How-to Guide for Constructing a Horse Body Condition Scoring Model

The model illustrates the progression of fat coverage over the ribs from BCS 1 (emaciated) to BCS 9 (obese) based on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System. This model can be used as a tactile aid to help students understand the differences between body condition scores.

Understanding Horse Body Condition Scoring

The Horse Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system is a vital tool for horse owners to assess their horses' overall health. This easy-to-learn system can be used on any farm to track changes in a horse's weight and fat accumulation. This publication provides guidance for educators on creating a BCS model that illustrates the feel of fat over the ribs, especially since a live horse may not always be available for demonstrations of BCS evaluation.

Purpose

The Henneke Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system offers horse owners a straightforward method for assessing their horse's overall health at home. Developed by Dr. Don Henneke in the early 1980s, this system is widely recognized across the United States. The BCS evaluates fat coverage at six key points on the horse's body: the neck, withers, shoulder, ribs, back, and tailhead, which is where fat typically accumulates.

The scoring scale ranges from 1 (indicating extreme emaciation) to 9 (indicating severe obesity), with the ideal range being 4-6. The optimal BCS can vary depending on factors such as breed, reproductive status, and discipline. For instance, many racehorses often score between 4 and 5, as their performance may decline outside this range. In contrast, pregnant mares should aim for a BCS of 6-7 to ensure adequate fat reserves for lactation. To determine a horse's BCS, owners conduct both visual assessments and physical evaluations (palpation) of the six key points on the horse's body. After assessing each area, an overall score is assigned. For example, if a horse scores an 8 in five areas and a 4 in one area, the overall score would be 8, while also noting the uneven fat distribution.

Constructing the Model

Materials & Tools

• 1 18"x 5" wooden plaque
• 32 4" lollipop sticks
• 1 felt sheet
  -- Cut into 4"x 2" rectangles
• 1 foam sheet
  -- Cut into 4"x 2" rectangles
• 1 seat cushion
  -- Cut three 4"x 2"x 1/2" rectangle
  -- Cut two 4"x 1/2"x 1/2" rectangle
• 1 pack Model Magic
• 1 18" x 5" rectangle of craft fur fabric
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• Superglue
• Laminated plaque cover
• Pen or permanent marker
• Tape measure or ruler
• Scissors and/or X-acto knife

Preparation — Mark the Board

Supplies - wooden plaque, ruler, pen, 32 lollipop sticks, hot glue

1. Measure the wooden plaque (18 inches long).
2. Mark a line every 2 inches along the length (9 equal sections).
3. Label sections 1–9 to represent Henneke BCS scores.
4. Glue 2 sets of 2 lollipop sticks an equal distance apart inside sections 1-8

BCS 1 — Extreme Emaciation

1. There are no extra steps for this BCS.

This represents extreme emaciation and a severe lack of fat accumulation on the
body.

BCS 2 — Very Thin
Supplies - 1 felt rectangle, hot glue

1. Glue one felt rectangle tightly over each set of lollipop sticks in block number 2.

The felt layer represents a very thin layer of fat.

BCS 3 — Thin
Supplies - 1 foam rectangle, hot glue

1. Glue one foam rectangle tightly over each set of lollipop sticks in block number 3.

The foam layer represents fat beginning to accumulate over the ribs; however, the ribs are still easily visible.

BCS 4 — Lower End of Ideal
Supplies - 1 foam rectangle, 1 felt rectangle, hot glue

1. Glue one foam rectangle tightly over each set of lollipop sticks in block number 4.
2. Repeat with the felt rectangle

The foam and felt layers represent an even, palpable layer of fat over the rib area. Ribs can still be seen at this body condition, but the horse is no longer considered emaciated. Think about racing or endurance horses at peak fitness levels.

BCS 5 — Moderate
Supplies - 2 foam rectangles, hot glue

1. Glue one foam rectangle tightly over each set of lollipop sticks in block number 5.
2. Glue one foam rectangle on top of the first layer. Only glue this layer on the outer edge of each set of lollipop sticks. It does not need to be pulled as tight as the previous layers.

This double layer of foam represents sufficient fat coverage over the ribs, making them difficult to see but still easy to feel.

BCS 6 — Spongy Fat
Supplies - 1, 4"x 1/2"x 1/2" seat cushion rectangle, 1 foam rectangle, hot glue

1. Place the seat cushion between the lollipop sticks
2. Glue the foam rectangle over the lollipop sticks the same way as the second layer of foam in BCS 5.

The seat cushion, covered by foam, represents a spongy layer of fat that develops over the ribs.

BCS 7 — Noticeable Fat
Supplies - 1, 4"x 2"x 1/2" seat cushion rectangle, 1 felt rectangle, hot glue

1. Place the seat cushion over the lollipop sticks
2. Glue the felt sheet over the cushion

The seat cushion, covered with felt, represents the noticeable fat pad between and over the ribs. Each rib is still palpable.

BCS 8 - Heavier Condition
Supplies - 1, 4"x 1/2"x 1/2" seat cushion rectangle, 1, 4"x 2"x 1/2" seat cushion rectangle, 1 foam rectangle, hot glue

1. Place the smaller seat cushion rectangle between the lollipop sticks
2. Glue the larger seat cushion rectangle over the lollipop sticks
3. Glue the foam rectangle over the cushion

The double layer of the seat cushion, followed by the foam, adds a layer of fat, making it difficult to feel the individual ribs.

BCS 9 — Obese
Supplies - 1, 4"x 2"x 1/2" seat cushion rectangle, Model Magic, 1 foam rectangle, 1 felt rectangle

1. Glue the foam rectangle to the wooden board
2. Place the seat cushion on top of the foam.
3. Make 3-4 small balls of Model Magic and put them randomly on top of the seat cushion.
4. Glue the felt rectangle over the top.

The Magic Model balls represent the uneven fatty deposits that develop over the rib area. The ribs cannot be felt in this body condition.

Final Assembly & Finishing

Supplies - craft fur, laminated plaque, hot glue, superglue

1. Hot glue the craft fur tightly over sections 1–4, making it easier for students to see the "ribs." Continue gluing the craft fur over the remaining sections. Do not glue the fur over the outer wooden edge.
2. Superglue the laminated plaque to the frame.

Using the Model In the Classroom - activities when a horse is available to practice after a classroom lesson

1. During the lesson on body condition scoring (BCS), have students pass around a model for hands-on examination. This will give them a clearer understanding of the variations in fat accumulation associated with different body conditions.

In the Classroom - activities when a horse is not available for practice after a classroom lesson.

1. During the lesson on body condition scoring (BCS), have students pass around a model for hands-on examination. This will give them a clearer understanding of the variations in fat accumulation associated with different body conditions.
2. Display printed pictures of horses, each representing a different body condition score, around the room. Have students walk around, observe each picture, and score the horses based on the visual information provided and their hands-on experience with the model. Use the scoring charts for each student to record their scores.
3. Discuss the visual scores of each horse with the students.

References:

Henneke, et al., 1983. Equine Body Condition Scoring. Equine Vet. J. (Online PDF)