Pagan, J.D., Martin, O.A., Crowley, N.L. (2009).Relationship Between Body Condition and Metabolic Parameters in Sport Horses, Pony Hunters and Polo Ponies. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 29(5). pp. 418-420.

Obesity has been associated with insulin resistance in horses and ponies. This study seems to conclude that overweight sport horses and ponies are less likely to be hyperinsulinemic than sedentary horses and ponies. 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome can be controlled through a management protocol of diet and exercise.

Points to note: 

1. The cresty neck score is designed to assess the amount of fatty deposits in the horse’s nuchal ligament area. This assessment is independent of body condition score. 

2. It is recommended that you use a combination of palpation and visualisation to obtain the score. 

3. The characteristics of different breeds may influence your score. For example, you are likely to score a Draught horse higher than a Thoroughbred when they may in fact have the same degree of fat deposits.

Cresty Neck Score: (0 to 5 scale, 3 and above is considered problematic.)

0 - no crest or fat deposit present

1 - no visual appearance, but fat can be palpated.

2 - noticeable appearance of a crest, but fat deposited fairly evenly from poll to withers. Crest easily cupped in one hand and bent from side to side.

3 - Crest enlarged and thickened, so fat is deposited more heavily in middle of the neck than toward poll and withers, giving a mounded appearance. Crest fills cupped hand and begins losing side to side flexibility.

4 - Crest grossly enlarged and thickened, and can no longer be cupped in one hand or easily bent from side to side. Crest may have wrinkles/creases perpendicular to topline.

5 - Crest is so large it permanently droops to one side.

Cresty Neck Ratio: Circumference of middle of neck in inches (neck should be in a relaxed position) divided by Height in inches. (Centimeters can also be used)

If answer is greater than .63 in a horse or .68 in a pony it is time to take action to begin reducing that crest.

Link to FeedXL for nutritional support: 

https://feedxl.referralrock.com/l/1NANCYMCLEA17/