Condition Scoring

[skewbaldpony]

Did a lot of this sort of stuff centuries ago, have long since got it all mixed up with sheep, so googled today to remind myself, and came up with this
http://www.yourhorse.co.uk/nav?page=yourhorse.contentspage&view_resource=2251590
My question is, to be a 2.5 - 3 you cannot feel the hip bones, like at ALL?
Am I being dense?

 

[Loubiepoo]

I'm not sure that table's right, either I am being dense too, or my horse is poor!

 

[zelli]

I would be concerned if I couldnt feel my horses hip bones at all.... unless they mean you cant feel them poking out as you run a flat hand over the top...

 

[skewbaldpony]

I'm glad it's not just me!
The Good area sounds really chubby to me!
Not to be able to feel the hip bones I reckon he'd have to be rugged up!!!!

 

[Faithkat]

Dodson & Horrell do a really good condition chart:

http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com/assets/objects/media/0bf22838-1a3f-102a-86e0-e6d2678f9745.pdf

My mare had her teeth done this week and the vet put her condition as 3, which is about right according to the D+H chart.

 

[TGM]

I must say I've never bothered too much about hip bones, unless they are sticking out noticeably! I always look at ribs first - should be able to feel them easily, but not see all of them! Then check whether neck is cresty (too fat) or dips in front of withers (usually means too thin, but sometimes conformation fault). Then check whether there is a gutter down the bum (too fat) or poverty lines on hindquarters and/or hipbones protruding (too thin).

 

[skewbaldpony]

I used to be really confident condition scoring, but my cob defeats me. One minute I am sure I can see his ribs, and he needs feeding, the next he looks like a brick sh*thouse who ought to be on a diet!!!
I am aware that as he is only used to accompany daughters on lead rein rides, he is lacking in muscle tone for a start, and should be a lot beefier, if it was all muscle rather than fat. Time to ride him that much would be nice .

Never mind. One day! He is out though, and seems very happy, though he does stand with his head down sleeping and looking very pathetic! Which in the current climate I find worrying. He just has an Eeyore personality. I am continually expecting some do gooder to report me for having a depressed horse!

 

[FinkleyAlex]

Mine is a bit of everything according to the first chart. His neck flows onto his back now that his muscles are being worked properly (3), you can see the bones on his withers (don't know if thats because they're high or what)(1.5), his back is flat(3) and his hips are not overly covered in fat (2.5) you can't see his ribs but can just feel them (3) A complete mixture!