Free shipping in Europe above €200

Feed and products in 25kg bags excluded

Whatsapp +39 351 585 8064
METHODS OF PAYMENT

Bank transfer | Paypal | Credit cards

Login or Register

HORSE BODY CONDITION SCORE

Is your horse in good shape?

Assessing your horse’s physical condition and determining whether it’s underweight, overweight, or in ideal shape is not always easy, as such evaluations often rely on subjective judgment. That’s why a standardised, simple, and intuitive tool is available: the Body Condition Score (BCS).
The BCS is a 1-to-9 scale that helps assess a horse’s body condition by examining the amount of fat present in specific areas of the body. It’s a straightforward yet essential tool for anyone who cares about their horse’s health. Learning how to assign and regularly monitor your horse’s BCS gives you a clear and immediate insight into their physical condition.

Let’s take a closer look at what the BCS is, how it’s evaluated, and why it’s so important for your horse’s overall health and well-being.

What Is the Body Condition Score?

The Body Condition Score is a numerical system, typically from 1 to 9 (based on the widely used Henneke method), where:

  • 1 indicates an extremely thin horse,
  • 9 indicates an obese horse,
  • 5 represents an ideal body condition.

How is BCS assessed?

To determine your horse’s BCS, it’s essential to observe, touch, and evaluate six key areas of the body:

  1. Neck
  2. Shoulders
  3. Withers
  4. Ribs
  5. Back and iliac area

  6. Tailhead

    For example:

  • If the ribs are clearly visible, the horse is likely underweight (BCS 3 or lower).
  • If the ribs aren’t visible but can be easily felt, the horse is likely close to an ideal BCS of 5.
  • If the ribs are hard to feel and the back appears “padded”, the horse is likely overweight or obese (BCS 7+).

Why Is BCS Important?

Maintaining a healthy BCS is not just about appearance; it’s fundamentally about health. Here’s why:

Underweight horses may:

  • Suffer from nutritional deficiencies
  • Be more vulnerable to infections
  • Have poor athletic performance

Overweight horses are at risk of:

  • Laminitis
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Respiratory and joint problems
  • Equine metabolic syndrome

What Is the Ideal BCS?

The ideal BCS depends on factors such as the horse’s age, breed, and activity level. However, for most horses, a score between 4 and 5 is optimal:

  1. Start by observing your horse critically, examining each of the six key areas mentioned above. It’s good practice to check your horse’s BCS regularly.
  2. Nutrition is the foundation of health, but more is not always better. The daily ration should be tailored to the horse’s age, activity level, breed, and any existing or past health conditions. (Unika offers a fully free personalised nutrition consultation, just reach out).
  3. Exercise should be aligned with your horse’s capabilities. Intense or poorly structured training can negatively impact BCS, often leading to weight loss or poor condition. A gradually progressive training plan helps the horse’s body adapt to physical demands safely.
  4. Don’t underestimate the value of expert advice. If you’re unsure or if your horse’s condition changes without an obvious cause, consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist. A professional can help fine-tune the diet, identify potential health concerns, and create an effective care strategy.
Instagram Facebook Linkedin

Cosa stai cercando?

Inserisci il nome del prodotto che stai cercando

What are you looking for?

Enter the name of the product you are looking for

Summer closing

From August 12-16 we will be closed for vacation.

Place your order by August 07 to receive it by closing!

All orders received during the closure will be taken on August 19.