What is the upper curved part of the neck called?

The upper curved part of the neck of a horse is called the crest. This term specifically refers to the muscular and often rounded area along the top of the neck, which is particularly prominent in well-conditioned horses. The crest serves not only an aesthetic function, as it contributes to the overall conformation and appearance of the horse, but it also plays a role in the horse's ability to carry its head and maintain balance while moving.

The crest can vary in size depending on the horse's breed, weight, and overall fitness. In addition, it’s important to note that it can be an indicator of health; for instance, an excessively large crest might suggest issues with body condition or fat deposits related to metabolic problems.

Understanding the anatomy of the horse, including the crest, is crucial for evaluating conformation and fitness levels, making it an essential aspect of horse evaluation. The other choices refer to different parts of the horse's anatomy: the throat pertains to the area under the jaw, neckline is not a standard anatomical term, and the poll refers to the top of the horse’s head just behind the ears.