Let’s talk polls.
(Hint-not a political reading)
The poll is the area where the bridle or halter sits, right behind the ears.
Head shy horses are often slapped with all sorts of labels when in reality there is a problem in the poll and we are hurting them.
This area can get damaged in a pull back accident, a pasture fall, being cast in a stall, a suddenly braking event in a trailer, a mad dash for freedom where the lead rope gets stepped on suddenly…
There are actually many ways the poll can wind up needing attention.
On the way to the ATFO one year Draco ‘s trainer had someone pull out in front of her. She didn’t hit them but she had to brake hard. Not long afterward Draco developed and head tossing and shaking behavior in the pasture and under saddle. The Chiro found his poll way out and it needed two sessions to hold.
If the poll needs attention the horse does give us clues to look for.
*Being head shy
*Eating in strange positions
*Abnormal teeth wear
*Head tossing/shaking
*Rearing with face pressure
*Traveling oddly
*Bolting under saddle
*Uneven hoof wear patterns
*Abnormal head positioning
Pull back incidents ents while being tied often result in the need for poll adjustment. But then again, the need for poll adjustment often results in pull back incidents.
Horses are complex creatures who “speak” to us constantly. We just have to learn how to be good listeners.
