Body Condition Scoring - CRF Horse Nutrition Guide

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Body Condition Scoring

Body condition is estimated based upon body fat, which is an indicator of stored body energy. The condition score system enables a comparison of animals based upon their relative differences in fat content. Knowledge of the animal’s body condition or fat content enables a more accurate estimation of body weight.

Although primary scoring decisions are based largely on visual appearances from all four views (front, rear & sides), palpation is also helpful when determining a score, especially for horses with long hair coats. Under normal circumstances, all seven evaluation areas are given equal emphasis. The condition scoring system evaluates fat content and not quality or conformation. However, due to unique conformation problems such as: prominent withers, fat loins, weak top lines, injuries and the like, one or more criteria may be eliminated. In such instances, additional emphasis should be placed on remaining evaluation sites.

In 1983, Don R. Henneke, Ph. D., developed an objective, nine-category scoring system to evaluate a horse’s body condition. Based on both visual appraisal and palpation of body fat, scores range from one for poor or emaciated to nine for extremely fat or obese (Table 4). Scores can be assigned on 0.5 unit increments. Veterinarians consider horses that fall between 4 to 7 on the Henneke scale to be in the acceptable range, with a 5 being the ideal score. All conditions for a given score must be met in order for an animal to be assigned that particular score. If one or more conditions for a given score are not met, the score should be adjusted upward or downward as indicated.

Regardless of the method used to determine body condition, remember the importance of maintaining a consistent record of your horse’s weight. Knowledge of weight gain or loss is a valuable aid when evaluating your horse’s body condition from a health and nutritional standpoint.

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