Which scale should I use for scoring my horse/ pony’s hindquarters?
Does your horse/ pony have soft or bulging fat around their tailhead and/or do they have a crease over their hindquarters (sometimes described as an ‘apple bottom’)?
Hindquarters: Scale A
- Remember to assess your horse/ pony from both sides.
- Do not score any areas where there is bulging fat.
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the area below the point of hip are convex or flat.
Bone at point of croup cannot be seen but may be felt under pressure in some horses.
Bone at point of buttock cannot be seen or felt.
View from behind
Muscles at ‘the sides’ are convex or flat (see image).
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the area below the point of hip are slightly concave.
Bone at point of croup may be slightly visible, and is easily felt, but is not protruding.
Bone at point of buttock cannot be seen or felt.
View from behind
Muscles at ‘the sides’ are flat (see image).
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the area below the point of hip are moderately concave.
Bone at point of croup is slightly visible and easily felt but is not protruding.
Bone at point of buttock is not visible but can be felt under pressure.
View from behind
Muscles ‘at the sides’ are slightly concave (see image).
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the area below the point of hip are deeply concave.
Bone at point of croup is protruding and easily felt.
Bone at point of buttock is seen and easily felt.
View from behind
Muscles at ‘the sides’ are concave (see image).
Hindquarters: scale B
- Remember to assess your horse/ pony from both sides.
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the areas below the point of hip are convex or flat.
Bone at point of croup may be slightly visible and/ or felt.
Bone at point of buttock cannot be seen or felt
View from behind
Muscles over the top of the hindquarters are convex (see image).
Muscles ‘at the sides’ are convex or flat (see image).
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the areas below the point of hip are slightly concave.
Bone at point of croup can be seen (but is not protruding) and can be easily felt.
Bone at point of buttock cannot be seen but can be felt under pressure.
View from behind
Muscles over the top of the hindquarters and at ‘the sides’ are flat (see image).
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the areas below the point of hip are moderately concave.
Bone at point of croup is protruding and can be easily felt.
Bone at point of buttock is slightly visible and can easily be felt.
View from behind
Muscles over the top of the hindquarters and at ‘the sides’ are slightly concave (see image).
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Side view
Muscles in the areas below the point of hip are deeply concave.
Bone at point of croup is protruding and can be easily felt.
Bone at point of buttock is clearly visible and can easily be felt.
View from behind
Muscles over the top of the hindquarters and at ‘the sides’ are concave (see image).
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 they may be the result of something that could be addressed or treated.