What is Horse Abuse or Neglect?

Starving horse with a body score of 2

Horse abuse and neglect takes many forms.  It can be as obvious as having no food or water to not having necessary veterinary or hoof care.  There is a nationally recognized chart that describes a horse’s body condition based on fat deposits and body structure.  It is called the Henneke Body Scoring system.  There is a also an excellent power point presentation available here  with pictures that clearly illustrate what body scoring is.

A body score of 5 is ideal.  A body score of 4 is considered moderately thin and you will often see very fit racehorses that appear at first glance to be a 4.  A horse with a score of 3 or below may be in trouble.

If you suspect abuse or neglect you should contact your local animal control office or sheriff’s department.  They have the authority and the responsibility to investigate all claims of abuse or neglect.   If you are in Central Virginia, please let them know that Central Virginia Horse Rescue is available to transport and shelter horses and notify us by using our contact form.

We need to know the following:

• address where the horse is located
• county or city(so we know which county to contact)
• how many horses
• condition of horses
• whether you have contacted animal control

If you do not know who to call, your county or city sheriff’s office will either transfer your call to the proper people or give you the phone number.