New Forest pony 230–330kg 507–728lbs Percheron 850–950kg 1,874–2,094lbs Shetland pony 180–200kg 397–441lbs Shire horse 700–1200kg 1,543–2,646lbs Spotted pony 200–300kg 441–882lbs Suffolk Punch horse 750–900kg 1,653–1,984lbs Swedish Warmblood 400–550kg 882–1,212lbs Thoroughbred horse 450–500kg 992–1,102lbs Welara 300–400kg 661–882lbs Westphalian horse 450–600kg 992–1,322lbs
How to weigh a horse
Here are the three of easiest ways to weigh or accurately estimate the weight of your horse:
Please note: We recommend carrying out these measurements every 1–2 weeks and keeping a record of your horse’s progress. This way, you will be able to see how they’re doing and if there need to be any adjustments to feeding or medicines.
Checking your horse’s weight is a process that you will need to familiarise yourself with if you’re going to take the best care of them. This is because they need to stay within a healthy weight range for their breed, otherwise they may develop serious health issues. Being overweight can cause laminitis, heart disease, lung problems, and insulin resistance, while being underweight can be a sign of disease and dental issues. Checking weight can also help you to estimate the correct dosage for any medicines they require, as well as ensuring their feeding routine is balanced for their needs.
Using an equine scale
We’ll begin with the most obvious method: putting your horse on an equine or livestock scale, also known as a weighbridge. They feature large, heavy-duty platforms that are able to take the weight of a horse. However, while a scale will be completely accurate, they are not widely available, are quite large, and can be expensive to buy, so it may be the case that you don’t have access to one.
Using a horse weight tape
A horse weight tape is a soft tape measure that is marked with pounds or kilograms (or both) rather than standard length measurements. The idea is that, by measuring around the horse’s heart girth, which is from just under the withers, around the underside of the body (B), and back around again, it’s possible to estimate the overall weight. This method has about 90% accuracy and is the most common way that riders regularly check how much their horse weighs.
To use a weight tape:
Ensure that your horse is on level ground and is relaxed. This is important to ensure they are not tensing their muscles or overinflating their lungs by breathing heavily, both of which can interfere with the measurement. From your horse’s left-hand side, hold the tape at the point just behind their withers and let it hang off the opposite side of their body so that it’s dangling below the belly. Make sure it isn’t twisted and that your horse has a chance to get used to the tape. You may need a second pair of hands if you can’t reach. With your free hand, reach under your horse’s belly and take hold of the loose tape before pulling it up and around the left side of their body so that it’s snug but not too tight. The tape should run from just behind the withers, a couple of inches behind the front legs, and back up to the same position on the left side. Don’t worry if these instructions cause the tape to be on an angle across the body: that’s how it should be. Now that the tape is in place, you can read the point that’s adjacent to the zero point at the start of the tape to get your horse’s weight measure. For better accuracy, it’s recommended that you repeat this process three or four times and then calculate the average of the measurements. This is because your horse’s body will expand and contract as they breathe, giving a slightly different reading each time.
Using a weight formula
For a more accurate picture of your horse’s weight, you can use a regular tape measure to take their measurements (heart girth and body length) and use a widely used weight formula to calculate an estimate. There are two versions of the formula for metric and imperial measurements:
Using inches: ((heart girth x heart girth) x body length) ÷ 330 = body weight in pounds
((heart girth x heart girth) x body length) ÷ 330 = body weight in pounds Using centimetres: ((heart girth x heart girth) x body length) ÷ 11,990 = body weight in kilos
For this formula, you need to measure the heart girth, which can be done following the same steps as using a weight tape. You will also need to measure your horse’s body length as shown in the image below (C), which will likely need a second pair of hands. Follow these steps:
Get a second person to hold your horse and the measuring tape. They should position the zero end of the tape at the point of the shoulder at the front legs. Take the other end of the tape and walk to the rear of the horse, measuring to the point of the buttocks. Ensure the tape is taut and straight for an accurate read.
Here’s an example of each calculation so you can see how they work.
A horse has a heart girth of 78″ and a body length of 81″, so the formula would be:
((78 x 78) x 81) ÷ 330 = 1,493lb
A horse has a heart girth of 198cm and a body length of 206cm, so the formula would be:
((198 x 198) x 206) ÷ 11,990 = 674kg
Note: Do you need to find a horse that’s the right size? Then take a look at our advice on choosing the right horse for your weight.
Horse weight management tips
So, now you know approximately what your horse should weigh and how to check it, you will be able to track their progress every one to two weeks. However, you may be wondering what you should do if your horse starts to gain or lose weight in an unhealthy way — you can refer to our weight chart as a general guide to a weight range, but you should assess your horse individually if you’re still not sure. Our body scoring guide will walk you through how to get a better idea of your horse’s body condition. In this section, we’re going to share a few tips for managing the weight of under- or overweight horses.
Please note: This advice is intended as guidance only. You should always seek the opinion of a vet or equine nutrition specialist if you’re concerned about your horse’s weight.
Managing an underweight horse
Book in an appointment with the vet: Before taking any measures to correct your horse’s weight, get them examined by a vet. They will be able to carry out tests to make sure there are no serious underlying health problems that could be causing the weight loss.
Before taking any measures to correct your horse’s weight, get them examined by a vet. They will be able to carry out tests to make sure there are no serious underlying health problems that could be causing the weight loss. Check the quality of their roughage: Your horse can’t get the nutrients and energy they need from poor-quality roughage. You may need to ensure roughage has sufficient energy and nutritional value and isn’t coarse and hard to digest. This may require getting any roughage you have tested, but you should ensure there isn’t a problem at your end, like incorrectly storing hay or haylage.
Your horse can’t get the nutrients and energy they need from poor-quality roughage. You may need to ensure roughage has sufficient energy and nutritional value and isn’t coarse and hard to digest. This may require getting any roughage you have tested, but you should ensure there isn’t a problem at your end, like incorrectly storing hay or haylage. Give your horse unlimited roughage: Horses rely on roughage as the staple of their diet, so giving your horse access to it all the time will ensure that they’re free to pick at the food all day. This also ensures that their natural digestive pattern is mimicked, which will help them to put weight on more quickly.
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Horses rely on roughage as the staple of their diet, so giving your horse access to it all the time will ensure that they’re free to pick at the food all day. This also ensures that their natural digestive pattern is mimicked, which will help them to put weight on more quickly. Give your horse more outdoor grazing time: Naturally grown grass has higher levels of protein and energy than hay and haylage, so it’s worth leaving your horse outside in the pasture for longer to ensure they get as much as possible. Just be sure to appropriately rug your horse when they’re spending longer outdoors.
Naturally grown grass has higher levels of protein and energy than hay and haylage, so it’s worth leaving your horse outside in the pasture for longer to ensure they get as much as possible. Just be sure to appropriately rug your horse when they’re spending longer outdoors. Adjust diet to match level of work: When you work your horse more, they may need extra types of feed, like grains, supplements, and mixes, to compensate for the extra energy they expend. You need to review and adjust their feed to match any changes in their needs if you begin to work them harder.
Managing an overweight horse
Get advice from a vet: Have your horse examined by a vet before you make any decisions about altering their feed or other measures. It could be an underlying health issue that is causing the problem rather than overeating.
Have your horse examined by a vet before you make any decisions about altering their feed or other measures. It could be an underlying health issue that is causing the problem rather than overeating. Review their feed: If your horse’s current feed is giving them too many calories, it could be causing them to put on weight. Therefore, it’s worth reviewing their needs and making any necessary adjustments to the level of roughage or the other types of feed they’re currently consuming to ensure they’re rebalanced.
If your horse’s current feed is giving them too many calories, it could be causing them to put on weight. Therefore, it’s worth reviewing their needs and making any necessary adjustments to the level of roughage or the other types of feed they’re currently consuming to ensure they’re rebalanced. Accurately weigh all their food: To ensure you’re not accidentally overfeeding, be sure to weigh all of your horse’s food, rather than guessing or using volumetric measures like handfuls or scoops. This will give you the most accurate portion size possible.
To ensure you’re not accidentally overfeeding, be sure to weigh all of your horse’s food, rather than guessing or using volumetric measures like handfuls or scoops. This will give you the most accurate portion size possible. Reduce the amount of grazing: If you turn your horse out in a pasture for the day, it could be that they’re overgrazing themselves or eating a species of grass that has more energy in it than you thought. Rather than stabling your horse, try to move them to a location where they can be turned out without access to huge quantities of roughage. This will make sure that your horse still gets exercise and exposure to weather that is essential for weight loss.
If you turn your horse out in a pasture for the day, it could be that they’re overgrazing themselves or eating a species of grass that has more energy in it than you thought. Rather than stabling your horse, try to move them to a location where they can be turned out without access to huge quantities of roughage. This will make sure that your horse still gets exercise and exposure to weather that is essential for weight loss. Explore more creative grazing solutions: There are some slightly more creative ways that will allow your horse to be turned out and lose weight. Putting up fences that force them to walk a distance to get water or low-calorie roughage can increase their exercise. You can also allow a horse that isn’t overweight to graze the pasture first, so all the luscious grass has already been eaten.
There are some slightly more creative ways that will allow your horse to be turned out and lose weight. Putting up fences that force them to walk a distance to get water or low-calorie roughage can increase their exercise. You can also allow a horse that isn’t overweight to graze the pasture first, so all the luscious grass has already been eaten. Consider whether you’re over-rugging your horse: A horse that has too much protection from the weather will expend fewer calories than one with the right level of protection, as they don’t need to exercise as much to stay warm and their body doesn’t need to burn as much energy. Therefore, it is worth considering whether you are providing too much blanketing for your horse — check our rugging guide, which has a horse rug temperature guide, to see what the appropriate level should be.
A horse that has too much protection from the weather will expend fewer calories than one with the right level of protection, as they don’t need to exercise as much to stay warm and their body doesn’t need to burn as much energy. Therefore, it is worth considering whether you are providing too much blanketing for your horse — check our rugging guide, which has a horse rug temperature guide, to see what the appropriate level should be. Increase the level of work: It may be the case that your horse is not getting the right level of exercise for their diet or in general. Therefore, you may need to ride them more often, walk them around, or allow them to spend more time outdoors to ensure they burn that energy.
Being able to accurately measure your horse’s height and track their weight will help you keep them as healthy as possible. It will also make other tasks easier, like when you’re buying tack or planning what eventing, showjumping, or dressage categories you’re going to enter. We hope this guide has given you an insight into how important height and weight are and how to monitor them.
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