How to estimate the weight of my horse

• To establish food rations: the recommended food intakes depend on the live weight of the animal.
• To monitor the growth of foals.
• To adjust the doses of drug treatment, in particular antiparasitic and to monitor the state of health in general.

• From measurements that are easy to take such as the height at the withers (HW), the thoracic perimeter (TP), baryometric formulas are available according to the type of animal.

• To take measurements of height at the withers and thoracic perimeter, place the horse upright on its 4 limbs on a flat ground, held in the hand and upright, head supported.

• Place a tape measure to the withers, taking as a mark the upper point to the right of the shoulder (scapula) vertically to the strap passage.
• Make sure the tape is flat and well positioned on both sides.
• Read the measurement in cm on the tape adjusted but without tension.

• Put on a halter + lanyard.
• Wear suitable (safety) shoes.
• Carry out the measurements with 2 people (handler, helper) or even 3 for young horses.

Warning, these baryometric formulas will no longer be valid for horses of extreme sizes (for which equations have not been established) : pony < 1 m, horse > 1,80 m.