Weight tapes are a very useful tool for estimating a horse's weight; however they do differ and aren't always accurate. | Photo: Courtesy University of Kentucky/Gluck

Q. I’m trying to estimate my horse’s weight to determine how much hay, grain, and other products I should be feeding. I bought a weight tape at the feed store and it says that he weighs 1,050 pounds. However, he looks heavier than that to me—he’s a heavily built Quarter Horse. My friend let me borrow a different weight tape, and that one and it says he is 1,125 pounds. That seems closer although I still think he weighs more. How am I supposed to accurately determine his weight if the tapes say different things?

A. Weight tapes are a very useful tool for estimating a horse’s weight; however, as you have found, they do differ and aren’t always accurate. Different tape manufacturers use slightly different algorithms to convert the distance around the horse’s heart girth into a body weight estimate. I own several different tapes and each one gives a different weight when used on the same horse.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get the most accurate estimate. Have the horse stand squarely on level ground and be certain to place the tape correctly on the horse. Unless the tape gives other directions, place it around the horse’s entire barrel about an inch below the highest point of the withers and tightly behind both elbows. The tape should be in a vertical line when the horse is viewed from the side. Check to make sure that the tape is not twisted on the opposite side of the horse