Accurately measuring a horse’s height and weight is crucial for responsible ownership, impacting everything from feeding and exercise to selecting the right tack. Horses vary significantly in size and build based on breed, genetics, diet, and activity levels. This guide will walk you through the essential methods for determining a horse’s height and weight, offering insights into average measurements and management tips.
How Tall is the Average Horse?
The average horse stands between 13.3 to 17.3 hands tall, which is approximately 1.4 to 1.8 meters. However, this range encompasses all breeds. In the UK, horses under 14.2 hands (1.47m) are classified as ponies for competition purposes, though some pony breeds can exceed this height. Lighter riding horses typically range from 14 to 16 hands (1.42–1.63m), larger riding horses from 15.2 to 17 hands (1.57–1.73m), and draft horses usually measure 16 to 18 hands (1.63–1.83m). Genetics and nutrition also play significant roles in a horse’s final height.
Horse height is measured from the highest point of the withers, where the neck joins the back, down to the ground.
Common Horse Breed Heights
Here is a chart illustrating the average height ranges for various horse breeds:
| Horse breed | Average height (hands) | Average height (inches) | Average height (metres) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Warmblood | 15–17 | 60–68 | 1.52–1.73 |
| Arabian horse | 14.1–15.1 | 57–61 | 1.45–1.55 |
| Ardennes horse | 15.3–16.1 | 63–65 | 1.60–1.65 |
| Cleveland bay horse | 16–16.2 | 64–66 | 1.63–1.68 |
| Clydesdale horse | 16–18 | 64–72 | 1.63–1.83 |
| Connemara pony | 12.2–14.2 | 50–58 | 1.27–1.47 |
| Dales pony | 13–14 | 52–56 | 1.32–1.42 |
| Dartmoor pony | 11.1–12.2 | 45–50 | 1.14–1.27 |
| Dutch Warmblood | 15–17 | 60–68 | 1.52–1.73 |
| Eriskay pony | 12–13.2 | 48–54 | 1.22–1.37 |
| Exmoor pony | 11.1–12.3 | 45–51 | 1.14–1.30 |
| Fell pony | 13.2–14 | 54–56 | 1.37–1.42 |
| Hackney horse | 14.2–16.2 | 58–66 | 1.47–1.68 |
| Hackney pony | 12–14 | 48–56 | 1.22–1.42 |
| Haflinger | 13.2–15 | 54–60 | 1.40–1.52 |
| Hanoverian horse | 15.3–17.2 | 63–70 | 1.60–1.78 |
| Highland pony | 13–14.2 | 52–58 | 1.32–1.47 |
| Holsteiner | 16–17 | 64–68 | 1.63–1.73 |
| Irish draught horse | 15.1–16.3 | 61–63 | 1.55–1.60 |
| New Forest pony | 12–14.2 | 48–58 | 1.22–1.47 |
| Percheron | 16–17 | 64–68 | 1.63–1.73 |
| Shetland pony | 7–10.2 | 28–42 | 0.71–1.07 |
| Shire horse | 16–17 | 64–68 | 1.63–1.73 |
| Spotted pony | 8–14 | 32–56 | 0.81–1.42 |
| Suffolk Punch horse | 16.1–17.3 | 65–71 | 1.65–1.80 |
| Swedish Warmblood | 16–17 | 64–68 | 1.63–1.73 |
| Thoroughbred horse | 15.2–17.2 | 62–70 | 1.57–1.78 |
| Welara | 11.2–15 | 46–60 | 1.17–1.52 |
| Westphalian horse | 15.2–17.2 | 62–70 | 1.57–1.78 |
Horse vs. Pony Classification
Both horses and ponies are equines, but classification can be confusing. Biologically, certain breeds are distinct pony breeds with differences in bone structure, muscle, and coat thickness. Competition rules, particularly in the UK, classify any equine under 14.2 hands (1.47m) as a pony, regardless of breed. This distinction affects rider eligibility and competition levels, with younger riders often competing on “ponies” while adults compete on “horses.”
Why Measure Horses in Hands?
The “hand” is a traditional unit of measurement for horse height, remaining popular in English-speaking countries due to equestrian tradition. Originally based on hand span, it was standardized in England by King Henry VIII in 1540 to be exactly 4 inches. This standard is still used in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and Ireland, while metric units are prevalent elsewhere and used by the FEI.
How to Measure a Horse’s Height
To measure a horse’s height, ensure it stands on a level surface. Measure from the ground directly up to the highest point of the withers. A measuring stick with hand intervals is ideal, but measurements in inches or centimeters can be converted. A tape measure can also be used, though assistance may be needed.
Converting Horse Measurements
To convert a horse’s height from inches to hands, divide the measurement by 4. For measurements that don’t divide evenly, use a decimal system:
- 0.25 inches = 0.1 hands
- 0.5 inches = 0.2 hands
- 0.75 inches = 0.3 hands
For example, 63 inches is 15.75 inches, which translates to 15.3 hands. Similarly, 57 inches is 14.25 inches, or 14.1 hands.
| Hands | Inches | Feet/inches | Metres |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 28 | 2’4″ | 0.7112 |
| 7.1 | 29 | 2’5″ | 0.7366 |
| 7.2 | 30 | 2’6″ | 0.762 |
| 7.3 | 31 | 2’7″ | 0.7874 |
| 8.0 | 32 | 2’8″ | 0.8128 |
| 8.1 | 33 | 2’9″ | 0.8382 |
| 8.2 | 34 | 2’10” | 0.8636 |
| 8.3 | 35 | 2’11” | 0.889 |
| 9.0 | 36 | 3′ | 0.9144 |
| 9.1 | 37 | 3’1″ | 0.9398 |
| 9.2 | 38 | 3’2″ | 0.9652 |
| 9.3 | 39 | 3’3″ | 0.9906 |
| 10.0 | 40 | 3’4″ | 1.016 |
| 10.1 | 41 | 3’5″ | 1.0414 |
| 10.2 | 42 | 3’6″ | 1.0668 |
| 10.3 | 43 | 3’7″ | 1.0922 |
| 11.0 | 44 | 3’8″ | 1.1176 |
| 11.1 | 45 | 3’9″ | 1.143 |
| 11.2 | 46 | 3’10” | 1.1684 |
| 11.3 | 47 | 3’11” | 1.1938 |
| 12.0 | 48 | 4′ | 1.2192 |
| 12.1 | 49 | 4’1″ | 1.2446 |
| 12.2 | 50 | 4’2″ | 1.27 |
| 12.3 | 51 | 4’3″ | 1.2954 |
| 13.0 | 52 | 4’4″ | 1.3208 |
| 13.1 | 53 | 4’5″ | 1.3462 |
| 13.2 | 54 | 4’6″ | 1.397 |
| 13.3 | 55 | 4’7″ | 1.397 |
| 14.0 | 56 | 4’8″ | 1.4224 |
| 14.1 | 57 | 4’9″ | 1.4478 |
| 14.2 | 58 | 4’10” | 1.4732 |
| 14.3 | 59 | 4’11” | 1.4986 |
| 15.0 | 60 | 5′ | 1.524 |
| 15.1 | 61 | 5’1″ | 1.5494 |
| 15.2 | 62 | 5’2″ | 1.5748 |
| 15.3 | 63 | 5’3″ | 1.6002 |
| 16.0 | 64 | 5’4″ | 1.6256 |
| 16.1 | 65 | 5’5″ | 1.651 |
| 16.2 | 66 | 5’6″ | 1.6764 |
| 16.3 | 67 | 5’7″ | 1.7018 |
| 17.0 | 68 | 5’8″ | 1.7272 |
| 17.1 | 69 | 5’9″ | 1.7526 |
| 17.2 | 70 | 5’10” | 1.778 |
| 17.3 | 71 | 5’11” | 1.803 |
| 18.0 | 72 | 6′ | 1.8288 |
How Much Does a Horse Weigh?
A horse’s weight can range from 300kg to over 1000kg, varying significantly by breed. For instance, a Thoroughbred might weigh 450–500kg, while a Shire horse could weigh 700–1200kg. Ponies are generally lighter, with Shetland ponies weighing around 180–200kg and larger breeds like the Fell pony between 350–450kg.
Height is a primary factor influencing weight, as a larger frame naturally adds mass. Age, diet, activity level, and genetics also impact a horse’s weight.
Common Horse Breed Weights
The following chart provides average weight ranges for various horse breeds:
| 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 |
| Haflinger | 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
Regularly monitoring your horse’s weight is essential for identifying potential health issues. Overweight horses are at risk for laminitis, heart disease, and insulin resistance, while underweight horses may indicate underlying disease or dental problems. Accurate weight also helps in determining correct medication dosages and balancing their diet.
Using an Equine Scale
The most accurate method is using an equine or livestock scale (weighbridge). These large platforms are designed to handle a horse’s weight. However, they are not widely accessible, can be expensive, and are often large.
Using a Horse Weight Tape
A horse weight tape is a specialized soft tape measure calibrated in pounds or kilograms. By measuring the horse’s heart girth (just under the withers, around the underside of the body), you can estimate their weight with approximately 90% accuracy.
To use a weight tape:
- Ensure your horse is on level ground and relaxed.
- From the horse’s left side, position the tape behind the withers, letting it hang under the belly.
- Pull the tape snug, but not too tight, around the horse. It should run from behind the withers, a couple of inches behind the front legs, and back to the starting point.
- Read the weight indicated on the tape adjacent to the zero point.
- Repeat the measurement several times and calculate the average for increased accuracy, as breathing can cause slight variations.
Using a Weight Formula
For a more precise estimate, you can use a regular tape measure to record heart girth and body length, then apply a weight formula:
- Imperial: ((heart girth x heart girth) x body length) ÷ 330 = body weight in pounds
- Metric: ((heart girth x heart girth) x body length) ÷ 11,990 = body weight in kilos
The heart girth is measured as described for the weight tape. Body length is measured from the point of the shoulder at the front legs to the point of the buttocks.
Example Calculation (Imperial): A horse with a heart girth of 78″ and a body length of 81″ would be: ((78 x 78) x 81) ÷ 330 = 1,493lb.
Example Calculation (Metric): A horse with a heart girth of 198cm and a body length of 206cm would be: ((198 x 198) x 206) ÷ 11,990 = 674kg.
Horse Weight Management Tips
If your horse is underweight or overweight, professional veterinary advice is paramount.
Managing an Underweight Horse
- Veterinary Check-up: Rule out underlying health issues.
- Roughage Quality: Ensure roughage is nutritious and easily digestible.
- Unlimited Roughage: Provide constant access to quality roughage to support natural digestion.
- Increased Grazing: Allow more time on pasture for nutrient-rich grass.
- Diet Adjustment: Increase feed, potentially including grains or supplements, to match increased work levels.
Managing an Overweight Horse
- Veterinary Consultation: Assess for any underlying health conditions.
- Feed Review: Adjust caloric intake by modifying roughage or other feed types.
- Accurate Food Weighing: Precisely weigh all food portions to avoid overfeeding.
- Reduced Grazing: Limit pasture access to control intake, or use fencing to increase grazing effort.
- Creative Grazing: Use methods like shared pastures or requiring horses to walk for food/water to increase exercise.
- Appropriate Rugging: Ensure the horse isn’t over-rugged, which can reduce calorie expenditure.
- Increased Exercise: Increase riding or walking frequency to burn excess calories.
By accurately measuring your horse’s height and monitoring their weight, you can ensure they remain healthy and happy. This knowledge also aids in practical tasks like purchasing tack and planning participation in equestrian events such as eventing, showjumping, or dressage. Explore more equestrian content at Horse & Country, including training videos, sports coverage, and documentaries. Subscribe today for more expert advice.
