Horses are large animals that can vary dramatically in size depending on the breed
An “average” horse might weigh 1,000 pounds, but weights can range from less than 200 pounds for a mini horse to more than 2,000 pounds for a draft horse
It is important to know how much your horse weighs in order to accurately calculate feed rations and medications
Knowing your horse’s weight is an important component of keeping them healthy
The most accurate method is to use a cattle scale
The next best method is to estimate your horse’s weight using a weight tape or online calculator
Stop guessing and start knowing how much your horse weighs
Stop guessing and start knowing how much your horse weighs
The easiest and most accurate way to measure a horse’s weight is to use a cattle scale
After weighing your horse on a cattle scale, use the weight tape formula method (discussed below)
Notice the difference – now you can be more accurate when using a weight tape in the future
If you have a grain elevator nearby* and can hitch your horse, you can ask permission to use their truck scales
Using this method, you will pull your truck and trailer with a loaded horse and relieve the weight of the truck and trailer
The difference is the approximate weight of your horse
Remember that truck scales are generally accurate to +/- 1%
If there is build-up on the scale (such as snow or ice) it will be less accurate
*As a former grain elevator manageryou must get permission before using someone else’s scale
Please do not unload your horse in the grain elevator; this could be a safety or liability issue
How to draw a horse without scales
How to draw a horse without scales
How to draw a horse without scales
How to draw a horse without scales
Most horse owners don’t have access to a scale, especially on a regular basis
The next most accurate way to get your horse’s weight is to use a weight tape
A weight tape allows you to measure your horse and estimate its weight
Depending on the breed of your horse and the method used, it can be quite accurate
We suggest enlisting the help of a friend to make it easier to get accurate measurements
Some weight bands estimate based on heart circumference measurements alone; these are less accurate than the weight tape formula method
Click to buy horse weight tape on Amazon
The formula method requires a bit of math (or an online calculator) but is more accurate
First, you need to measure the horse’s heart circumference
To do this, measure the entire circumference of the horse; the tape should be where the saddle will enter, or about 4 inches behind the elbow point
Next, measure the length of your horse
(Heart Circumference * Heart Circumference * Length) / 330 = Approximate Weight in Lbs
Instead of dividing by 330 for a year, you would divide by 201
Instead of dividing by 330 for weaning, you would divide by 280
It is most accurate for horses weighing about 1000 lbs and about 16 hh
In general, this formula will work well for quarter horses, but it will overestimate the weight of thoroughbred horses and underestimate the weight of warmbloods
Not accurate for ponies or minis
Remember that weight bands are still estimates, but once you’ve established a baseline, they can be useful for tracking changes and understanding trends
A short video on how to draw a horse using a weight tape:
How to estimate the weight of a horse
How to estimate the weight of a horse
Simply estimating a horse’s weight is the least accurate of the three methods discussed in this article
It would be better to use a weight tape, find a scale, or use an online horse weight calculator
Since most people do not have access to a scale large enough to weigh a horse, the most common method is to use a weight tape
With two measurements and a little math, you’ll quickly get a fairly accurate estimate
When using the “formula method” (heart circumference measurement * heart circumference measurement * horse length) in addition to the weight tape, weight tapes are generally within 5-10% of actual body weight
Simply “guessing” your horse’s weight is significantly less accurate – this method sees errors of up to 20-25%
If you don’t have access to a scale, the next best way to weigh your horse is to use a weight tape and do some math
Unfortunately, the weight tape / formula method is less accurate for ponies and less accurate for miniature horses
World Equine Veterinary Review has created a weight chart for miniature horses
This chart uses the heart circumference measurement and converts it to an estimate of body weight in kilograms
The best way to weigh your mini horse is to use a livestock scale
While there isn’t technically a specific weight tape for draft horses, the same weight tape/formula method can still be fairly accurate for a draft horse
This website offers a weight tape that claims to measure 20hh
Knowing your horse’s weight is an important component of their overall health and wellness
Invest in a weight tape, set a baseline and check it periodically
If you have access to a scale, document your horse’s measurements at that weight for more accurate weight calculations in the future
The Biggest Loser: A Beginner’s Guide to Horse Weight Loss
Tips and tricks: How to help older horses gain weight
Small Packers: How Much Weight Can Mini Horses Carry?
How much does a horse weigh?
https://wwwproequinegroomscom/tips/health-and-well-being/how-to-estimate-your-horse-s-weight
https://kercom/equinews/using-weight-tapes-horses/