Body Condition Scores for Horses

1

Emaciated

Bones of the spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae, and ischii all very prominent. Bone structure of neck, withers, and shoulders easily visible. No fat palpable over lumbar vertebral transverse processes. Unacceptable under any circumstance. Severe risk of refeeding issues.

2

Very thin

Bones of the spinous processes slightly rounded but visible. Ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae, and tuber ischii are prominent. Bone structure of neck, withers, and shoulders faintly discernible. Unacceptable but may be due to illness or debilitation. At risk of refeeding concerns.

3

Thin

Some fat buildup halfway on spinous processes in loin and tailhead, but both are prominent. Individual vertebrae in neck are not visible but can be easily felt. Slight fat buildup over ribs and tuber coxae but still easily visible. Not desirable for optimal health and well-being.

4

Lean

Slight bony ridge over loin or flat, faint outline of ribs visible. Tailhead prominence depends on breed, but fat should be palpable. Tuber coxae bones not easily visible. Withers, shoulder, and neck not obviously thin. May be acceptable, especially for anaerobic performance (ie, racing).

5

Moderate

Loin is flat (no crease or ridge). Ribs not easily visible but easily felt. Fat around tailhead is spongy; withers somewhat rounded (depending on breed). Shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. Acceptable for all.

6

Moderately fleshy

May have slight crease down loin, ribs palpable with light pressure, and fat around tailhead is soft. Some fat palpable on side of withers, neck, and behind shoulder. Acceptable upper limit of condition; ideal for broodmares.

7

Fleshy

May have crease down loin, and ribs difficult to feel. Palpable fat deposited along withers, behind shoulder, and along neck. Unacceptable. Considered obese, with body fat > 20%^a; may have decreased tolerance for heat and exercise and increased risk for metabolic disease.

8

Fat

Crease may be visible down the back. Ribs very difficult to feel, and fat around tailhead very soft. Fat filling area over withers and behind shoulder with noticeable thickening of neck. Minimal, if any, abdominal tuck observable (in nonpregnant animals). Unacceptable. Considered obese, with increased risk of metabolic disease and laminitis and decreased exercise and heat tolerance.

9

Obese

Obvious crease down loin. Fat bulging around tailhead, along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck. Flank filled with fat (no abdominal tuck and ribs hard to palpate). Unacceptable. Considered morbidly obese. Increased risk of laminitis and other metabolic disorders and colic, especially due to lipoma strangulation.