Horses

Question 1

What are the areas on a horse to be assessed to determine body condition score?

Answer 1

• Loin
  
  • Thin horse has a negative crease
  • Crease down back on an obese horse
• Ribs
  
  • Thin horse has very prominent ribs that are easily felt
  • Not seen on an obese horse
• Tailhead
  
  • Prominent on a thin horse
  • Bulging fat on an obese horse
• Withers
  
  • Easily visible on a thin horse
  • Bulging fat on an obese horse
• Neck
  
  • Bone structure is seen on a thin horse
  • Thick and “cresty” on an obese horse
• Shoulders
  
  • Prominent on a thin horse
  • Bulging fat, especially behind the elbow on an obese horse

Question 2

Describe the different sources of energy for horses.

Answer 2

• Oil
  
  • Provides slow released energy source for high intensity exercise
  • Must be introduced gradually
  • No more than 100 ml oil/kg BW should be added
  • Should be given with Vitamin E when given in high doses
• Carbohydrate
  
  • Provides rapidly available energy source for high intensity exercise
  • May cause excitability in horses
  • Not suitable for obese horses or horse with clinical conditions
• Fibre
  
  • Slow release energy
  • Essential for gut health