What is the best way to measure a horse? The best way to measure a horse involves using a specialized measuring stick or a flexible tape measure held at the correct anatomical points, primarily measuring from the ground up to the highest point of the shoulder, known as the wither.
Knowing how to get the right equine height measurement is vital for many horse owners and caretakers. Accurate measurements help you choose the right tack, plan feeding, track fitness, and ensure proper insurance coverage. This guide will show you the simple steps for getting precise measurements every time. We cover everything from height and weight to specific body points.
The Importance of Standard Horse Measurements
Why do we need to measure horses so carefully? Standard horse measurements give us a common language. Vets, farriers, saddle fitters, and breeders all rely on these standard numbers. When you are buying or selling a horse, these numbers back up the advertisement. For young horses, tracking horse growth measurements helps owners see if development is on pace. For performance horses, tracking changes helps show fitness gains or losses. Knowing how to get these numbers right means you get accurate records for your horse’s entire life.
Core Measurement 1: Determining Equine Height Measurement
The most common measurement is the horse’s height. This is always measured in hands and inches, not feet and inches. One hand equals four inches.
Measuring Horse Wither Height: The Gold Standard
The standard for measuring horse wither height is measuring from the ground straight up to the highest point of the horse’s back, where the neck meets the body. This spot is called the wither.
Tools Needed for Height Measurement
You need the right tools to measure accurately. Do not guess!
- Measuring Stick (Height Stick): This is the best tool. It has a flat base and a sliding arm marked in hands and inches.
- A Very Long, Sturdy Tape Measure: If you lack a height stick, a long, non-stretchy tape works. You will also need a carpenter’s square or spirit level for a perfectly straight line.
- A Level Surface: The ground must be flat and hard. Grass or uneven dirt gives wrong results.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using a Measuring Stick on a Horse
Follow these steps when using a measuring stick on a horse for the most reliable height reading:
- Preparation: Have the horse stand quietly. They should stand squarely on all four legs. It helps to have a helper hold the horse’s lead rope gently.
- Positioning the Stick: Place the base of the measuring stick firmly on the level ground, directly under the wither. Make sure the stick stands straight up.
- Taking the Reading: Slide the horizontal arm of the stick down until it rests flat on the top of the wither. Make sure the stick is perfectly vertical—not leaning forward or back.
- Reading the Measurement: Read the marks where the stick crosses the wither. The reading will be in hands (H) and inches (“). For example, 14-2 means 14 hands and 2 inches. Remember, 4 inches make up one hand.
- Note: Some people measure to the poll (the very top of the head), but the wither height is the recognized standard for breed registration and general calculating horse size.
Converting Hands and Inches
Sometimes you need the height in pure inches for calculations.
| Hands (H) | Inches (“) | Total Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 12 H | 0″ | 48 inches |
| 13 H | 0″ | 52 inches |
| 14 H | 0″ | 56 inches |
| 15 H | 0″ | 60 inches |
| 16 H | 0″ | 64 inches |
To convert 15-3 (15 hands, 3 inches): $(15 \times 4) + 3 = 60 + 3 = 63$ total inches.
Core Measurement 2: Determining Horse Weight
Knowing your horse’s weight is crucial for proper deworming, medication dosing, and monitoring fitness changes. Guessing can lead to underdosing or overdosing medications, which is dangerous.
Horse Weight Tape Use vs. Scale Weighing
There are two main ways to find a horse’s weight.
1. Using a Livestock Scale
This is the most accurate method. If you have access to a livestock scale, simply lead your horse onto it, ensure they stand still, and record the weight. This is the best method for critical medication dosing.
2. Horse Weight Tape Use
If a scale isn’t available, a horse weight tape use is a handy substitute. This specialized tape measures the heart girth (see below) and uses an equation built into the tape to estimate weight.
Important Caveat: Weight tapes are estimations. They work best on horses of average build. Very fat or very thin horses may show inaccurate readings. Always cross-check with visual assessment.
How to Use the Weight Tape
- Positioning: Stand the horse squarely on level ground.
- Wrapping: Wrap the tape around the horse’s heart girth. This spot is right behind the front legs and just behind the wither. The tape must be snug but not tight enough to push the skin in.
- Reading: Read the number directly off the tape where the end overlaps. This number is usually in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg).
Core Measurement 3: Horse Conformation Measurement
Horse conformation measurement involves taking precise readings of various body parts. These numbers help assess structure, movement potential, and balance. This is key for breeders and judges.
Measuring Cannon Bone Circumference
This measurement indicates bone strength. It is taken just below the knee (or hock) on the cannon bone (the long part of the leg).
- Place the tape measure around the circumference of the cannon bone.
- Keep the tape flat and firm.
- Record the measurement in inches. Thicker bones often mean a stronger, more sound horse.
Measuring Horse Leg Length Measurement
While not always standard, measuring the horse leg length measurement can be helpful, especially for young horses or when comparing horses of different heights.
- Use a measuring stick or a long ruler.
- Measure from the bottom edge of the cannon bone (where it meets the fetlock joint) straight up to the top of the elbow joint.
- It is best to do this measurement while the horse is standing square.
Measuring Barrel Girth and Length
The barrel refers to the main body section—from the point of the shoulder to the point of the hip.
- Girth: This is the same spot used for the weight tape (heart girth).
- Barrel Length: Measure from the point of the shoulder straight back to the point of the buttock (the widest part of the hindquarters).
A long barrel with a shorter leg length often suggests a horse built for endurance or speed.
Advanced Measurement Techniques: Tracking Horse Growth Measurements
For breeders or owners of young stock, tracking horse growth measurements is essential for monitoring development. Foals and yearlings grow rapidly, and deviations from the norm can signal health or nutrition problems.
Monitoring Growth Rate
Young horses should be measured regularly, perhaps every three months. Comparing the current wither height to previous measurements shows the growth curve.
Key Growth Benchmarks
Different breeds mature at different rates. However, generally speaking:
- A foal often reaches about 50% of its adult height by six months old.
- Yearlings are usually within 80-85% of their final height.
When calculating horse size for a foal, remember that they will gain height rapidly, then start filling out their body mass later.
Using a Measuring Stick on a Horse for Foals
Measuring a foal requires extra patience.
- Wait until the foal is calm and standing evenly.
- If using a height stick, place the base on the ground just behind the foreleg, directly under the wither area.
- Since the foal is small, you may need to crouch low to ensure the stick is perfectly vertical when taking the reading.
It is often easier to use a very long, straight ruler placed against the horse’s side while they are backed up to a wall or flat surface. Mark the wall at the wither height.
Deciphering Horse Measurements: What They Mean for You
Once you have the numbers, what do they tell you? This section helps with fathoming horse measurements in practical ways.
Height and Breed Standards
Height determines classification. Most breed associations require horses to be under 14-2 (14 hands, 2 inches) to be considered ponies. Larger horses (over 17 hands) are often referred to as “warmbloods” or “draft crosses” depending on their history.
| Horse Type | Typical Height Range (Hands) |
|---|---|
| Pony | Under 14-2 |
| Cob/Small Horse | 14-2 to 15-2 |
| Average Riding Horse | 15-2 to 16-0 |
| Large Sport Horse | Over 16-0 |
Weight and Conditioning Score
Weight relates directly to Body Condition Score (BCS), usually rated on the Henneke scale (1 to 9).
- Too Low Weight: A low weight reading combined with low BCS means the horse is underweight and needs nutritional support.
- Too High Weight: A high weight reading combined with a high BCS means the horse is overweight, increasing the risk of laminitis and joint strain.
Using the weight tape provides the data needed to track diet effectiveness over time.
Girth and Saddle Fitting
The heart girth measurement is the primary input for saddle sizing. Most saddle pads specify maximum girth lengths they cover. More importantly, the difference between the heart girth and the barrel length helps saddle fitters assess the shape of the horse’s back—flat versus rounded.
Leg Measurements and Soundness
While subtle, slight variations in horse leg length measurement between the left and right sides can indicate long-term skeletal imbalances. Farriers use cannon bone circumference to decide how much shoe material or support is needed.
Practical Tips for Measurement Accuracy
Even with the right tools, bad technique ruins the reading. Focus on consistency and calm execution.
Creating a Measuring Station
For owners with multiple horses or growing youngsters, set up a permanent measuring station.
- Find a flat concrete or asphalt area.
- Use a level to ensure the ground is truly flat.
- Mark the exact spot where the base of the measuring stick should sit relative to a nearby wall or fence post. This ensures consistency when taking multiple readings over months.
Handling the Horse During Measurement
The horse must cooperate. Any shifting of weight throws off the vertical line, leading to an inaccurate result.
- Square Stance: Train the horse to stand square—all four legs aligned vertically beneath the body. Reward them for standing still.
- Calm Environment: Measure away from loud noises, feeding times, or other distractions. A rushed measurement is a bad measurement.
- Consistent Technique: Always measure the same way. If you use one person to hold the tape and another to read it, ensure their positions never change between measurements.
Recording and Tracking Data
Accurate records are useless if they are not kept well.
- Use a Logbook or Spreadsheet: Record the date, time of day, type of measurement (height, weight, girth), and the result.
- Note Conditions: Briefly note the horse’s condition (e.g., “post-exercise,” “just after eating hay,” “lying down before standing square”). This context helps later when reviewing the data.
This systematic approach is vital for effective understanding horse measurements and their implications for health and training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I measure my horse’s height?
For adult horses in steady maintenance, measuring height every six months is usually fine. For growing foals and yearlings, measure every three months to monitor their growth curve closely.
Can I measure a horse’s height without a specialized measuring stick?
Yes, you can. Use a long, sturdy tape measure and a carpenter’s square (or spirit level) to ensure the tape is perfectly vertical from the ground to the wither. However, a dedicated height stick is faster and designed to keep that vertical line easily.
What is the difference between measuring to the wither and measuring to the poll?
Wither height is the standard measurement used for most breed registries and general classification; it is the highest point of the horse’s back where the neck joins. The poll is the highest point of the head, usually used when calculating overall height relative to a fixed structure or when looking at breeds where the head carriage is very important.
Why is my horse weight tape reading different from the actual scale weight?
Weight tapes use mathematical formulas based on average body densities. If your horse is pregnant, extremely fat (obese), or very skinny (emaciated), the tape will overestimate or underestimate the true weight because their body shape deviates from the average horse the tape was calibrated for.
What does ‘hands’ mean in horse measurement?
One hand equals exactly four inches. A reading like 15-1 means 15 hands plus one inch, totaling 61 inches. This is the standard unit for equine height measurement.