Condition score - conflicting opinions

[only_me]

Billy boy is fatter than I’d like unfortunately and is on a diet. Ribs felt easily. Not in work so no top line. I’ve had a few differing opinions on his weight and I’d like some unbiased opinions from you lot!

What would you score him out of 10?

 

[Apercrumbie]

Personally I'd put him at a 6, so not too bad really, but others will have better eyes than me I'm sure.

 

[ihatework]

A 6 for the most part and a 7 on his crest.

He looks in let down condition, easily rectified. But I don’t like the crest.

 

[splashgirl45]

he looks fine to me, if he was in work i assume his belly would tighten up a bit, i would also say 6 and not too fat...

 

[only_me]

Thanks guys. I had him about a 6.5 personally so glad it's not just me! A couple of people have agreed with me while a few others have said he's obese around 8/10 which I didn't agree with but I see him everyday so harder. His crest is soft and getting smaller so I am happy with that. It will be the last thing to disappear I imagine.

Yep not in work and unlikely to be for a while as I'm moving away for work for the year so he will just be hacked occasionally when I am home He's happy being the boss in his field!

 

[Shay]

Without an image shot from the back up the spine there is absolutely no way to score him accurately. Ideally there should be images from both sides. Even then scoring from image alone is always open to fault. If you really want to know .. why not have an equine nutritionist - or your vet - give you a view. If you are determined to ask the view of a forum - provide a full set of images.

Otherwise we really add nothing I'm afraid.

 

[JFTDWS]

I'd be more concerned about the four hairy legs growing out of his stomach

 

[only_me]

Without an image shot from the back up the spine there is absolutely no way to score him accurately. Ideally there should be images from both sides. Even then scoring from image alone is always open to fault. If you really want to know .. why not have an equine nutritionist - or your vet - give you a view. If you are determined to ask the view of a forum - provide a full set of images. Otherwise we really add nothing I'm afraid.

I’m normally confident in scoring my horse, I thought the same as on here as well as my vet however a couple experienced horse people thought he was higher on scale so I wanted a few Objective opinions. I’
There’s no point in posting the other side photo as he has white splash on top of rump which means it is hard to see his condition in a photo.

Odd wording “if you are determined” - first post about his condition in one place, asking for opinions, the whole purpose of a forum 🤷‍♀️
I’m not a numpty as you seem to imply.


As requested, from behind although Resting right side as tubbing foot here lol.

 

[only_me]

I'd be more concerned about the four hairy legs growing out of his stomach

Extra speed and propulsion while rolling 😜

They do love a good photo bomb

 

[JFTDWS]

That's fabulous - I love it!

 

[Leo Walker]

A 6 for the most part and a 7 on his crest.

He looks in let down condition, easily rectified. But I don’t like the crest.

I'd say 6.5. The crest is there and his bum is quite fleshy. I suspect the tummy would deflate once he was off the grass, but hes definitely a bit over.

 

[Nudibranch]

My first thought was about a 6. To be fair he has no "gutter" behind and his neck isn't that bad.

 

[Shay]

I was thinking that - the shot from the rear dropped my estimate 0.5 as it isn't that apple / gutter type shape. The crest Leo can see could actually be a lack of top line. I'm going to depart from the herd here - so to speak - and opt for a 5 /5.5. But I do stand by my previous comments - ask a professional who has seen him in person for the most accurate answer.

 

[milliepops]

The crest Leo can see could actually be a lack of top line.

really interesting you say that. I have recently added an ex racer to my little gang and although he's pretty much spot on condition-wise he has absolutely no topline yet seems to have quite a crest. I had thought it will just vanish as his topline starts to develop, seeing OM's horse has helped me!

 

[SpringArising]

I'd say 6. He's definitely not obese - people might be confusing the let-down stomach for fat.

 

[oldie48]

For an out of work horse on grass at this time of the year, I think he's OK as long as he doesn't put any more weight as he should lose weight later in the year. i wish my out of work pony looked as slim!!!

 

[only_me]

Thanks all!
He has lost weight so glad he is on the right track. His crest could be lack of top line, i did wonder as his crest didn't really fit in with the rest of his body condition so glad that is actually a thing! That plus his "man bod" tummy may be why some think he is obese.

Weigh tape doesn't actually fit him properly so its just being used to monitor weight rather than actually weigh him. I asked local groups if there is a weigh bridge around but no one here seems to know of one lol.

He is on the full field now as tape was removed due to the arrival of a baby alpaca this morning So will keep a closer eye on him weight wise.

 

[Fransurrey]

I'd put him at 6, too.

 

[Equi]

I’d say 6/7 too but wasn’t going to bother replying cause it had already been said - but had to comment because of the photobomb 😂😂😂😂 that’s my favourite photo of the month.

 

[molar roller]

I'd say 6

(out of 9)

 

[only_me]

What would you score him out of 10?

taken today, what do you think in comparison? Ignore the lack of muscle And how hairy he is, he needs a good curry comb & he’s out of work as I’m in work and about to get super busy. He lives out so not the easiest to diet.

 

[Leo Walker]

his weight looks good! I wish mine looked like that.

 

[Goldenstar]

He looks perfect

 

[SpringArising]

Well you can definitely tell he's not in work but weight wise looks much better - the crest has gone.

I only wish I could turn mine away and he LOSE weight.

 

[Goldenstar]

Well you can definitely tell he's not in work but weight wise looks much better - the crest has gone.

I only wish I could turn mine away and he LOSE weight.

me too owning ID’s means life is a permanent fir the flab campaign

 

[ihatework]

Perfect coming out of winter

 

[only_me]

thanks all. It‘s hard to have him on land with poor grass, had to just shut my eyes For a while but they’ve had 2 big bales of hayledge which last 2 weeks between him and the donks, thankfully they don’t gorge all day. He’s also been fed the entire time, but I have him on Lo cal and chaff which seems to be working well. They are due another bale now so that should hopefully be the last of winter required.

fingers crossed can keep him trim over summer now too! Promised him I will give him a proper groom when I’m off nights and not infected ?

 

[hopscotch bandit]

Its hard to guage sometimes when looking at a horse. I'd say yours is 6.

Mine has a saggy stomach as she has little in the way of abdominal muscles yet you can see her ribs so she's not exactly fat.
When she's been on grass she also bloats and looks very fat but its just gas bloat.
Certain angles make her look skinny one second and fat the other. She's actually overweight but you wouldn't think it looking at the photo attached!

 

[Aoife 2020]

He looks perfect now.