The body condition of a horse is generally assessed by visual observation. The references to an animal being too thin, in good flesh, or obese all relate to the animal's weight. Therefore, the weight of an animal can be used as a measurement tool to determine its well-being, or the presence of problems which may threaten the health of the horse.

A horse may be underweight for a variety of reasons, including health status, age, pecking order, poor management, or under feeding.

As weight can be used to determine if an animal is thriving or failing, it is paramount that a reliable method of measurement is available.

Calculating dosages for de-wormers or antibiotics requires the accurate determination of the correct weight of the horse or pony. An incorrect weight estimation may result in over-dosing or under-dosing the animal. Both scenarios can be detrimental to the health of the horse. The over-dosing of some medicinal products (e.g., de-wormers) may cause toxicity and colic or other complications which may result in the death of the animal. Under-dosing, in the case of antibiotics, will not produce the desired effects of the drug. The animal will likely experience only limited relief of the disease symptoms, and the disease process will progress, threatening the well-being of the horse.

Several methods can be used to determine a horse's weight. The use of a weigh scale is the most accurate way to determine a horse's weight. Scales are not an item commonly found on most horse farms. However, horses could be taken to locations in the community, where weigh scales are available, such as grain elevators and land fill sites. Standardize when weights will be taken since feeding and watering will significantly affect the differences in weight between readings.