Body Condition Score 3 – Thin

With Body Condition Score 3 (Thin), fat on the horse is partially prevalent on the spinous processes but the vertebra are distinguishable; the transverse processes of the vertebra cannot be felt. The ribs are easily seen and there is slight fat cover over the ribs; they do appear less pronounced compared to lower scores. View from the rear of the horse the hindquarters are an inverted V. The tailhead is prominent, but individual vertebrae of the tail head cannot be identified visually. The point of hip appears rounded but easily observed; the point of buttocks iare not noticeable. The withers, shoulders, and neck are noticeable.

• Point of hip appears rounded; the ribs are not evident from this side view because of the long hair coat.
• Spinous processes forms a ridge but fat is partially prevalent on the spinous processes.
• Slight fat cover over the ribs but ribs easily seen; the long hair coat camouflages the prominence; hence the importance of palpation in condition scoring.
• Hindquarters appear as an inverted V; thigh area has a hollow or indented appearance.

Neck/Shoulder

Shoulders and neck are noticeable & accentuated; structures do not blend smoothly

Withers

Withers are noticeable & accentuated; structures do not blend smoothly

Loin/Back

Prominent, but individual vertebrae cannot be identified visually; fat is partially prevalent on the spinous processes but they are distinguishable; transverse spinal structures can not be felt

Ribs

Slight fat cover over ribs; easily seen; spacing between ribs still evident

Tailhead

Point of hip appears rounded but still easily seen; hindquarters appear as an inverted V; thigh area has a hollow or indented appearance from the rear view