How Much Does a Horse Weigh? Weights by Breed and Height
Updated: June 2026 · Rincón del Valle Team
How much does a horse weigh?
An adult horse can weigh between 200 kg (small ponies) and 1,000 kg (heavy draft horses). For reference: ponies 200-400 kg, light horses such as Arabs 400-450 kg, sport horses like KWPN or Hanoverians 500-650 kg, PRE 450-550 kg, draft horses and heavy breeds 700-1,000 kg.
By category
Shetland ponies: 150-200 kg. Welsh ponies: 200-300 kg. Large ponies (Connemara): 300-400 kg. Light breeds (Arab): 400-450 kg. PRE: 450-550 kg. Sport horses (KWPN, Hanoverian): 500-700 kg. Heavy draft (Percheron, Friesian): 700-1,000 kg.
How to estimate
The most commonly used reference formula is: weight ≈ (heart girth² × body length) / 11,880 (in cm), although a scale is the most accurate. Weight tapes are for reference only.
Importance
A horse's weight influences blanket size, supplement dosage, and veterinary management. It is important to have a clear idea of it.
Related resources
Related material
- Horse feed — feed, forage, and supplements to adjust the diet.
- Horse blankets — the size of the blanket depends on the horse's morphology.
Horse weight estimation calculator
Measure the horse while standing on level ground. Enter the heart girth, just behind the elbow, and the length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock.
Weight helps track body condition, but it does not determine blanket size or ration size on its own.
Sources: University of Minnesota Extension and Penn State Extension. Measurements are processed in your browser and are not sent anywhere.