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  Discussion on Henneky (sp?) Scale and Horse Neglect
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 1999 - 3:03 pm:

Does anyone know about the Henneky (sp?) scale as it is something I've been asked about while trying to rescue a horse who is starving to death. It is a scale from 1-9 with a 1 being close to death. Any quick info would be of help. When this is over, I'll post about all this under Horse Abuse.

Thanks,
Mary

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 1999 - 4:39 pm:

Mary- from what I know of this, it is a scale that is used to rate the condition of a horse. I have seen it used in horse abuse cases, but have never seen a rating of 1. I have a friend who has been trained in this scale and I could get information from her, but it may take a day or so. I know that here, many vets have some knowledge of it and perhaps Dr. O will too. If you would like me to obtain info for you I will- I may even be able to scan whatever info I get and send it to you.

Jim

Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 1999 - 7:24 am:

I don't know what it's name is but I have this scale published in the 5th ed of Nutrient Requirements of Horses (1989).

1) Poor:
Extreme emaciation evidenced by no fat tissue. Ribs, rail head, spinous processes, ischii, are all prominent. Bones of withers, shoulders and neck easily noticable.

2) Very Thin:
Emaciation evidenced by some fat around the base of the spinous processes. Spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, ischii are prominent and withers, shoulders and neck faintly discernible.

3) Thin:
The fat has built up about halfway up the spinous process, with the transverse processes not being able to be felt. Tailhead prominent, slight fat cover over ribs but still easily seen. Tuber ischii not discernible. Neck, withers, and shoulder not obviously thin.

4) Moderately thin:
Slight ridge along back, faint outline of ribs visible. Tail head may be prominent but fat can be felt around it.

5) Moderate:
Back is flat, ribs are not visually discernible but can be felt easily. Fat around tail head spongy, Withers rounded and and shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body.

There are four more classifications but I think the ones above are the ones you want. I think I will finish an article I have started on energy and horses and include the whole scale early next month:
6) Moderately fleshy
7) Fleshy
8) Fat
9) Extremely Fat

Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 1999 - 10:59 am:

It's called the Henneke Scale. Here is a link to a page with the scale, indications, and recommended condition scores for horses in various disciplines:

https://www.erc.on.ca/body.htm

My 2 bred mares are about 5-6 (they're a little fat), the youngsters (about 19 mos old) are high 4-5; I'd rather they were a little thin while growing rapidly than too fat on young joints. I find they are maintaining weight and condition on free choice grass hay and pasture. The youngsters also get about 5 # 10% pellets daily.

Lorri

Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 1999 - 12:15 pm:

I also have it on my computer and could email to
you if you like. With a bit of common sence and
the assistance of your vet to help explain the
differnces you can get pretty close.
-Em

Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 1999 - 12:45 pm:

Any info sent would be greatly appreciated. My e-mail is in the profile. Thanks for the help!

Posted on Monday, Jun 5, 2000 - 1:07 pm:

Hi, I too have a rescue horse that was badly neglected, when I got him according to Dr.O's scale in the above mentioned post he was about a 2, now he is about a 4 where you can still barely see his ribs, his backbone still isn't covered, but you can feel fat around it as well as his tail bone etc. He has come a long way and was wondering something else, he is about 2 and now gets free roam of about 6 acres of pasture with 2 other horses so he is getting some work there running and playing etc., but I do not have a round pen yet to start working him since I had no need for one in the past so how much fat should he have considering the little amount of work he gets since his heart and lungs etc., are not used to carrying the extra weight yet without hurting him or causing insult to injury so to speak. I read in one of the other posts that rescued horses tend to put on too much weight and die soon after due to this. What is the chance in a younger horse and should I be concerned?

Sherrie
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