size when mature?

[Joshua Kingsley]

Is there any way to estimate the size a weanling will be when mature? My suffolk filly is 5 months old and about 12 to 13 hands and I was wondering if there was any way to figure out about how big she will get. I should add that her dam is about 16.1 or 16.2hh.

Thanks Joshua

[Maxwell]

Use a string to measure from the ground up to the point of the elbow. Keep the string in place on the elbow and pull the other end up, the end of the string is where her whithers will be when she is mature. I have found that this is accurate to within a 1/2 inch on every type of horse I have tried it on. I hope I explained this clearly! Good luck.

[Donn Hewes]

Joshua, Got any pictures of her?

[Gabe Ayers]

Having raised hundreds of Suffolk foals during my time, I have to say this breed matures slower than any other draft breed. In other words the horses seem to continue growing in height and weight longer than other breeds. I have heard folks say the a Belgian will be 3/4’s it’s mature height at 2. This is not he case with the Suffolk. Our experience is that it takes at least five years for them to top out height wise.

I would add that the clock is ticking and they have only some many growing days height wise, so if you have a little money to put into grain or concentrates, feed it while they are young and growing to get the full genetic potential of their height and over all size.

It seems they also grow in spurts with some parts growing faster than others at some times. At two they are often high in the rump and low at the withers and then at 3-4-5 they balance out. But they are all individuals and the mating and results are quite a wonderful mystery to observe.

It seems their cannon never gets any longer than they are born with.

The best way to grow them is good pasture with a little concentrate supplement and free choice mineral salt block.

[Joshua Kingsley]

Donn,
I’ll try to get some pictures up in the next few days. Don’t you have a suffolk mare over there?

Joshua

[Joshua Kingsley]

Here are two pictures of the little lady she is about 13hh as of today.

[Maxwell]

Wow, she is a beauty.

[Gabe Ayers]

Looking Great Josh, I would hope to find some good specimens in the U.K.

Many open minded British are telling me they think we have better horses here… I am going to see for myself and will share with all interested when I return.

Carry on man. Glad you are keeping Suffolk horses, they need good human partners.

Off to the U.K. now, for a few days, back soon. Kind regards to my cultural kin, until then…

~

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