Question

What is the crest of the neck, and why is it important when condition scoring horses? I’ve often heard the phrase “cresty neck” but I am unsure what it means.

Answer

All horses have a crest, the ridge or upper surface of the neck from which the mane erupts. Extending from just behind the poll to the withers, the crest is made of fibro-fatty tissue similar in texture to high-density foam. Certain horses have larger crests than others, perhaps because of breeding (Warmbloods, draft horses, Iberian-breds, Morgans, and some Welsh ponies) or sex (stallions or late-castrated geldings tend to have more crest than mares).

Another factor that influences the size of the crest is body weight. As some horses gain weight, fat settles into the crest. Though body condition scoring systems use neck assessment as part of their overall evaluation, a separate technique, called cresty neck scoring^*, specifically gauges the crest fat, which separates regional fat deposition in the crest from general obesity.

Regional fat deposition in the neck may indicate an increased risk for disease, including endocrine abnormalities, much like abdominal fat accumulation in humans is closely related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

With this in mind, importance of neck assessment lies not only in maintenance of moderate body weight (a body condition score of 4, 5, or 6 is acceptable for most horses) but also in staving off metabolic disease.

^*Cater, R.A., R.J. Geor, W.B. Stanier, T.A. Cubitt, and P.A. Harris. 2009. Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies. The Veterinary Journal 179:204-210.