HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 9) BODY CONDITION SCORE

Looking at your horse’s condition can tell you a lot about his health. Formally assessing body condition score may seem like a bit of schlepp when observation alone is so useful, but having an accurate assessment of your horse’s weight, condition and fat distribution can be invaluable if ever your horse does fall sick. Often owners are the last to notice when horse’s lose condition as they see them every day and small changes are difficult to detect – performing a body score every month or so, can give you peace of mind that your horse is on the right track to maintaining his body weight.

Overweight horses are prone to laminitis, joint, respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Underweight horses are often, on the other hand, unwell horses or horses in pain. Underweight horses are also unable to build condition or muscle so, even if your horse is healthy but underweight, you still need to act to change the situation.