Linear Scoring as a Tool forSelecting Breeding Stock

Norman Storey B.Agr.Sc.Norman Storey B.Agr.Sc.Equine Specialist AdviserEquine Specialist Adviser

What is linear scoring?

Dictionary

LinearLinear –– relating to a linerelating to a lineScoringScoring –– a system ofa system ofunits for measurementunits for measurement

This is a grey horse

These are grey horses

Shades of Grey

Grey Scale

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Grey Scale

Grey ScoreGrey Score

Condition ScoreCondition Score

Thin Fat1 4

Look at these Front LegsLook at these Front Legs

Describe ThemDescribe Them

Good Bad

Score Them

4

umping

umping

umping

A Linear Score more accuratelyA Linear Score more accuratelydescribes the traitdescribes the trait

Linear ScoreLinear Score• Identify the traits- Conformation traits- Performance traits- Economic traits- Heritable traits

Identify TraitsIdentify TraitsBody shapeAngle of shoulderHoof shapeKneeWalk - length of strideJumping - Technique of front legScope

Linear ScoreLinear Score

Identify the traitsDescribe the traitDefine the extremitiesPresent results

Describe the traitDescribe the trait

Jump - technique of backThe measure in which theneck and back follow thearc over the jump;bascule

Define ExtremitiesDefine ExtremitiesBody shapeAngle of shoulderHoof shapeKneeWalk length of

strideTechnique of front

legScope

- Rectangular Square- Upright Sloping- Wide Narrow- Over Back

- Long Short

- Folded Stretched- Much Little

Define ExtremitiesDefine ExtremitiesBody shapeAngle of shoulderHoof shapeKneeWalk length of

strideTechnique of front

legScope

- Rectangular Square- Upright Sloping- Wide Narrow- Over Back

- Long Short

- Folded Stretched- Much Little

TraitsTraits –– two typestwo typesOptimal – average score is mostdesired

e.g. Knee, hock angle, length of back

Maximum – the higher the better or theoptimum clearly lies above the average

e.g. slope of shoulder, technique of frontleg, length of stride

The Results

Long Av Short

Length of back

Long Av Short

JumpingJumping –– technique oftechnique ofbackback

Round Av Hollow

Linear Scoring Chart

BackOverKnee

FatThinBodycondition

LightDarkColour

ResultsResults

Long Av Short

65

85123

74

87

95

78

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Traits

Linear Scoring as a Tool forSelecting Breeding Stock

Accurate description of your mareAccurate description of stallionsAids selectionImprovement in progenyBreed improvementIndustry improvement

Breed ImprovementWith more accurate assessment ofbreeding stock we can select the betterone and cull the bad onesThere is correlation between performanceand conformation but not very strong.It is much stronger between young horsetesting and competition results in later life

Linear Scoring as a Tool forSelecting Breeding Stock

Compatible with other systemsCompatible with other systemsWe must understand itWe must understand it