Kentucky Performance Products: Body Condition Score Video
Have you ever scored your horse’s body condition? This video from Kentucky Performance Products helps demystify the process.
Click here to download a free copy of the horse body condition score sheet.
Horse body condition scoring is an easy method you can utilize throughout the year to see if your horse’s condition changes over time. Once you determine your horse’s body condition you can revise your feeding program as needed. Keep in mind, your horse’s body condition level can depend on a number of factors such as age, temperament, metabolism, level of work, breed, and current or past injuries or illness.
What is your horse’s body condition score?
Body condition scoring is based on a 9-point scale, with one being poor and 9 being obviously obese. Where your horse stores fat is an indicator of body condition. When evaluating your horse’s condition there are some key areas to pay attention to. Look for fat deposits along the neck, withers, backbone, tailhead, flanks, shoulders, the area where shoulders blend into the neck, and along the ribs. It is important to not only use your eyes, but your hands when evaluating these areas.
What is the ideal body condition for your horse?
In general, a score of 5 is considered good, but there are some cases where a leaner or fatter condition may be desirable. Studies have shown that broodmares with a higher score had higher conception rates than mares with a lower score. With older horses it may be more beneficial if the horse has a higher score to create a buffer for times of stress and illness. However, if your older horse suffers from arthritis or laminitis he or she may do better without extra weight. Performance horses can vary in range depending on the discipline. Polo, eventing, race, and endurance horses might be fit with a lower body condition score of 4, while a dressage, hunter, or jumper may be fit with a score of 6.
It is important to work with your veterinarian and trainer to determine the best condition for your individual horse.
Article written by KPP staff.
Copyright (C) 2017 Kentucky Performance Products, LLC. All rights reserved.
Article sponsored by Micro-Phase, which provides essential vitamins and trace minerals missing from forages and unfortified diets in an easy-to-digest form.
When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury.
About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:
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Fight back against colic and digestive upset
Neigh-Lox Advanced provides a scientifically advanced blend of ingredients that work synergistically to maintain your horse’s digestive tract in peak condition by supporting both the gastrointestinal tissues and the beneficial bacteria that populate the gut. Maintaining a healthy digestive tract reduces the risk of colonic and gastric ulcers, colic, laminitis related to hind-gut acidosis, and oxidative stress that damages digestive tract tissues themselves. Horses with a well-balanced GI tract have good appetites, absorb more nutrients from their diets, maintain a strong immune system, and stay healthier.
It is why the horse that matters to you matters to us. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.
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