2003 Florida Equine Institute


 Minor differences may be more difficult
to detect until scoring has been practiced.
Condition scoring requires a modest amount
of training and will improve with
experience.

 First, know the definition of Body
Condition Score 5. A BCS 5 horse will look
average neither fat nor thin. The ribs
cannot be seen, but can be easily palpated.
The horse's back will be level and the body
will appear smooth. In addition, definition of
muscling on the hind legs will be apparent.


Figure 2.


 After a mental picture of a BCS 5 has
been established, this image can be used as a
benchmark for determining other condition
scores. Condition scores of 4 or higher
generally reflect fat deposition, whereas
BCS 3 or lower often reflects both fat and
muscle loss.

 Second, visually and manually evaluate
the amount of fat deposition and muscling as
it occurs on the following sites:

/ behind the shoulder
/ ribs at mid-barrel
/ crest of neck
/ withers
/ crease of the back, and
/ at the tailhead.


 Third, consider external and internal
factors. Fill or shrink from digestive
contents and/or pregnancy can change the
appearance of moderately fleshed horses.
Long hair may also make it difficult to
visually appraise body condition. When
horse are difficult to evaluate visually, the
amount of body fat in relation to
musculature must be determined by feel.

 Finally, compare result of direct
observation and manual palpation with the
descriptions of body condition scores given
in Table 1.

Table 1. Description of Body Condition
Scores
 BCS Description
 2 Emaciated No evidence of any
 fat deposits. Bony structure of ribs,
 spinal column and hips prominent.
 Animal may show signs of
 weakness and/or uncoordination
 when asked to move.
 3 Very Thin Very little evidence
 of fat deposits. Spinal column is
 the highest part of the horses back
 from the withers to the tailhead.
 4 Thin Ribs are evident. Spinal
 column is the highest part of the
 horses back from the withers to the
 croup. A slight amount of fat may
 be felt around the tailhead.
 5 Desired Condition The horse's
 body is smooth. Ribs are not
 visually evident, but are easily felt.
 Back is level, no crease or ridge
 noticeable. Withers are rounded,
 shoulders and neck blend cleanly
 into the body. Fat around the
 tailhead will feel spongy. Muscles
 of the hind leg are evident.