Which scale should I use for scoring my horse/pony’s neck?
Does your horse/ pony have a visibly ‘cresty’ neck?
The neck: scale A
Remember to assess your horse/ pony’s neck from both sides and the front. This will help you to look for ‘hollowing’ between the neck and the shoulder.
Do not assess the crest.
Do not assess areas with soft or ‘spongey’ fat deposits at the side of the neck.
If your horse/ pony has a fat pad at the front of their shoulder, displace it with your hand so you can look for ‘hollowing’ between the neck and the shoulder blade.
When assessing the angle between the neck and the shoulder, place your hand on the front of your horse/pony's shoulder blade - this will help you to identify any 'hollowing'.
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly convex and firm but some areas of ‘softer muscle’ may be present.
The neck blends smoothly into the shoulder.
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly flat and firm but some areas of ‘softer muscle’ may be present.
Slight ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder.
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly flat or slightly concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
Moderate ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder.
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or very soft.
Prominent ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder (the angle between the front of the shoulder blade and the neck is approximately 90°).
The neck: scale B
Remember to assess your horse/ pony’s neck from both sides and from the front. This will help you to look for ‘hollowing’ between the neck and the shoulder.
- When assessing the angle between the neck and the shoulder, place your hand on the front of your horse/ pony’s shoulder blade - this will help you to identify any ‘hollowing’.
Score & Description
Score your horse 1 (no muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly convex and firm but some areas of ‘softer muscle’ may be present.
The neck blends smoothly into the shoulder.
Score your horse 2 (mild muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly flat and firm but some areas of ‘softer muscle’ may be present.
Slight ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder.
Score your horse 3 (moderate muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly flat or slightly concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or soft.
Moderate ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder.
Score your horse 4 (severe muscle wastage) if:
Muscles are mainly concave and either rigid (as opposed to firm and elastic) or very soft.
Prominent ‘hollowing’ where the neck meets the shoulder (the angle between the front of the shoulder blade and the neck is approximately 90°).
Muscle Wastage Scoring Tools
I’ve scored my horse; what's next?
Monitor your horse/ pony’s muscle score regularly (ideally monthly) and discuss any changes with your vet, especially if they seem sudden or severe as this may be a sign of injury or disease, particularly if there have been no changes in work or diet. While some degree of muscle loss may occur with ageing, it’s important not to make assumptions as muscle wastage may be the result of something that could be addressed or treated.