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A. Along Neck... B. Along the Withers... C. Crease Down Back...
D. Tailhead... E. Ribs... F. Behind Shoulder
Note: scores can be measured to 1/4 point accuracy, such as 5.25. This allows for uneven fat deposit on some horses' bodies, so score each element separately (neck, loin, etc), add the scores and divide by 6, then round to the nearest quarter point.
| Condition | Neck | Withers | Loin | Tailhead | Ribs | Shoulder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Poor | Bone structure easily noticeable | Bone structure easily noticeable | Spinous processes project prominently | Tailhead (pinbones) and hook bones projecting prominently | Ribs projecting prominently | Bone structure easily noticeable |
| Animal extremely emaciated; no fatty tissue | ||||||
| 2 Very Thin | Faintly discernible | Faintly discernible | Slight fat covering overbase of spinous processes. Transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded. Spinous processes are prominent. | Tailhead prominent | Ribs prominent | Faintly discernible |
| 3 Thin | Neck accentuated | Withers accentuated | Fat buildup halfway on spinous processes but easily discernible. Transverse processes cannot be felt. | Tailhead prominent but individual vertebrae cannot be visually identified. Hook bones appear rounded, but are still easily discernible. Pin bones not distinguishable. | Slight fat cover over ribs. Ribs easily discernible. | Shoulder accentuated. |
| 4 Moderately Thin | Neck not obviously thin | Withers not obviously thin | Negative crease along back | Prominence depends on conformation; fat can be felt. Hook bones not discernible | Faint outline discernible | Shoulder not obviously thin |
| 5 Moderate | Neck blends smoothly into body | Withers rounded over spinous processes | Back level | Fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy | Ribs cannot be visually distinguished but can be easily felt | Shoulder blends smoothly into body |
| 6 Moderately Fleshy | Fat beginning to be depositted | Fat beginning to be deposited | May have slight positive crease down back | Fat around tailhead feels soft | Fat over ribs feels spongy | Fat beginning to be deposited |
| 7 Fleshy | Fat deposited along neck | Fat deposited along withers | May have positive crease down back | Fat around tailhead is soft | Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat | Fat deposited behind shoulder |
| 8 Fat | Noticeable thickening of neck | Area along withers filled with fat | Positive crease down back | Tailhead fat very soft | Difficult to feel ribs | Area behind shoulder filled in flush with body |
| Fat deposited along inner buttocks | ||||||
| 9 Extremely Fat | Bulging fat | Bulging fat | Obvious positive crease down back | Building fat around tailhead | Patchy fat appearing over ribs | Bulging fat |
| Fat along inner buttocks may rub together. Flank filled in flush | ||||||
