Body Condition Score 9 – Extremely Fat / Obese

With Body Condition Score 9 (Extremely Fat/Obese), the crease down the back is obvious. Patchy fat will appear over the ribs. The fat around the tailhead is bulging; fat along the withers, behind the shoulders, and along the neck are also obvious. Fat is along the inner thighs (aka twist area) and may appear to rub together; the flank area is also filled with fat. Rump is round and apple shaped.

• Patchy fat can be seen over the ribs, neck, behind the shoulder and the flank area is also filled with fat.
• Noticeable thickening of the neck; “fat ripples“ are wider.
• Crease down the back is obvious.
• The fat around the tailhead is bulging.
• Rump is apple shaped.
• Note the ripple effect of the fat in areas of the horse’s body.