There are multiple ways to get your horse’s weight. The mostaccurate method is to use a livestock scale, but most horse owners do not haveone. Below are the easiest ways to do it at home.

1: The Heart-Girth & Length Formula (Most AccurateEstimate) If you have a standard flexible tape measure (in inches), you cancalculate the weight within about 5% accuracy of a real scale. You will need ahelper to hold the horse still on level ground. Measure the Heart Girth: Wrapthe tape measure completely around the horse’s barrel. Start just behind thehighest point of the withers, pass directly behind the front legs, and comeback up the other side. Record the measurement in inches. Measure the BodyLength: Place the start of the tape at the point of the shoulder (the bonyprotrusion at the front of the chest). Stretch the tape in a straight linealong the horse's side, ending at the point of the buttock (the widest part ofthe rump next to the tail). Record in inches.

Apply the Formula:

Estimated Weight (lbs) = Girth x Girth x Length dividedby 330

(Note: If you are measuring a weanling, divide by 280instead of 330. For a yearling, divide by 301).

2: Using an Equine Weight Tape (Easiest) It does the mathfor you by converting inches directly to pounds on the printed tape.Positioning: Stand the horse square on flat ground. Placement: Place the tapeover the lowest point of the withers, passing it right behind the front elbows.Reading: Pull the tape snug (but do not compress the skin deeply) and read theweight where the tape meets its beginning edge.

3: Commercial Truck Scales (Exact Weight) If you need a 100%exact baseline measurement for precise medical dosing: Find a local certifiedtruck scale (such as a CAT Scale at a truck stop or a local grain elevator).Weigh your truck and trailer with the horse inside. Unload the horse safely athome or a nearby facility, then return to weigh the empty truck and trailer.Subtract the empty weight from the loaded weight to find your horse's exactweight.