There are a number of different horse breeds, each with unique characteristics and appearances, so there’s no one single answer to the question of how much does the average horse weigh? The largest breed of horse is the Clydesdale, which can grow up to 17 hands tall and weigh up to 1,500 pounds! The smallest recognized breed of horse is the Falabella pony from Argentina, which stands between 12 and 14 hands tall and weighs about 100 pounds on average.
The average horse weighs between 1,100 and 1,400 pounds, but the size of the horse plays a major role in this number as well. On average, miniature horses weigh between 250 and 400 pounds, while draft horses can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.
When you think of the average horse, you probably imagine a gigantic, powerful stallion that can pull loads in excess of 1,000 pounds and run faster than your car can drive. You’re not far off in your estimation; even the smallest horse weighs an average of 1,100 pounds (without tack), while the largest stands tall at nearly 20 hands high and weighs more than 2,000 pounds!
1) A horse’s height
The taller a horse is, generally speaking, the heavier it will be. For example, horses with over 16 hands are typically taller than horses with 16 hands. Horses of such heights might weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.
Weight can be attributed to many factors including height and body condition. A horse with a higher body fat percentage weighs more than one who is in good body condition.
The proper amount of body fat for a horse is between 2% and 4%. Body fat is measured by using a tape or cloth tape measure around a horse’s girth area (the area behind its front legs). You should take two measurements: one when your horse is standing still and another when he/she is walking around.
The difference between these two measurements will give you an idea of how much body fat your horse has. If you find that your horse has too much body fat, you should consider putting him on a diet!
2) The Average weight of American Quarter Horses

American Quarter Horses average between 900 and 1200 pounds. This weight puts them in a category of equines referred to as hot blood, which includes Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Morgans, and American Quarter Horses.
The hot blood has a reputation for being fiery in temperament but is also known for its athleticism and speed. Their physical attributes make them popular choices for horse racing, jumping, and dressage.
However, because they’re so active and muscular, they tend to be larger than other breeds. In fact, it’s not uncommon for an American Quarter Horse to weigh over 1000 pounds at maturity.
If you’re looking for a smaller horse with more delicate features (and perhaps, even more, intelligence), consider looking into miniature horses or Shetland ponies instead.
3) The Average weight of Thoroughbreds

The average Thoroughbred racehorse weighs around 1,000 pounds (450 kg).
1)The weight of Quarter Horses:
Depending on gender and stature, the average weight for a Quarter Horse ranges from 600-800 pounds (250-360 kg).
2)The weight of mixed breeds:
Mixing breeds is common in most horse racing facilities. As a result, many horses in these stables may be mixed breeds. Therefore, it’s difficult to determine an exact average weight. However, some sources suggest that a mixed breed can weigh anywhere between 900-1,300 pounds (400-600 kg).
4) The Average weight of Warmbloods

The average Warmblood horse weighs around 1,000 pounds or 450 kilograms. Other horse breeds can weigh significantly more.
Miniature horses weigh around 400 pounds (180 kilograms), while draft horses can weigh up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms).
It’s important to note that a horse’s weight depends on its breed and sex smaller or older animals tend to be lighter than larger or younger ones.
5)The Average weight of Arabians

On average, Arabians weigh between 1,100 and 1,300 pounds. The height of Arabians ranges from 14.2 to 16 hands tall, which means they are often mistaken for Thoroughbreds. Arabians can run up to speeds of over 35 miles per hour!
6) The weight of Mustang horses

The average weight of Mustang horses varies by breed. The Chincoteague Pony, a lighter breed, can weigh between 700 and 1,000 pounds.
The Arabian breed is larger and heavier at around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. On average, horses stand about 5 feet tall at their withers and about 6 or 7 feet long from nose to tail.
What’s the average weight of a newborn horse?
Newborn foals can weigh between 35 and 100 pounds (16 to 45 kilograms). The size of the mare plays an important role in the weight of her newborn foal.
For example, it’s not uncommon for miniature horses to give birth to foals that weigh around 16 pounds (7 kilograms). On the other hand, larger breeds, such as the Clydesdale, could potentially give birth to an average foal weighing about 225 pounds (102 kilograms) or more.
The averages
The average weight at birth for most horses is anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds. Of course, foals come in all sizes, so depending on what breed your mare is and how big she herself was at birth (along with other factors), your newborn might be quite a bit smaller or larger than these numbers.
For example, Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds typically weigh about 45-50 pounds, whereas Arabian foals can reach up to 80 pounds.
Biggest Foals
The largest foal ever recorded was a Belgian-Percheron cross, which was born in 1877. It weighed 204 lbs., and that’s about three times heavier than an average horse foal.
Its mother, Queen Victoria, was even bigger than most horses at 1,200 lbs. (506 kg).
An adult Percheron weighs around 700–800 lbs., so you can imagine how large and impressive these massive foals are! The heaviest known adult Percheron is 1,916 lbs. (858 kg), but it’s very rare for them to grow to such size. In fact, they usually weigh between 900–1,100 lbs. (408–499 kg) when fully grown.
The biggest foal ever born
The largest foal ever born was a Friesian stallion weighing 201 pounds. It died just hours after being born. The mother, an Arabian mare named Big Lips, and father, an Andalusian stallion, were each over 17 hands tall.
Horse Breed Weight Chart
Horse breed | Average Horse Weigh |
Percheron | 1975 pounds |
Belgian | 1950 pounds |
Suffolk Punch | 1875 pounds |
Shire | 2000 pounds |
Ardennes | 1875 pounds |
Clydesdale | 1680 pounds |
Draft | 1700 pounds |
Irish Draught | 1530 pounds |
Gypsy Vanner | 1450 pounds |
Heavyweight Hunter | 1440 pounds |
Friesian | 1400 pounds |
Cleveland Bay | 1300 pounds |
Hanoverian | 1370 pounds |
American Warmblood | 1250 pounds |
Dutch Warmblood | 1250 pounds |
Oldenburg | 1350 pounds |
Friesian | 1350 pounds |
Danish Warmblood | 1300 pounds |
Andalusian | 1250 pounds |
Paso Fino | 1250 pounds |
Trakehner | 1300 pounds |
Middleweight Ridden Hunter | 1300 pounds |
Polish Warmblood (Welskpoloski) | 1200 pounds |
Highland Pony | 1275 pounds |
Standardbred | 1250 pounds |
American Saddlebred | 1150 pounds |
Holsteiner | 1350 pounds |
Westphalian | 1250 pounds |
Lightweight Ridden Hunter | 1175 pounds |
Cob Horses | 1100 pounds |
Thoroughbred | 1025 pounds |
Paint | 1100 pounds |
American Quarter | 1125 pounds |
Hackney Horse | 1175 pounds |
Lipizzaner | 1050 pounds |
Nakota | 1300 pounds |
Missouri Fox Trotter | 1075 pounds |
Tennessee Walker | 1200 pounds |
Lusitano | 1000 pounds |
Morgan | 1000 pounds |
Polo Pony | 1125 pounds |
Morgan | 1000 pounds |
Swedish Warmblood | 1050 pounds |
Hackney | 1075 pounds |
Dales Pony | 990 pounds |
Fjord | 975 pounds |
Arabian | 890 pounds |
Haflinger | 1125 pounds |
Fell Pony | 850 pounds |
Welara | 750 pounds |
Eriskay Pony | 780 pounds |
Exmoor Pony | 760 pounds |
Connemara Pony | 750 pounds |
Hackney Pony | 800 pounds |
New Forest Pony | 650 pounds |
Spotted Pony | 700 pounds |
Dartmoor Pony | 525 pounds |
Shetland Pony | 410 pounds |
Horse Weight Calculations Formula
Using formulas to calculate horse weight is my favorite method of weighing horses. It’s easy to learn and you can use it to measure any horse’s weight.
It involves two measurements, one formula, and one calculation.
This time, the measurements will be in inches.
As you go through this chapter, make sure you measure the horse’s heart girth before doing any of the other things recommended.
If you’re looking to get your horse’s measurements, you will need to measure the horse’s height.
If you have a little extra space, it will be easier to take measurements from your waist to your ankles.
Next, we’ll create the formula for each value. To do this, first, use the formula below to convert the current value of your business into a percentage.
Weight of Horse = (Heart Girth x Heart Girth x Body Length) / 300
Final Thoughts
This is a really common question asked by people who want to know the exact weight of a horse.
Many people just assume that a horse is the same size as an average human, which is totally false.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all horses are the same size.
Some horses weigh less than 200 pounds, while others weigh more. That’s why you can’t just assume that a horse weighs the same as a human.
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