Thick crest.

[huntez]

My horse as a really thick & big crest. I know it is fat, but I have been told it could lead to laminitis.
Just wondered if anyone could let me know if this is true please.

[mandal]

A horse being over weight does increase the risk of laminitis and other metabloic disorders I'm afraid. Have a look at the fat assessment chart and video from this link. www.yourhorse.co.uk/Right-Weight-Campaign/Before-and-After/
Crests that are stiff and solid rather than loose and floppy are I believe more of a risk indicatior of laminitis as well.

Is this a stallion though?

[ashleigh]

My last conversation with my vet revealed that crest fat is as bad in horses as tummy fat is in humans. In humans it is a sign not only of being overweight but also diabetes. In horses it is a good indicator of potential insulin resistance and laminitis. If your gelding or mare has a thick, hard crest then yes, you can take that as a warning.

[arabmania]

Hi
There is a very good article in the latest IH magazine about this by JackieTaylor who is an equine nutrionalist.
Do you have a copy or can you get hold of a copy?
I don't want to go into too much detail as i don't have my copy at hand at the moment. I do know that she comments on the crest and other fatty deposits and suggests different supplements, one of them being 2gm magnesium per 100kg weight of horse.
Do try and get a copy of the article as it is very interesting and pauses thought.

[gypsydust]

Do you have to be an IH member to get hold of that article arabmania? It sounds really interesting, I'd like to see a copy if poss.

[portiabuzz]

i know the crest is counted in the fat scoring of a horse...

[mandal]

Another link for you huntez. Check out other articles there may be some of interest to you.
www.safergrass.org/articles/risk_laminitis.html