This article has not yet been professionally approved. The information is based on the sources listed below.
Body condition score and weight
Body condition is not judged by kilograms alone. The Henneke scale (1–9) is widely used in practice; nutrient requirements scale with metabolic body weight.
Whether a horse is too thin, normal or too fat is not judged by kilograms alone. In practice, a body condition score is often used – for example the Henneke scale from 1 to 9 1.
- 1–3: too thin
- 4–6: often the target range, depending on the horse and its use
- 7–9: too round to severely overweight
Why requirements do not rise linearly with weight
Requirements for energy, protein and minerals are related to metabolic body weight (body mass to the power of 0.75) to account for how metabolism scales 2. This is why a ration calculation is more accurate than a rough per-kilo estimate.
Sources & studies
The content is based on the references listed below. It does not replace individual veterinary or feeding advice.
Show list of sources (3)
- Henneke DR, Potter GD, Kreider JL, Yeates BF (1983): Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body fat percentage in mares. Equine Veterinary Journal 15(4):371–372Original publication on the body condition score; bibliographically checked. Its application and limits are additionally supported by horse-specific specialist reviews.
- GfE (2014) – Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von PferdenSpecialist reference in German-speaking countries (GfE, German Society of Nutrition Physiology), Committee for Requirement Standards
- Coenen M, Vervuert I (2020): Pferdefütterung. Begründet von H. Meyer. 6., aktualisierte Aufl., Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart. ISBN 978-3-13-241778-6Standard reference work on equine nutrition in German-speaking countries; Table 4.17 mineral recommendations (recommended supply and minimum requirement), Table 4.18 derived sweat volumes per work level and weight class, Table 4.19 electrolyte performance requirement per sweat volume (in addition to maintenance requirement)