Horse Sizes overview by breed, weight, height
Horses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and youβll find that their bodies and dimensions change by their breed. As a rider, itβs important you know how to measure horse sizes like horseβs height and weight.
Knowing the right size is needed to know horse’s feeding needs, saddle size, gear size and eventually chosing the right-sized horse for you.
The Horse Sizes overview includes
- How tall is the average horse?
- Why are horses measured in hands?
- How to measure a horse?
- How much does a horse weigh?
- Which size of Horse do you need?
- Horse weight management tips
Looking for other Horse related items like Horse Blankets, Horse Halters, Saddles, and so on…? click the links or go to the full Horse size chart page here.
How tall is the average horse?
The average horse measures between 13.3β17.3 hands tall (or 1.4β1.8 metres), but it should be noted that this figure includes all breeds. For competition purposes, in the UK a pony is classified as being shorter than 14.2 hands (1.47m), though actual pony breeds can be taller than this β you can find out more on theΒ differences between a horse and ponyΒ later in this section.
Looking at the different types of horse in more detail reveals more variance in height, with some being much shorter and some much taller on average. Light riding horses are typically 14β16 hands (1.42β1.63m), larger riding horses are 15.2β17 hands (1.57β1.73m), and heavy or draft horses are usually 16β18 hands (1.63β1.83m). Growth can also be influenced by genetics and nutrition.
The height of a horse isΒ measuredΒ from the highest point of the withers, where the neck meets the back, down to the ground.
Horse height chart
Here are some of the common breeds of horse found in the UK and their average height range:
Horse breed | Average height (hands) | Average height (inches) | Average height (metres) |
---|---|---|---|
American Warmblood | 15β17 hands | 60β68 inches | 1.52β1.73m |
Arabian horse | 14.1β15.1 hands | 57β61 inches | 1.45β1.55m |
Ardennes horse | 15.3β16.1 hands | 63β65 inches | 1.60β1.65m |
Cleveland bay horse | 16β16.2 hands | 64β66 inches | 1.63β1.68m |
Clydesdale horse | 16β18 hands | 64β72 inches | 1.63β1.83m |
Connemara pony | 12.2β14.2 hands | 50β58 inches | 1.27β1.47m |
Dales pony | 13β14 hands | 52β56 inches | 1.32β1.42m |
Dartmoor pony | 11.1β12.2 hands | 45β50 inches | 1.14β1.27m |
Dutch Warmblood | 15β17 hands | 60β68 inches | 1.52β1.73m |
Eriskay pony | 12β13.2 hands | 48β54 inches | 1.22β1.37m |
Exmoor pony | 11.1β12.3 hands | 45β51 inches | 1.14β1.30m |
Fell pony | 13.2β14 hands | 54β56 inches | 1.37β1.42m |
Hackney horse | 14.2β16.2 hands | 58β66 inches | 1.47β1.68m |
Hackney pony | 12β14 hands | 48β56 inches | 1.22β1.42m |
Halfinger | 13.2β15 hands | 54β60 inches | 1.40β1.52m |
Hanoverian horse | 15.3β17.2 hands | 63β70 inches | 1.60β1.78m |
Highland pony | 13β14.2 hands | 52β58 inches | 1.32β1.47m |
Holsteiner | 16β17 hands | 64β68 inches | 1.63β1.73m |
Irish draught horse | 15.1β16.3 hands | 61β63 inches | 1.55β1.60m |
New Forest pony | 12β14.2 hands | 48β58 inches | 1.22β1.47m |
Percheron | 16β17 hands | 64β68 inches | 1.63β1.73m |
Shetland pony | 7β10.2 hands | 28β42 inches | 0.71β1.07m |
Shire horse | 16β17 hands | 64β68 inches | 1.63β1.73m |
Spotted pony | 8β14 hands | 32β56 inches | 0.81β1.42m |
Suffolk Punch horse | 16.1β17.3 hands | 65β71 inches | 1.65β1.80m |
Swedish Warmblood | 16β17 hands | 64β68 inches | 1.63β1.73m |
Thoroughbred horse | 15.2β17.2 hands | 62β70 inches | 1.57β1.78m |
Welara | 11.2β15 hands | 46β60 inches | 1.17β1.52m |
Westphalian horse | 15.2β17.2 hands | 62β70 inches | 1.57β1.78m |
What is the difference between a horse and a pony?
Ponies and horses are both equines, but, confusingly, there are two ways a pony can be classified. Biologically there are breeds that are known as ponies that have differences in their bone and muscle structure to horses, as well as thicker manes, tails, and coats.
However, in UK competitions a horse or pony (of any breed) is known as a pony if it is under 14.2 hands (1.47m) in height, while a horse is considered to be this height or taller. In competitive riding, an equine considered a pony is usually entered into a pony classification, which sees younger riders tackling smaller jumps and shorter distances.
Adults usually ride an equine in the horse classification and compete at the regular levels.
This can cause some confusion as there are larger pony breeds that regularly grow over 14.2 hands, but would be classed as horses at a competition. Likewise, smaller horse breeds can be shorter than this height, so while still biologically horses, would compete in a pony classification.
Why are horses measured in hands?
A hand is the historical unit of measurement used to measure the height of horses and is still widely used in lots of English-speaking countries. It is often abbreviated to βhβ or βhhβ.
A hand is standardized in England as 4 inches, which subsequently spread across the rest of the British Empire over the next several hundred years. This 4-inch standard was widely adopted and is still the preferred unit in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Metric units are mostly used in other parts of the world
How to measure a horse?
To measure a horse, you should make sure they are standing on an even surface and measure from the ground directly up to the highest point on their withers (A), as shown on the image below.
Itβs best to use a measuring stick marked with hand intervals, but you can convert from inches or centimetres. It is also possible to use a tape measure, but youβll probably need someone else to help you keep it straight.
Note: Looking to choose a horse thatβs the right size? Then be sure to read our advice on choosing the right horse for your height.
How to convert horse sizes
Once you have your horseβs height in inches, you can convert it to hands by dividing it by 4. Thereβs a chance that your horse will have a measurement that canβt be split exactly into whole numbers β for example: 63 divided by 4 is 15.75. For these measurements, hands use a decimal place to represent the extra length that isnβt divisible:
- 0.25 = 0.1
- 0.5 = 0.2
- 0.75 = 0.3
For example: If your horse is 63 inches tall, 63 divided by 4 is 15.75, which is 15.3 hands. Or, if your horse is 57 inches tall, 57 divided by 4 is 14.25, which is 14.1 hands.
Weβve provided a handy horse sizes conversion table below to help you convert your measurements.
Hands | Inches | Feet/inches | Metres |
---|---|---|---|
7.0 | 28 | 2β4β³ | 0.7112 |
7.1 | 29 | 2β5β³ | 0.7366 |
7.2 | 30 | 2β6β³ | 0.762 |
7.3 | 31 | 2β7β³ | 0.7874 |
8.0 | 32 | 2β8β³ | 0.8128 |
8.1 | 33 | 2β9β³ | 0.8382 |
8.2 | 34 | 2β10β | 0.8636 |
8.3 | 35 | 2β11β | 0.889 |
9.0 | 36 | 3β² | 0.9144 |
9.1 | 37 | 3β1β³ | 0.9398 |
9.2 | 38 | 3β2β³ | 0.9652 |
9.3 | 39 | 3β3β³ | 0.9906 |
10.0 | 40 | 3β4β³ | 1.016 |
10.1 | 41 | 3β5β³ | 1.0414 |
10.2 | 42 | 3β6β³ | 1.0668 |
10.3 | 43 | 3β7β³ | 1.0922 |
11.0 | 44 | 3β8β³ | 1.1176 |
11.1 | 45 | 3β9β³ | 1.143 |
11.2 | 46 | 3β10β | 1.1684 |
11.3 | 47 | 3β11β | 1.1938 |
12.0 | 48 | 4β² | 1.2192 |
12.1 | 49 | 4β1β³ | 1.2446 |
12.2 | 50 | 4β2β³ | 1.27 |
12.3 | 51 | 4β3β³ | 1.2954 |
13.0 | 52 | 4β4β³ | 1.3208 |
13.1 | 53 | 4β5β³ | 1.3462 |
13.2 | 54 | 4β6β³ | 1.397 |
13.3 | 55 | 4β7β³ | 1.397 |
14.0 | 56 | 4β8β³ | 1.4224 |
14.1 | 57 | 4β9β³ | 1.4478 |
14.2 | 58 | 4β10β | 1.4732 |
14.3 | 59 | 4β11β | 1.4986 |
15.0 | 60 | 5β² | 1.524 |
15.1 | 61 | 5β1β³ | 1.5494 |
15.2 | 62 | 5β2β³ | 1.5748 |
15.3 | 63 | 5β3β³ | 1.6002 |
16.0 | 64 | 5β4β³ | 1.6256 |
16.1 | 65 | 5β5β³ | 1.651 |
16.2 | 66 | 5β6β³ | 1.6764 |
16.3 | 67 | 5β7β³ | 1.7018 |
17.0 | 68 | 5β8β³ | 1.7272 |
17.1 | 69 | 5β9β³ | 1.7526 |
17.2 | 70 | 5β10β | 1.778 |
17.3 | 71 | 5β11β | 1.803 |
18.0 | 72 | 6β² | 1.8288 |
How much does a horse weigh?
A horse can weigh anything from 300β1,000kg. Like theirΒ height, this measurement will vary drastically across different breeds that are of different sizes. For instance, a thoroughbred would be expected to weigh 450β500kg, while a shire horse would come in at 700β1,200kg. Ponies are smaller and can range from a Shetland pony at 180β200kg to a larger breed like the fell pony at 350β450kg.
HeightΒ is a major factor for a horseβs weight, as the increased frame of a taller horse will add bulk, so this needs to be considered when deciding if a horse is at a healthy level. Other influences that play a role are the horseβs age, diet, and level of activity. There is also the impact of their genes, which can control traits like how weight is carried, metabolism, and appetite.
Horse weight chart
Here are some of the common breeds of horse found in the UK and their average weight range:
Horse breed | Average weight (kg) | Average weight (lbs) |
---|---|---|
American Warmblood | 550β600kg | 1,212β1,322lbs |
Arabian horse | 360β450kg | 793β992lbs |
Ardennes horse | 700β1,000kg | 1,543β2,205lbs |
Cleveland bay horse | 550β700kg | 1,212β1,543lbs |
Clydesdale horse | 700β800kg | 1,543β1,764lbs |
Connemara pony | 290β390kg | 639β860lbs |
Dales pony | 400β500kg | 882β1,102lbs |
Dartmoor pony | 200β320kg | 441β705lbs |
Dutch Warmblood | 550β600kg | 1,212β1,322lbs |
Eriskay pony | 300β400kg | 661β882lbs |
Exmoor pony | 300β400kg | 661β882lbs |
Fell pony | 350β450kg | 772β992lbs |
Hackney horse | 400β550kg | 882β1,212lbs |
Hackney pony | 250β350kg | 551β772lbs |
Halfinger | 350β600kg | 772β1,322lbs |
Hanoverian horse | 550β650kg | 1,212β1,433lbs |
Highland pony | 500β600kg | 1,102β1,322lbs |
Holsteiner | 450β700kg | 992β1,764lbs |
Irish draught horse | 600β700kg | 1,322β1,764lbs |
New Forest pony | 230β330kg | 507β728lbs |
Percheron | 850β950kg | 1,874β2,094lbs |
Shetland pony | 180β200kg | 397β441lbs |
Shire horse | 700β1200kg | 1,543β2,646lbs |
Spotted pony | 200β300kg | 441β882lbs |
Suffolk Punch horse | 750β900kg | 1,653β1,984lbs |
Swedish Warmblood | 400β550kg | 882β1,212lbs |
Thoroughbred horse | 450β500kg | 992β1,102lbs |
Welara | 300β400kg | 661β882lbs |
Westphalian horse | 450β600kg | 992β1,322lbs |
Horse Rider size Chart
Choosing your horse based on your own weight
This table shows the ideal horse weight range for a rider of a particular weight. Multiply your own weight with the saddle times 5 and 6.6 to get the ideal horse weight for you.
Rider weight (kg) | Horse weight range (kg) |
---|---|
30 | 210β280 |
35 | 235β313 |
40 | 260β346 |
45 | 285β380 |
50 | 310β413 |
55 | 335β446 |
60 | 360β480 |
65 | 385β513 |
70 | 410β546 |
75 | 435β580 |
80 | 460β613 |
85 | 485β646 |
90 | 510β680 |
95 | 535β713 |
100 | 560β746 |
105 | 585β780 |
110 | 610β813 |
115 | 635β846 |
120 | 660β880 |
125 | 685β913 |
130 | 710β946 |
135 | 735β980 |
140 | 760β1013 |
145 | 785β1046 |
150 | 810β1080 |
Example for a person that weighs 88kg and a large saddle at 12kg:
- (Body weight of 88kg + Saddle weight of 12kg) x 5 = 500kg
- (Body weight of 88kg + Saddle weight of 12kg) x 6.66 = 666kg
So, a person weighing 88kg would ideally need a horse between 500β666kg in weight.
Calculating the ideal weight range with a horse in mind
If you already have a horse in mind, you can use their weight to find out whether they would be able to comfortably handle you as a rider.
When you know the horseβs weight you can calculate 15% and 20% of the weight to see what rider weight (plus saddle) it should be able to handle.
- The lower end of the range at 15% of the horseβs body weight:
(Horseβs body weight / 100) x 15 = The combined rider and saddle weight - The upper end of the range at 20% of the horseβs body weight:
(Horseβs body weight / 100) x 20 = The combined rider and saddle weight
Example
Hereβs a quick example for a 620kg horse:
(Horseβs body weight of 620 kg / 100) x 15 = 93kg combined rider/saddle weight
(Horseβs body weight of 620 kg / 100) x 20 = 124kg combined rider/saddle weight
So, a 620kg horse may be able to handle a rider plus saddle weighing between 93β124kg.
Choosing your horse based on your own length
Your inseam measurement should be equal to or less than 60% of a horseβs total height
Your inseam (inches/cm) | Minimum horse height (hands/inches/cm) |
---|---|
24 / 61 | 10 / 40 / 101 |
26 / 66 | 10.3 / 43 / 109 |
28 / 71 | 11.2 / 46 / 117 |
30 / 76 | 12.2 / 50 / 127 |
32 / 81 | 13.1 / 53 / 135 |
34 / 86 | 14 / 56 / 142 |
36 / 91 | 15 / 60 / 152 |
38 / 97 | 15.3 / 63 / 160 |
40 / 102 | 16.2 / 66 / 168 |
Picture in this post by Mathias P.R. Reding on Unsplash