Calculate your horse's weight
This calculator estimates your horse's weight from two simple measurements: heart girth and body length. The method is based on the recognised Carroll & Huntington formula, one of the most accurate ways to estimate horse weight without a scale.
How to measure heart girth
Heart girth is measured with a tape just behind the front legs, around the horse's barrel at the widest point. Ensure the horse stands calmly on flat ground. Measure in centimetres and read the tape when it sits snug but not tight.
How to measure body length
Body length is measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttock. Use a rigid tape or string that you measure afterwards. The horse should stand square on all four legs.
The Carroll & Huntington formula
The formula calculates weight as: heart girth squared multiplied by body length divided by 11,877. This formula has been validated in several studies and typically gives a result within 5-10% of the true weight. For ponies and very large horses the deviation may be slightly greater.
Why is horse weight important?
Correct weight assessment is crucial for dosing dewormers and medication, calculating feed and supplements, evaluating body condition and health, and planning training. Misjudging weight can lead to under- or overdosing important medicine.