Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide

Authors

• Robyn Stewart, University of GeorgiaFollow
• Carissa Wickens, University of FloridaFollow
• Brooklyne Wassel, University of GeorgiaFollow

Volume

64

Issue

2

Abstract

The Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart is a visual decision-making tool designed to guide users through the process of evaluating a horse's body condition score (BCS) using the Henneke scale. Accurately assessing BCS is critical for making informed management decisions relating to equine nutrition, health, and training. This tool simplifies the scoring process by breaking it down into step-by-step questions based on clear scoring criteria, anatomical landmarks, and both visual and tactile assessment. This tool can be used regardless of geographic location and benefits a diverse audience of Extension educators, horse owners, 4-H'ers, and equine business owners.

Authors’ Contribution Statement

Robyn L. Stewart developed the concept for the Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart, designed and created the tool, and wrote the manuscript. Carissa Wickens helped conceptualize the flow chart, provided subject matter expertise throughout tool development, assisted with development of the assessment framework, and reviewed the tool and manuscript for technical accuracy and consistency with the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System. Brooklyne Wassel provided substantial review and feedback on the manuscript and contributed to revisions that improved the organization, clarity, and educational value of the article. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, R., Wickens, C., & Wassel, B. (2026). Equine Body Condition Scoring Flow Chart: A Field Guide. Journal of Extension, 64(2), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.66752/1077-5315.9261