A horse is usually bigger than an elk. The average riding horse weighs 900 to 1,200 pounds, while a bull elk weighs 700 to 1,000 pounds. But a big bull elk can match or beat a small horse. This guide breaks down elk vs horse size in height, weight and length.
Elk vs Horse Size Chart
Animal
Shoulder Height
Body Length
Weight
Bull elk
4.5–5 ft
7–9 ft
700–1,000 lb
Cow elk
4–4.5 ft
6–8 ft
450–650 lb
Riding horse
4.8–5.3 ft
8–9 ft
900–1,200 lb
Draft horse
5.3–6 ft
8.5–10 ft
1,800–2,000 lb
Pony
Under 4.8 ft
5–7 ft
400–900 lb
Elk vs Horse Height and Length
elk-vs-horse-height-length
Elk vs Horse Shoulder Height
A bull elk stands about 4.5 to 5 feet at the shoulder. A riding horse stands 14 to 16 hands, which is about 4.8 to 5.3 feet. One hand equals 4 inches, and horse height is measured at the withers, the ridge between the shoulder blades.
So the horse is a little taller at the shoulder. The gap is small. Only about 3 to 6 inches separates an average bull elk from an average riding horse.
Body Length and Standing Height With Antlers
A horse measures about 8 to 9 feet from nose to tail. A bull elk measures about 7 to 9 feet, so the two are close in body length.
Antlers change the picture. A bull elk lifts its head high, and a large rack can reach 4 feet or more. With head and antlers up, a bull elk can tower 7 to 8 feet from hoof to tip. That is why an elk can look taller than a horse even when it is not.
Elk vs Horse Weight
elk-vs-horse-weight
Bull Elk vs Horse Weight
A bull elk averages 700 to 1,000 pounds, and big bulls can pass 1,000. A riding horse averages 900 to 1,200 pounds. Quarter Horses often sit near 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
The horse wins on average body weight. A prime bull elk in fall still weighs about the same as a lighter riding horse, such as an Arabian at 800 to 1,000 pounds.
Cow Elk vs Mare Weight
A cow elk weighs about 450 to 650 pounds. A mare of a riding breed weighs about 900 to 1,100 pounds.
Here the gap is wide. A mare is often close to double the weight of a cow elk.
Elk vs Draft Horse Weight
Draft horses are a different class. A Clydesdale or Percheron weighs about 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, and some top 2,200. They stand 16 to 18 hands.
No elk comes close. A draft horse can weigh twice as much as a large bull elk.
Elk vs Horse Size by Breed and Subspecies
Rocky Mountain, Roosevelt and Tule Elk vs Common Horse Breeds
North America has several elk subspecies, and they differ in size.
Roosevelt elk are the largest. Big bulls reach about 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, which puts them level with a Quarter Horse. Rocky Mountain elk are the most common, and bulls average about 700 to 1,000 pounds. Tule elk are the smallest, with bulls at about 550 to 700 pounds. That is closer to a large pony than a riding horse.
An Arabian horse weighs 800 to 1,000 pounds and stands 14 to 15 hands. A bull Rocky Mountain elk matches it well.
Why Elk Look Bigger Than Their Weight
Elk are built for show. A bull has a thick mane-like neck, a deep chest and long legs. In fall, his neck swells during the rut.
The antlers add the most. A full rack can weigh 30 to 40 pounds and spread about 4 feet. That rack makes a bull look larger than the scale says.
Elk vs Horse vs Moose Size Comparison
elk-vs-horse-vs-moose-size
Elk vs Moose Size
A bull elk stands about 4.5 to 5 feet at the shoulder, and a bull moose about 5.5 to 6.5 feet. A bull moose weighs 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, and Alaska-Yukon moose can reach about 1,800.
A bull elk is about 700 to 1,000 pounds and 7 to 9 feet long. A bull moose is about 8 to 10 feet long. The moose wins on weight, height and length.
Horse vs Moose Size
A riding horse is about 900 to 1,200 pounds, 4.8 to 5.3 feet tall and 8 to 9 feet long. A bull moose is heavier on average, taller at the shoulder and a bit longer. The moose wins over a riding horse.
A draft horse changes the result. At 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, a draft horse outweighs most moose. But a moose still stands taller at the shoulder because of its long legs. So the draft horse wins on weight and the moose wins on height.
Moose vs Elk vs Horse
By height, the moose is tallest, then the horse, then the elk. By average weight, the draft horse leads, then the moose, then the riding horse, then the elk. Among wild animals, the moose is the biggest of the three.
FAQ’s About Elk vs Horse Size
How Much Bigger Is a Horse Than an Elk?
A riding horse weighs about 200 pounds more than a bull elk on average. Draft horses can weigh 1,000 pounds more.
Can You Ride an Elk Like a Horse?
No. Elk are wild, fast and unpredictable, and their backs are not built to carry a rider. Horses have been bred for riding for thousands of years.
Which Is Taller: an Elk or a Horse?
A riding horse is slightly taller at the shoulder. A bull elk with its head and antlers raised can stand taller overall.
How Does an Elk Compare to a Moose in Size?
The moose is bigger in weight, height and length. A bull moose can outweigh a bull elk by 300 to 500 pounds or more.
Hi, I’m Natalie Collins, the admin at MooseSizes.com. We simplify animal sizes, measurements, and wildlife comparisons with easy-to-follow guides, useful size charts, and accurate information to help you understand animal dimensions with confidence.
