Horse Weight Estimator
Estimate your horse's weight using the Carroll-Huntington formula with heart girth, body length, and body condition.
Results
What is it?
The Horse Weight Estimator uses the Carroll and Huntington formula: Weight (kg) = (Heart Girth cm)^2 x Body Length cm / 11,877. This is the most widely validated weight tape formula for horses and is suitable for medication dosing estimates when a scale is unavailable.
How to use
Measure heart girth with a soft tape measure snugly around the horse just behind the front legs, at the girth area. Measure body length from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks. Select a body condition modifier based on the Henneke BCS scale.
Example scenario
Heart girth 180 cm, body length 155 cm, fair condition: (180^2 x 155) / 11,877 x 1.00 = (32,400 x 155) / 11,877 = 5,022,000 / 11,877 = 423 kg (932 lbs).
Pro tip
The Carroll-Huntington formula has an accuracy of approximately ±5%. For medication dosing, always consult your veterinarian and use a weight scale when possible. The Henneke Body Condition Score (1-9) is the standard for equine body condition assessment: 1=emaciated, 5=ideal, 9=obese. Ribs should be felt but not easily seen at BCS 5.