Correct weight for a horse?

[Blizzard]

Now Im rubbish at this and generally go by eye, however someone said to me the otherday that Beau should be about 800kg!

when I got him he was 580kg, which is not good for a 17.3hh horse, I weighed him on Wednesday and he is now 700kg.

I would like more muscle on him and topline but he doesnt do well in winter, and hasnt been in work for nearly 2 months due to various reasons.

Anyway what do you think, this is him on Wed at 700kg, I just cant see how he should be 800kg, I know he needs a bit more on, but 800kg?!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Like you I normally go by eye. He probably does need a little more weight on him but you may find that when he gradually muscles up with work that his weight will start to go up then because muscle is heavier than fat & as he tones up his shape will change.

 

[Loubiepoo]

I think he's just right - cover wise but could maybe muscle up a bit more on his back end.

 

[kerilli]

he looks about right to me. you should always be able to see the slight outline of the last few ribs; the trend for 'showing condition' at the moment (read 'grossly fat') is really bad for horses. same as people it is better for the body (joints etc) to be slightly on the lean side than on the fat side.
i wouldn't want to see him much lighter, but for a horse which hasn't been working and therefore has lost muscle, he looks fine to me.

 

[Gorgeous George]

I am no expert, but he looks pretty good to me, as you say he probably needs a little more weight/muscle - but not 100kg!! George is 16.3 and chunky and only weighs 560kg and is if anything slightly tubby, although I'm sure that will change with the winter.

 

[Stinkbomb]

Inky is 100kg ( 103kg to be exact after weighing on weigh bridge ) Just imagine this ontop of your horsie!!!!

 

[Puppy]

I think screw the numbers,

go by what he looks like

 

[Blizzard]

Aww Inky is so dinky!!

Thanks everyone you have put my mind at ease!

I think he would be obese at 800kg!