How do you condition score your horse/pony?

[suzyqet]

Ok, I know, I should probably know how to do this but I dont.

I know how to use a weigh tape, measure height, take temp etc but have no idea how to condition score.

After 30 years with horses you would've thought I did?!?

Thanks to all in advance.

 

[Damnation]

I can't really explain it that well but I will give it a go.

Condition score 0 is emaciated, no fat or muscle, severely underweight, you get the picture.

Condition score 1 is underweight, you can see the ribs, no real muscle but there is some fat there, but very little.

Condition score 2 is what racehorses are. Just about see their ribs and adequate fat coverage with a bit of muscle.

Conditon score 3 is perfect weight, you cant see the ribs, not sunken in on the bum and has good muscle and fat coverage. You can feel the ribs but not see them.

Condition score 4 is when you have to "search" for the ribs so to speak! They start getting a bit of an "apple bum" and they start to get a cresty neck drom the fat.

Condition score 5 is obese. You can't feel the ribs, huge fat cresty neck, and a huge apple bum.

These are the guidelines I was taught so someone correct me if I am wrong! Its is all mainly done by eye as you can tell. Hope this makes sense and helps!

 

[Cahill]

http://www.mvol.co.uk/paragonvet/equineinfo/ageing/body.vm

 

[Cahill]

here`s another one...
http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/conditionscore.shtml