Body Condition Scoring
Based on Carroll and Huntington Method – to obtain the condition score for any horse, first score the pelvis, then adjust the pelvis score up or down by 0.5 if it differs by 1 or more points from the back or neck score.
It is recommended that horses competing at the Dublin Horse Show rate between 2 and 4 on the scale outlined below. Horses scoring outside of the recommended indicator are considered unhealthy on veterinary grounds and may be penalised.
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Angular, skin tight Very sunken rump Deep cavity under tail |
| Back and Ribs | Skin tight over ribs Very prominent and sharp backbone |
| Neck | Marked ewe neck Narrow and slack at base |
Image:
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Prominent pelvis & croup Sunken rump but skin supple Deep cavity under tail |
| Back and Ribs | Ribs easily visible Prominent backbone with skin sunken on either side |
| Neck | Ewe neck, narrow & slack at base |
Image:
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Rump flat either side of backbone Croup well-defined, some fat Slight cavity under tail |
| Back and Ribs | Ribs just visible Backbone covered but spines can be felt |
| Neck | Narrow but firm |
Image:
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Covered by fat and rounded No gutter Pelvis easily felt |
| Back and Ribs | Ribs just covered & easily felt No gutter along back Backbone well covered but spines can be felt |
| Neck | No crest (except for stallions), firm neck |
Image:
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Gutter to root of tail Pelvis covered by soft fat Need firm pressure to feel |
| Back and Ribs | Ribs well covered - need pressure to feel |
| Neck | Slight crest Wide & firm |
Image:
| Part | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Pelvis | Deep gutter to root of tail Skin distended Pelvis buried, cannot be felt |
| Back and Ribs | Ribs buried, cannot be felt Deep gutter along back Back broad & flat |
| Neck | Marked crest Very wide & firm Folds of fat |
Image:
