Body Condition Score Chart

Equine Health
Written By Jenquine

Obesity is an escalating health issue in horses worldwide. Increasingly recognised as a serious equine welfare concern, excess weight can significantly impact both a horse’s health and performance. But would you know if your horse is overweight or underweight?

Use the body condition scoring system below to accurately assess your horse’s weight.

Body Condition Score Chart

Score 0 - Very Poor Condition

  • Girth: Noticeable

  • Ribs: Prominent

  • Neck: Noticeable

  • Withers: Noticeable

  • Back: Slight fat cover

  • Tailhead: Prominent

Score 1 - Poor Condition

  • Girth: Thin

  • Ribs: Noticeable

  • Neck: Thin

  • Withers: Slight fat cover

  • Back: Slight fat cover

  • Tailhead: Prominent

Score 2 - Moderate Condition

  • Girth: Blends smoothly

  • Ribs: Cannot see but felt

  • Neck: Blends smoothly

  • Withers: Rounded

  • Back: Level

  • Tailhead: Feels spongy

Score 3 - Good Condition

  • Girth: Slight fat deposit

  • Ribs: Cannot see but felt

  • Neck: Slight fat deposit

  • Withers: Slight fat deposit

  • Back: Slight crease

  • Tailhead: Feels soft

Score 4 - Fat Condition

  • Girth: Fat

  • Ribs: Difficult to feel

  • Neck: Thickening

  • Withers: Fat

  • Back: Crease

  • Tailhead: Feels very soft

Score 5 - Very Fat Condition

  • Girth: Bulging fat

  • Ribs: Cannot feel

  • Neck: Bulging fat

  • Withers: Bulging fat

  • Back: Obvious crease

  • Tailhead: Bulging fat

Listen - Managing Your Horse's Condition

Dr Shannon Lee talks with Dr Jennifer Stewart about Body Condition Scoring and how you can use this tool to keep your horse in top condition.

Dr Jennifer Stewart
BVSc BSc PhD Equine Veterinarian and Consultant Nutritionist

Jenquine

Equine Clinical Nutrition by Dr Jennifer Stewart. Bringing science to your feed bin.

http://www.jenquine.com
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