Gauging a horse’s weight without a scale is inexact, so most horse owners must rely on other methods for monitoring their horses’ body condition. Veterinarians and nutritionists encourage horse owners to use the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system.
Factors such as height, breed, and reproductive status will affect weight, and you can’t identify a ‘healthy weight range’ that can easily be applied to all horses.” – Taylor Fabus, MS
Source: The Horse, February 2020. Link. (paywall) The Henneke system allows users to assess relative body fat with nothing more than a set of eyes, a pair of hands, and a little practice. Six areas on the horse are responsive fat deposits.
INSIGHTS: Horse owners will appreciate guidance on learning this scoring system. Carrying a poster in each veterinary truck and having one at retail locations will help owners keep horses in good condition.