Condition scoring older horses

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AGAGE

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We have always battled with Ted's weight, he is an 18yo, 15hh chunky TB, with a deep girth and wide rib cage. He always did very well in SHP.

I had started to think that his weight looked all right, however when the saddler came out she condition scored him at 4.

What I'm confused about is that although he seems a bit chubby- his belly is certainly round and has dropped, and he has a very, very slight crest indicating that he is fat, but despite this you can visibly see his ribs and feel them. Is he still overweight if I can easily feel his ribs? The condition scoring chart would indicate not.

He is regularly wormed, and is generally otherwise healthy, if unfit. He is only ridden lightly for 3 days a week due to dark nights and weather.

I find it really difficult as I see him every day. He is due to be vaccinated soon, so will clarify this concern re weight with vet. But any advice would be greatly received.
 
I'm not suprised he's got a dropped 'hay belly' when he's not doing much work - if he is using his belly muscles properly when he is being ridden more it should improve. I wouldn't really want him to lose too much weight if his ribs are clearly visible though.
 
Older horses and those in little work do drop and look like they have a big belly. Its not fat, its loss of muscle tone and tbh the saddle fitter should know the difference!
If you can visibly see his ribs i doubt hes too fat. The crest may be left over from his showing days and years of being overweight, they are very hard to get rid of.

Ask your vet for advice.
 
Thanks, will get the vet to look at his weight. I can feel his ribs so he shouldn't really be fat. He doesn't have a gutter down his back, but is very sway backed and high crouped which also probably adds to his belly looking big. He does have a big bottom- are old vet always used to comment on that he is a lovely looking horse but it was just a shame he has such a big big ar*e.

When he is lunged, his belly looks better, I guess this is because he is using his stomach muscles.
 
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