Predicting yearling and foal height growth using String Testing

by Annamaria Tadlock

Some people will use the following methods to predict how tall their young horses will grow to be. While it's not always accurate, it does give a good estimate, and it's fun to do!

Method #1: Elbow/Fetlock

Because the distance from a horse's point of elbow to its fetlock is approximately the same as the point of elbow to the withers, you can use this method to predict height in young horses. Take a leadrope and stretch it from the point of the elbow down to the fetlock. Now that you've got the distance, keep your hand on where the fetlock measurement is (leave the other end on the point of elbow) and bring the leadrope up to the withers. That's about where your horse should mature to.

Method #2 to predict foal growth:

Take a soft cloth measuring tape (like the kind used for sewing) and measure from the middle of the knee to the coronet band. However many inches, is how tall in hands the horse will grow. Each 1/4 of an inch is equal to .1 hand.

So if you get 14 3/4 inches, the horse will be about 14.3

15 1/2 inches, the horse will grow about 15.2

16 1/4 inches, the horse will be about 16.1