What is the ideal body condition score (BCS) range for a horse?

The ideal body condition score (BCS) range for a horse is commonly recognized as being from 4 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 9. This range indicates that the horse is in a healthy condition, where 4 suggests the horse is slightly thin, 5 is moderate, and 6 is moderately fleshy. Horses within this BCS range typically demonstrate a balanced level of fat and muscle, contributing to their overall health and performance capability. Maintaining a BCS within this range is important for preventing various health issues and ensuring that the horse is fit for work or competition.

Other ranges provided, such as 1 to 3, indicate underweight conditions, while scores of 7 to 9 reflect overweight to obese conditions. The conditions represented in these scores could lead to additional health risks, making the 4 to 6 range the most desirable for a well-functioning horse.