Is your horse too fat or too thin?

Is your horse the right weight? Here’s a simple way to check

The Lingfield Equine Distance Learning Level 1 course provides good clear information on feeding and weight of your horse.

You need to check the weight of your horse regularly.  To get a good estimate of weight you can work it out using the following calculation – get your calculator out for this:

You may find this easier if you work it out in lbs first.

Imperial measurements are smaller and simpler for this – and then convert lbs to kgs.  Most websites show the measurements and calculations in lbs for this reason!

Using inches Measure around the heart girth area – the heart girth area is just behnd the withers to just behind the front legs. Take that number and put it in your calculator or write it down. Now multiply that number by the same number.  In other words multiply it by itself – this gives you the heart girth squared  – write it down.

Next: Now measure the length –  from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks / rump   – write it down. Now multiply that first number – (the heart girth squared number) By the second number – the length.

FINALLY – Now divide that answer by 330

This gives you a fairly accurate weight in lbs.  Convert that to kgs. using an online calculator   All good horse owners and managers check their horses weight on a regular basis – those taking the Lingfield Intermediate Diploma will be well aware of this.

The Lingfield programmes are based on the professional BHS and ABRS Stages and Levels qualifications so you know the information is good and professional. DID YOU KNOW? 

It is best to check weight weekly if possible – or at least every fortnight.   It is simple enough once you have estimated what it is with the above calculation.  When Spring is in the air it is important to keep a check (before laminitis time). HOW CAN I EASILY CHECK?

Simply find a good long piece of baling twine – or knot two together. Use your piece of string to measure around the heart girth area – the heart girth area is just behnd the withers to just behind the front legs. Mark the length you measured carefully and well – tie a knot at the exact spot. Use that same piece of string to measure weekly – now you can tell easily if he or she is losing or putting on weight.

This link below shows you a document giving measurements, calculations and picture of where to measure too.

The link takes you to a reasearch document which will be found in the Lingfield Students Online Resource.  There are plenty of totally free and useful links, documents and other resources available to students enrolled on Lingfield courses.  This is just one of the perks of becoming a Lingfield student.

Estimating-you-Horses-Weight-1

Take care to check more than one source of measuring – some show different places to measure.