It’s hard to determine average horse weight even when factoring in height. This is because there is a multitude of breeds, with vastly different conformation characteristics. For example, a Gypsy may only be 14-15 hands, but a healthy and average weight will be extremely different from a 14-15 hand Morgan. For this reason, many people use the Henneke Scale (shown below) as a gauge for proper weight. Here is an average horse weight chart using very loose guidelines:
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Average Horse Weight Chart
When speaking about an “average” horse, most people think of a 900-1,100-pound 15 hand horse. However, average horse sizes range from 800 up to 1,800 pounds depending on the breed!
| Horse Breed | Weight (kg) | Height (hh) |
|---|---|---|
| American Cream Draft | 725-905 | 15-16.3 |
| American Quarter Horse | 455-590 | 14-16.3 |
| American Saddlebred | 455-545 | 14.3-16.1 |
| American Standardbred | 545-600 | 14-15 |
| Appaloosa | 455-590 | 14-15 |
| Arabian | 380-480 | 14.1-15.1 |
| Belgian Draft | 860-1000 | 14-17.3 |
| Clydesdale | 725-815 | 15.3-17 |
| Dutch Warmblood | 545-590 | 15.3-16.3 |
| Friesian | 545-635 | 15-16 |
| Miniature Horse | 110-225 | 7.3-9 |
| Mustang | 365-455 | 12-14.1 |
| Percheron | 860-955 | 15.3-17.1 |
| Shire | 770-1225 | 16-17.3 |
| Tennessee Walker | 410-635 | 14.3-15.3 |
| Thoroughbred | 455-590 | 15.3-17 |
| Walkaloosa | 455-590 | 14-15 |
| Welsh Pony | 205-340 | 12-13.1 |
| Welsh Cob | 270-455 | 13-14.1 |
The Henneke Scale
The Henneke scale is a good way to assess equine body scores among different breeds. The system uses visual and palpated fat scoring from the ribs, withers, loin, tailhead, shoulders, and neck. The scoring system is rated from 1-9, with 5 being ideal. The poorest condition, 1, is a state of extreme emaciation. At this point, most horses will start to experience organ failure. The highest number, 9, is extreme fat that poses an immediate danger.
| Condition Level | Ribs | Neck | Wither | Loin | Tailhead | Shoulder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor 1 | Prominent and project outwardProminent and project outward | Bone structure prominent, the horse appears emaciated, no fatty tissues | Bone prominent | Spinous processes project outwardly | Bone projection, no fatty tissues | Bone structure is seen and felt |
| Very Thin 2 | Almost no fat covering | ribs Horse still emaciated | Faint fat covering | Slight fat covering spinous processes, but still prominent | Tailhead still prominent | Shoulder line highly visible |
| Thin 3 | Very slight fat on ribs, still visible | Highly visible withers | Neck Highly visible shoulder | Spinous processes only half covered in fat, still prominent and traverse processes can’t be felt | Tailhead projects but individual vertebrae hidden, pin bones not highly distinguishable | Accentuated |
| Moderately Thin 5 | Faint | Neck not prominently thin | Withers not obviously thin | Negative crease noticeable on the back | Fat can be felt, but not seen, hook bones are not discernible | Outline Not noticeably thin |
| Moderate 5 | Ribs not visible, but easily felt | Neck blends into the body | Withers rounded nicely | Level back | Fat around tailhead and starts to feel spongy | Shoulder blends nicely |
| Moderately Fleshy 6 | Ribs not visible, but easily felt | Beginning fat deposits | Beginning fat deposits | Possible positive crease down spine | Fat around tailhead is soft | Beginning fat deposits |
| Fleshy 7 | Fat filling between ribs, but ribs still separate | Actual fat deposits | There are fat deposits | Possible positive crease down spine | Distinguishable Fat around tailhead will be soft | New fat deposits behind shoulder line |
| Fat 8 | Difficult to feel ribs at all | Thickened neck and crest, fatty buttocks | Withers have fat pockets | All Positive crease down spine | Tailhead very soft | No noticeable shoulder line |
| Extremely Fat 9 | Patchy fat and no visible ribs | Bulging fat and cresty, buttocks may rub | Fat bulges | Large positive crease down spine | Fat built up around tailhead | Fat bulges |
Proper Weight
So what is a proper weight for a horse, and why is it important? Ideally, a horse will score a “5”, which is a moderate weight and considered ideal. Distinct characteristics of this chart include smooth neck to body transitions, rounded withers over the spine, no visible ribs but easily felt, level back, and fat present around the tailhead. Serious irreversible medical issues can arise when a horse is too extreme in either direction on the Henneke Scale.
Overweight
Horses suffering from obesity have increased stress on both the lungs and the heart. This can also be an issue in developing horses, causing bone and joint issues. Although not a problem in all animals, horses are also at increased risk of laminitis when overweight. No hoof, no horse!
Underweight
Although many health problems can result in an underweight horse, nutritional gaps are the primary problem with underweight horses. Nutritional deficiencies can result in a multitude of problems. As horses become emaciated, they lose necessary muscling and protective fat layers. At the final stages, a horse’s internal organs will begin to fail.
Feed Control Methods
Feed control is the primary way to control weight on a horse. Exercise is a factor, but grass and feeds can make or break a horse’s diet. However, each corrective feeding method has its own challenges. When putting weight on an emaciated horse, it must be done strategically and slowly primarily with easily digestible forage. When “dieting” a horse, it can be difficult to find low NSC hays or control pasture access/grass growth.
Final Thoughts
Although averages for horse weight are wide-ranging, this chart should give readers a good idea of what ideal and average body weights are. Where do your horses fall on the Henneke scale? If you have friends with horses, be sure to share this article!
How much does a rodeo horse weigh?
An average rodeo horse weighsbetween 1200 and 1500 pounds and is approximately 5.5 feet tall. These horses are extremely quick and can reach speeds up to 35 mph on a regular basis. The rodeo horse has a long, deep chest that allows it to breathe easily while galloping at high speeds.
In order to ride a rodeo horse, a rider must be at least tall. A rider’s height is also a factor in determining the size of the horse. In addition to being tall, the rider must also be able to withstand the extreme strain of riding a bucking horse.
What is the heaviest horse breed?
The heaviest horse breed is Shire. Shire is a British breed of draught horse, known for holding several world records both for the largest and the tallest horse.
But no matter the height, Shires have excellent stamina and can travel long distances. The Shire has a low center of gravity, making it easier to work with than other breeds. When the Shire was first developed in the 19th century, it was primarily a working horse, used for plowing, hauling, and similar tasks. Over the years, the breed has been used for other purposes, including driving and racing.
In recent decades, the Shire has become more popular as a family companion animal. The Shire is an active, athletic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are good around children but can be too protective of them. They enjoy attention and can be overly sensitive to criticism or neglect. They can be stubborn, especially when young, but their temperament can improve as they grow older. The Shire is intelligent, alert, and responsive.
How much does a 16 hand Quarter Horse Weigh?
In average, a 16 hand Quarter horse weigh from 950 to 1,200 pounds. The height of mature animals is normally from 14.3 to 16 hands (57 to 64 inches, or 145 to 163 cm), and their weight from 950 to 1,200 pounds (431 to 544 kg). American Quarter Horses are very loyal and protective. They are incredibly strong and have a tendency to be courageous and lively. They have a calm, cooperative temperament. What’s more, they are a small, stocky horse that can do well in a variety of terrain. The most common color is the chestnut, followed by the roan and the bay.
What is the average height and weight of a horse?
An average height of a horse is 5 feet. The height of a horse is mostly determined by genetics, and is influenced by the breed, the individual, and the nutrition of the horse. There are many factors that determine a horse’s height, including the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that make up the structure of the animal. Genetics also play a role, as well as the weight of the horse and the way it’s put together.
The average weight of a horse is in between 900 and 1100 pounds. A horse’s weight is influenced by many factors, including the breed, age, and nutrition of the animal. A horse’s weight also varies by season, with some breeds being more suited to cooler temperatures than others.
