Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide
Fact Sheet
Robyn Stewart
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Lincolnton
Team Members:
Stewart, R*1, Wassel, B*2, Wickens, C3
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County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Lincolnton, Georgia, 30817
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County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Zebulon, Georgia, 30295
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Associate Professor, Extension Equine Specialist, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32433
Abstract
Until 1983, there lacked a consistent method to evaluate body condition or fat cover in horses across breeds, sizes, or conformations. The Henneke Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system was proposed in 1983 as a result of research done at Texas A&M. Today, the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system is a widely accepted method for monitoring equine condition by horse owners and professionals alike, and is one of the only methods of body condition evaluation valid in a court of law. The system is based on visual appraisal and palpation of fat cover on six areas of the horse assigning scores of 1 to 9, with BCS 1-3 considered thin, 4-6 moderate, and 7-9 over conditioned. Both thin and over conditioned horses present welfare concerns for horse owners such as decreased performance, disease risk, and issues with overall management. Maintaining a moderate BCS through appropriate management can ensure the long-term health and well-being of the horse. While many resources exist explaining the BCS system and how to use it, few provide guided facilitation through the body condition scoring process. Participants new to the BCS system may struggle to accurately score horses without adequate practice or expert guidance and feedback on scores. Inaccurate scoring of horses can lead to misperceptions about horse welfare and wellbeing, ultimately resulting in inappropriate management. Following livestock welfare educational programs in GA and FL, a flow chart was requested to help participants body condition score horses they encounter on the job. The BCS flow chart was designed to provide an easy to follow, step-by-step process for evaluating the specific physiological markers that differentiate between scores, with an appropriate BCS suggested to the user based on their visual and physical assessment of the animal. Furthermore, the accuracy check provides clarification on characteristics of each BCS and examples of what each score looks like. This resource has been distributed via paper copy and email to two livestock and equine welfare programs with over 70 participants reached. Initial feedback included: “I REALLY like this! Excellent job, this is simple to follow. I think it’ll serve as a great field guide!”
Factsheet