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  4. Body Condition Scoring

Body Condition Scoring

Body condition scoring (also known as fat scoring) is an important process of caring for an equine, it can help you better understand the needs of that animal and how you can keep it at a healthy score.

At Bransby Horses, we use the 6-point system that consists of scores from 0-5 (view the chart here) and covers the 3 key areas of an equine.

3 Key Areas

  1. Neck and shoulders
  2. Middle (withers to last rib)
  3. Hindquarters (hip to tail head)

diagram showing how a horse's body is split into three different sections

How to identify areas of fat

Using your hands (without gloves), you can feel for areas of fat on an equine which will feel softer to muscle. Below is a diagram of where these are typically laid, feel your way over the three key areas and compare your horse to the different descriptions at each score on the BCS chart.

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How to calculate a BCS and what it means

To correctly determine the BCS of your horse, give each area a score as all horses can carry weight differently. You will need to average the scores to gain an overall rating.

An ideal score would be a 3 unless otherwise advised by your vet. Remember it is natural to have fluctuations in weight during the different seasons, some horses may lose some weight in the winter to then gain some in the spring / summer.

Any score below a 2.5 or above a 3.5 would require careful monitoring and potentially a change in the horse’s management system and diet.

If a horse becomes overweight, it is possible that it could lead to life changing disorders, such as Laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

Cresty Neck Scoring

The “cresty neck scoring system” is scored the same as body condition, from 0-5.

A good score is from 0-2, with anything over that needing to be monitored as it could be a good indicator of metabolic disease and insulin dysregulation, as well as laminitis.

If a crest does not reduce with diet and exercise, consider contacting your vet for blood tests. But remember, fat deposits along the neck can be seen more in certain types and breeds, for example, cobs and stallions, it is less likely in thoroughbreds.

Use the diagram below to help you with cresty neck scoring.

graphic showing the cresty neck scoring levels

Monitoring Body Condition Scores

To monitor a horse’s body condition score, you should:

  • Use a weigh tape to monitor your horse’s weight throughout the different seasons.
  • Know your horse’s weight as this will help you work out its daily requirement of food.
  • Remember a change in management, diet, health, or exercise can affect your horses BCS
  • Keep records and take photographs to identify any changes.

It is important to monitor your horses BCS every 2 weeks, you can also use a weigh tape to track your horses’ weight.

It may be possible to arrange for your yard to have a visit from the BHS or a feed company, they may bring a portable weigh bridge to accurately weigh your horse.

Take the quiz

Take our Body Condition Score quiz

Contact Us

If you need any further support or advice for BCS or something else related to your equine, you can receive free, non-judgemental advice and guidance by getting in touch with us.

Please call Bransby Horses on 01427 787369 or email us welfare@bransbyhorse.co.uk

Opening times – Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.

You can help support us by leaving a gift in your will for Bransby Horses through our legacy scheme or by using our free will writing service. Leaving a gift in your will is not required to take advantage of this service, but we would be forever grateful if you considered it. 

Visit Free Will Writing for more information.