Taking care of the poll
Prevention is better than cure. Implementing strategies to prevent poll issues from occurring is much easier than dealing with dysfunction after it occurs.
For the past two weeks we've been focusing on the importance of the poll and how easy it is for this area to become dysfunctional. This week I'd like to delve more into how we can prevent issues in this area from occurring in the first place. Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking about poll health.
Feeding posture can have a big impact on poll health.
1. Dental care. The teeth, the TMJ and the poll are closely related, so taking care of the poll means taking care of the teeth as well. Regular dental check-ups are a must when it comes to poll health. If the horse has dental issue, it is always a good idea to have a bodyworker out after the dental work, to release any tension that has accumulated around the poll.
2. Tack fit. While we pay more and more attention to how the saddle fits (and rightly so) we have to keep in mind that how the bridle and halter fit matters too. Any straps or buckles that sit on the TMJ are going to cause issues. The anatomy of the head (including the nerves!) of each horse is slightly different so not all headgear will fit all horses. You have to find the tack that fits your horse's head shape. This applies to bridles as well as halters and lunging cavessons.
Improper fit of the bridle can cause tension in the TMJ and the poll.
3. Feeding positions. While feeding from hay nets is the best option for a lot of horses, placing the nets in a sub-optimal position can have a negative impact on the muscles of the neck and poll. Avoid having nets placed higher than the level of the elbow (unless it is for a very limited time – more on variable feeding positions next week) and always observe your horse to see how he is eating out of the net. If he is using violent, jerky movements of his head and neck to get at the hay, consider changing the setup to encourage a more natural way of eating.
4. Handling. Always be aware that even though a horse is a big animal, he is just as sensitive (if not more) to pain and pressure as we are. Pulling on the lead rope, using too much rein aids, yanking on the lead as a form of punishment, all of this is very painful for the poll muscles. If you find yourself having to hold your horse's lead rope very tight, consider making some changes in your basic training. A horse should not have to be pulled and held tight while being led. If you are doing this on a regular basis, you are creating tension in the poll, which leads to all sorts of biomechanical issues. If this is the case, take a step back, find a good trainer to work with and re-establish a good relationship with your horse.
5. Stress levels. High levels of stress wreak havoc on the body. Chronic stress in horses will often show up as tension in the poll. If you keep finding tension in the poll area despite effort to keep this region functioning well, make sure to address stress levels in your horse. If he is constantly alert and anxious, it will be very hard to create long-term softness in the poll. Here is a post on ways to cope with stress.
6. Bodywork. A poll is a sensitive region that can become tight from seemingly minor events. Having your horse checked by a bodyworker on a regular basis prevents any potential tension in the poll from building up and causing issues down the line. Make sure to check for poll issues after events like pulling back when tied, falling in the pasture and dental work.
Regular bodywork check-ups will resolve any poll issues before they start creating more problems down the line.