How to Calculate the Growth Capacity of a Foal

The decision to keep and raise a foal up or to sell it early in its life often depends on the expected growth of the horse. The growth capacity of a horse is determined by many factors, including genetics, diet, lack of injuries and exercise. Looking to the sire and mare indicates the general size a foal should reach. Many owners and breeders use a simple calculation to determine the growth capacity of a foal.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible measure tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the foal carefully, securing the animal as necessary in order to measure a section of the front leg.

    • 2

      Place the end of the measuring tape at the middle of the knee on the side of the leg. Measure straight down the leg, perpendicular to the ground, stopping at the top of the coronet band. This is the place where the hoof begins on the horse.

    • 3

      Read the tape measure, rounding the measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch. Each inch on the tape measure corresponds to a full hand of height at full growth capacity. Each 1/4 inch of growth equals .1 hand. For example, if the section of leg measures 14-1/2 inches, the growth capacity of the foal is 14.2 hands.