My horse is approx. 15.1 hands, and is 966 lbs. What is the best weight for a horse? I have been told he needs to lose weight.
– BS, Alabama
Dear BS,
Most experts agree that the “best” weight for a horse is somewhere in the 4 to 6 range on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Scale, with 5 being ideal. Of course, this often depends on what you do with your horse, as racehorses and event horses are kept more on the 4 side of the scale while halter horses and hunters are kept more on the 6 end of the scale. But for general health purposes, aim for a 5.
What do all these numbers mean? Body Condition Scoring or BCS is a standard system that ranges from 1 which is the thinnest to 9 which is the fattest. Now you can see why a score of 5 is considered ideal! Using this system, the degree of body fat in relation to body muscle is evaluated both visually and by palpation in six different areas on the horse’s body: the neck, behind the shoulder, the withers, ribs, loin (lumbar vertebrae) and tailhead. (See related Ask the Vet blog: How to Body Condition Score Your Horse)
Using this system, everyone in the horse community—whether owners, trainers, veterinarians, nutritionists or others—can communicate with everyone else in the same language. Knowing the height and weight of a horse is not enough information because horses come in all shapes and sizes. But if you tell me your horse is a 7 or 8 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Scale, NOW we can have a conversation about weight management! Hint: check out our small hole hay nets!
Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and a Master of Arts focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. After “retiring” from private practice, she put her experience and education to work as the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s first-ever Director of Owner Education. Dr. Gray continues to provide health and nutrition information to horse owners through her position at SmartPak, through publication in more than a dozen general and trade publications, and through presentations around the country. She is the very proud owner of a Trakehner named Newman that she actively competes with in dressage and combined driving. In addition to memberships in the USDF and USEF, Dr. Gray is also a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA). She is a USDF “L” Program Graduate and is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Find Dr. Gray on Google+
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(105 reviews)
Here are two links with sample scoring pictures and guidelines for scoring your horse.
http://www.habitatforhorses.org/rescues/bodyscoring.html
http://www.trfinc.org/mc_images/category/4/eqfeb09bodyconditionscore.pdf
Great article. It is so important to be able to communicate in the same language but I am always surprised how few owners are familiar with the BCS system.
I’ve read about scale several times. And I still don’t know what rate is my appaloosa mare. I can scale warmbloods, ponies.. but I’m really lost with QHs, Paints and Appaloosas who are more muscled by nature. Maybe photo examples would helps.
How to use this scale on pregnant mares and foals?
Hi Alexandra, thanks for your questions. First we wanted to mention that the Henneke scale is designed to be used on all breeds and types of horses, regardless of their build. This method of rating a horse’s body condition primarily consists of assessing fat cover in several key areas, which is not affected by the amount of muscle a horse has. Secondly, this system is not designed to be used on pregnant mares or foals. If you have questions on body condition for either one of these groups, our recommendation would be to have your veterinarian evaluate him or her. We also recommend taking a look at the links below for more information on Body Condition Scoring. Best of luck!
How To Body Condition Score Your Horse: http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2011/06/how-to-body-condition-score-your-horse/
Is There a ‘Perfect’ Weight for a Horse: http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2011/10/is-there-a-perfect-weight-for-a-horse/
Basically so that the horse has a round hidquarter (no pointy hips or spine), and their ribs can be felt but no seen.
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