Understanding the average height and weight of various horse breeds is essential for equestrians, breeders, and horse enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new horse, manage the nutrition of your current equine companion, or simply deepen your understanding of these majestic animals, having a reference to the average dimensions of different breeds is invaluable.
Our comprehensive chart on the average height and weight of common horse breeds provides a clear, organized glimpse into the physical diversity among horses.
What Is the Average Height and Weight of a Horse?
The average height and weight of a horse varies depending on the breed, but most horses are between 14.2 and 16.2 hands tall, at the withers, and weigh between 900 and 1,400 pounds. A hand is a unit of measurement equal to four inches, so a horse that is 15 hands tall is 60 inches tall, or 5 feet tall.
Some breeds of horses are typically taller and heavier than others. For example, draft horses, such as Clydesdales and Percherons, are typically 16 to 18 hands tall and weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds.
On the other hand, some breeds of ponies, such as Shetland ponies and miniature horses, are typically less than 11 hands tall and weigh less than 600 pounds.
Horse Breeds Height and Weight Chart
| Horse Breed | Average Height (hh) | Average Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Akhal-Teke | 14-16 | 420-520 |
| American Cream Draft | 15-16.3 | 725-905 |
| American Quarter Horse | 14-16.3 | 455-590 |
| American Saddlebred | 14.3-16.1 | 455-545 |
| American Standardbred | 14-15 | 545-600 |
| Andalusian | 15-16 | 545-590 |
| Appaloosa | 14-15 | 455-590 |
| Arabian | 14.1-15.1 | 380-480 |
| Ardennes | 14-15 | 635-725 |
| Belgian Draft | 14-17.3 | 860-1000 |
| Cleveland Bay | 16-18 | 545-680 |
| Clydesdale | 15.3-17 | 725-815 |
| Connemara | 12.3-14 | 365-455 |
| Criollo | 14.3-15.3 | 545-590 |
| Dutch Warmblood | 15.3-16.3 | 545-590 |
| Exmoor | 12-13.1 | 270-365 |
| Falabella | 7-8.3 | 105-210 |
| Friesian | 15-16 | 545-635 |
| Gypsy Vanner | 14-15 | 455-590 |
| Hackney | 15-15.3 | 410-545 |
| Haflinger | 14-15 | 545-590 |
| Hanoverian | 16-17.1 | 545-635 |
| Highland | 12.3-14 | 545-635 |
| Holsteiner | 16-17 | 525-655 |
| Icelandic | 11.3-13.3 | 320-410 |
| Irish Draught | 15.3-17 | 590-680 |
| Lipizzaner | 14.3-15.3 | 410-545 |
| Miniature Horse | 7.3-9 | 110-225 |
| Morgan | 14-15 | 410-545 |
| Mustang | 12-14.1 | 365-455 |
| Norwegian Fjord | 12.3-14 | 545-635 |
| Oldenburg | 15.3-17 | 545-680 |
| Orlov Trotter | 15-16.3 | 455-590 |
| Paso Fino | 13.3-15 | 545-590 |
| Percheron | 15.3-17.1 | 860-955 |
| Rocky Mountain | 14.2-16 | 350-450 |
| Selle Francais | 16-16.3 | 505-625 |
| Shetland | 8.3-10.2 | 135-270 |
| Shire | 16-17.3 | 770-1225 |
| Suffolk | 15.3-17 | 770-860 |
| Tennessee Walker | 14.3-15.3 | 410-635 |
| Thoroughbred | 15.3-17 | 455-590 |
| Trakehner | 15.3-17 | 545-680 |
| Walkaloosa | 14-15 | 455-590 |
| Welsh Pony | 12-13.1 | 205-340 |
| Welsh Cob | 13-14.1 | 270-455 |
| Westphalian | 16-17 | 515-635 |
What Is the Difference Between a Horse and a Pony?
The main difference between a horse and a pony is size. Horses are generally defined as being at least 14.2 hands tall, while ponies are under 14.2 hands tall. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, some breeds of ponies, such as the Welsh Cob and the Highland Pony, can be over 14.2 hands tall. Conversely, some breeds of horses, such as the Falabella horse and the Miniature Appaloosa, can be under 14.2 hands tall.
In addition to size, there are some other physical differences between horses and ponies. Ponies tend to have thicker manes and coats, shorter legs, and wider chests than horses. They also tend to have heavier bones, thicker necks, and shorter heads.
Horses and ponies also have some different temperament characteristics. Ponies are often described as being more stubborn and independent than horses. They are also often more playful and energetic. Horses, on the other hand, are often described as being more gentle and easygoing. They are also often more trainable and willing to please their riders.
Of course, there is a lot of variation in temperament within both horses and ponies. There are some horses that are just as stubborn and independent as ponies, and there are some ponies that are just as gentle and easygoing as horses.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between horses and ponies:
| Characteristic | Horse | Pony |
|---|---|---|
| Size: | At least 14.2 hands tall | Under 14.2 hands tall |
| Mane and coat: | Thinner | Thicker |
| Legs: | Longer | Shorter |
| Chest: | Narrower | Wider |
| Bones: | Lighter | Heavier |
| Neck: | Thinner | Thicker |
| Head: | Longer | Shorter |
| Temperament: | More gentle and easygoing | More stubborn and independent |
| Trainability: | More trainable and willing to please | Less trainable and less willing to please |
It is important to note that these are just generalizations. There is a lot of variation within both horses and ponies, and not all horses and ponies will fit neatly into these categories.
Why Are Horses Measured in Hands?
Horses are measured in hands because it is a traditional unit of measurement that has been used for centuries. It is also a practical unit of measurement for horses, as it is easy to use and accurate.
The hand is equal to 4 inches, and horses are measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers, which is the ridge between the shoulder blades. This is a more accurate measurement than measuring from the head, as the head can be held at different heights.
There are a few reasons why the hand is a practical unit of measurement for horses:
- It is easy to use. You can measure a horse’s height with your hands without needing any special tools.
- It is accurate. The hand is a small enough unit of measurement to allow for very precise measurements.
- It is universal. The hand is used to measure horses all over the world.
Another reason why horses are measured in hands is that it is a traditional unit of measurement. It is thought to have originated with the Ancient Greeks, and has been used by horse people for centuries.
While the metric system is now the standard unit of measurement in most countries, the hand remains the preferred unit of measurement for horses. This is likely due to the fact that it is a traditional unit of measurement that is well-established in the horse world and has a number of advantages over other units of measurement.