How much can you read into the size of a foal at 4 months in terms of predicting it's future height at 4 yo?

Question

How much can you read into the size of a foal at 4 months in terms of predicting it's future height at 4 yo?

Answer 1

It's very diffficult to do this. When a foal is so young, you can't tell if they will still have a major growth spurt, or if they will stay on the small side. It's easier to predict this after they're a yearling. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A good way to estimate is to get a piece of string or measuring tape, then  measure from the elbow to mid fetlock and then invert the tape to see how many more inches above the wither the horse would grow.  This is not a proven way but is usually pretty close.   I also think that the foals that are very "pretty" up to age 2 and don't hit the awkward growth spurts tend to be smaller.  The horses that tend to be awkward and grow into their heads or are downhill one month then uphill next month usuallly tend to be large horses. ( Downhill- rump higher than withers, uphill is opposite).  This doesn't mean that horses with poor confirmation faults are going to be bigger however, it takes an experienced horseperson to tell the difference.

Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Ya'll should really go on 1000% horse sites.  I love Yahoo. answers but if I had a foal that I was concerned about this is not whom or where I would ask.   My 1st response diverted.   Okay, 1.  Call out  a  Veteriniarian.  Let him check dam and foal.  IF first foal, maiden mare, mighjjt have alot of simple  problems.    This is really first.  It sounds like you're worried about height/weight.    After vet check, perhaps in consultation with vet, breeds develop  on different growth schedules, all though horses are horses,  check sire/dam pedigree, but a 4-month old, within breed considseration needs to be seen by a Veterinarian, First, then your foal will grow to a healthy, yearling.  Horses are great.  Get the Vet out and your troubles will be solved.  Sincereley,  DR