* Cresty neck (fat deposit along the top of the neck)
* Fat rolls along the withers (shoulder blades)
* Fat deposits on the back and loins
* Fatty tailhead
* Round belly
* Difficulty rising from a lying position
* Weight loss despite adequate feed intake
* Lethargy
* Decreased athletic performance
* Increased sweating
* Difficulty breathing
* Laminitis (founder)
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
Body condition scoring is a system that allows you to assess the amount of fat on a horse's body. BCS is based on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being extremely thin and 9 being obese.
To determine your horse's BCS, you will need to visually assess their body fat, ribs, withers, shoulder blades, and hip bones. You will also need to feel their ribs and spine.
You can find a diagram of the BCS scale online or in a book on horse care.
Assessing Body Fat
When you are assessing your horse's body fat, you should look at their overall body shape. Is their body round or angular? Do they have a lot of fat deposits or are they lean?
Feeling the Ribs
When you are feeling your horse's ribs, you should be able to feel them easily with gentle pressure. If you cannot feel their ribs at all, then your horse is overweight.
Feeling the Spine
When you are feeling your horse's spine, you should be able to feel the individual vertebrae. If you cannot feel the vertebrae, then your horse is overweight.
Assessing Withers and Shoulder Blades
When you are assessing your horse's withers and shoulder blades, you should be able to see them easily. If they are covered in fat, then your horse is overweight.
Assessing Hip Bones
When you are assessing your horse's hip bones, you should be able to feel them easily with gentle pressure. If you cannot feel their hip bones at all, then your horse is overweight.
If your horse is overweight, you should talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan. Your veterinarian can help you create a diet and exercise plan that will help your horse lose weight safely and effectively.