Horse Condition Evaluator Checklist

Body Condition0/5

Ribs easily visible (too thin)Ribs clearly visible from a distance. Indicates underweight.
Ribs felt but not prominent (ideal)Ribs easily felt with light pressure, not visually prominent. Topline filled out.
Ribs difficult to feel (overweight)Layer of fat over ribs. Cresty neck. Fat pads at tailhead and behind shoulders.
Topline muscle tone is goodBack and hindquarters show developed muscle. No swayback or poor topline.
Neck is proportionate (no cresty neck)Neck blends smoothly into shoulder. No exaggerated crest or lumpy fat deposits.

Hooves trimmed/shod on scheduleFarrier on 6-8 week cycle. No cracks, flares, or excessive length.
Hooves are balanced and levelEven heel-to-toe breakover. Hoof wall parallel to pastern axis.
No signs of lameness or stiffnessWalks and trots symmetrically. No head bobbing, short striding, or reluctance to move.
Legs are clean (no swelling or heat)No filled tendons, windpuffs, or heat in limbs after exercise. Boots/wraps used appropriately.
Pasterns and coronary bands are healthyNo cracks, scabs, or hair loss. Proper angle maintained.

Coat is shiny and healthy-lookingSmooth, glossy coat indicates good nutrition and grooming routine.
No bare patches, rain rot, or skin conditionsSkin free of lesions, scabs, fungal infections, or parasites.
Mane and tail are clean and tangle-freeRegular grooming, no matting. Tail full and healthy.
No excessive shedding or dull coatSeasonal shedding normal. Year-round dullness may indicate nutrition or health issues.

Teeth floated within last 12 monthsSharp edges filed. Hooks and waves addressed.
Chews evenly and completelyQuidding (dropping food) or head tilting while eating indicates dental problems.
No difficulty taking bit or bridlingAccepts bit calmly. No resistance, head tossing, or mouth sensitivity.
Gums are pink and healthyPale, blue, or bright red gums may indicate health issues. Capillary refill time under 2 seconds.

Calm and relaxed demeanorNot overly anxious, spooky, or aggressive. Stands well for grooming and tacking.
Engages with handler willinglyApproaches people, ears forward, interested in interaction. No avoidance behaviors.
Appetite is normalEats full meals eagerly. No pickiness or refusal of feed.
Energy level matches workloadAlert and forward when working. Rests well when off duty. Not lethargic or hyperactive.

Recovers quickly after exerciseHeart rate returns to normal within 10-15 minutes of moderate work.
Sweats appropriately during workEven sweat pattern. No excessive sweating or failure to sweat (anhidrosis).
Maintains weight on current workloadNo unexpected weight loss or gain. Feed amount appropriate for activity level.
Breathing returns to normal quicklyNo excessive nostril flare, coughing, or labored breathing during or after work.

Ribs easily visible (too thin)Ribs clearly visible from a distance. Indicates underweight.
Ribs felt but not prominent (ideal)Ribs easily felt with light pressure, not visually prominent. Topline filled out.
Ribs difficult to feel (overweight)Layer of fat over ribs. Cresty neck. Fat pads at tailhead and behind shoulders.
Topline muscle tone is goodBack and hindquarters show developed muscle. No swayback or poor topline.
Neck is proportionate (no cresty neck)Neck blends smoothly into shoulder. No exaggerated crest or lumpy fat deposits.

Hooves trimmed/shod on scheduleFarrier on 6-8 week cycle. No cracks, flares, or excessive length.
Hooves are balanced and levelEven heel-to-toe breakover. Hoof wall parallel to pastern axis.
No signs of lameness or stiffnessWalks and trots symmetrically. No head bobbing, short striding, or reluctance to move.
Legs are clean (no swelling or heat)No filled tendons, windpuffs, or heat in limbs after exercise. Boots/wraps used appropriately.
Pasterns and coronary bands are healthyNo cracks, scabs, or hair loss. Proper angle maintained.

Coat is shiny and healthy-lookingSmooth, glossy coat indicates good nutrition and grooming routine.
No bare patches, rain rot, or skin conditionsSkin free of lesions, scabs, fungal infections, or parasites.
Mane and tail are clean and tangle-freeRegular grooming, no matting. Tail full and healthy.
No excessive shedding or dull coatSeasonal shedding normal. Year-round dullness may indicate nutrition or health issues.

Teeth floated within last 12 monthsSharp edges filed. Hooks and waves addressed.
Chews evenly and completelyQuidding (dropping food) or head tilting while eating indicates dental problems.
No difficulty taking bit or bridlingAccepts bit calmly. No resistance, head tossing, or mouth sensitivity.
Gums are pink and healthyPale, blue, or bright red gums may indicate health issues. Capillary refill time under 2 seconds.

Calm and relaxed demeanorNot overly anxious, spooky, or aggressive. Stands well for grooming and tacking.
Engages with handler willinglyApproaches people, ears forward, interested in interaction. No avoidance behaviors.
Appetite is normalEats full meals eagerly. No pickiness or refusal of feed.
Energy level matches workloadAlert and forward when working. Rests well when off duty. Not lethargic or hyperactive.

Recovers quickly after exerciseHeart rate returns to normal within 10-15 minutes of moderate work.
Sweats appropriately during workEven sweat pattern. No excessive sweating or failure to sweat (anhidrosis).
Maintains weight on current workloadNo unexpected weight loss or gain. Feed amount appropriate for activity level.
Breathing returns to normal quicklyNo excessive nostril flare, coughing, or labored breathing during or after work.