Which scale should I use for scoring my horse/ pony’s back?
Does your horse/ pony have fat pads on their withers and/ or a positive crease (sometimes described as a ‘gully’) down their back?
The back: scale A
- Remember to score your horse/ pony from both sides.
- Do not assess the spine at the withers.
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Muscles throughout the back are convex and firm.
The top of the spine* may be visible.
The sides of the spine** cannot be felt.
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Muscles along the back are flat or slightly convex. Muscles are mainly firm with some softer areas.
The top of the spine is visible.
The sides of the of the spine can be felt in some areas, but only near the top of the spine.
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Back muscles are slightly concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
The top and sides of the spine can be seen.
The sides of the spine can be felt throughout the back, but only near the top end of the spine. In some areas, the sides can be felt in lower regions.
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Back muscles are concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
The top and sides of the spine are visible.
The lower parts of (the sides of) the spine can be felt in most or all areas.
The back: scale B
- Remember to score your horse/ pony from both sides
- Do not assess the spine at the withers
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are firm and either convex or flat throughout the back.
The top of the spine* may be visible.
It may be possible to feel the sides of the spine** near the top end of the spine.
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are slightly concave throughout the back. Muscles are mainly firm with some softer areas.
The top and sides of the spine are visible.
The sides of the spine can be felt near the top throughout the back. In some areas, the sides can be felt in lower regions.
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are moderately concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
The top and sides of the spine are visible.
The lower sides of the spine can be felt in most parts of the back.
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are deeply concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
The top and sides of the spine are visible.
The lower sides of the spine can be felt throughout the back.
*Top of the spine means the ‘tip’ of the spinous processes
**Sides of the spines means sides of the spinous processes
Muscle Wastage Scoring Tools
I’ve scored my horse; what's next?
Monitor your horse/ pony’s muscle score regularly (ideally monthly) and discuss any changes with your vet, especially if they seem sudden or severe as this may be a sign of injury or disease, particularly if there have been no changes in work or diet. While some degree of muscle loss may occur with ageing, it’s important not to make assumptions as muscle wastage may be the result of something that could be addressed or treated.