Horse anatomy: The poll

The Poll

The poll is the bony prominence slightly behind and between the ears of the horse, showing where the spine joins the skull. Apart from the ears it is the highest part of the body when the horse is standing naturally with the head in a normal raised position.

Flexion

The poll assumes great importance for horse riders, particularly dressage riders, who wish to have their horses moving in a relaxed, balanced manner. The horse's jaw and poll should be relaxed; giving to the rider's hand and assuming a rounded outline with the head perpendicular to the ground. Correct flexion at the poll shows that the horse is on the bit, accepting the rider's aids and direction willingly and without resistance. In dressage, the ideal is for the poll to remain the highest point. Tucking the nose into the chest is more the province of the circus ring and, in dressage circles, means the horse is evading the bit. Poking the nose out and hollowing the back are other signs of resistance to the rider's wishes. The end result of a highly trained horse should be that he looks to be moving in a naturally balanced manner, called self-carriage, as though the rider is not there. This ideal will not be achieved in a few weeks, or even a few months. The muscles need to be developed gradually. Trying to hasten the process may result in the horse arching its neck and looking pretty but the flexion will be in the wrong place.

Pressure Point

The head piece of the bridle passes over the poll and should be wide enough to spread the weight and pressure of the bridle and, indirectly, the rider's hand on the reins. The poll is one of the horse's pressure points and thus is quite sensitive. Various war bridles' and training halters are designed to inflict pressure on the poll as an aid in controlling a horse. Such controlling gear may be made of rope to exert maximum pressure on a delicate place; the thinner the rope the more the effect.

Modern aids designed to assist' the horse achieve suppleness, balance and the desired rounded outline also utilise the poll as a pressure point, the Chambon and de Gogue being examples of this. These may be used while the horse is on the lunge or under saddle. Some bitless bridles also exert pressure on the poll if the horse resists normal rein aids. When the curb rein of a double bridle is brought into play, the movement of the top of the bit shank brings pressure to bear on the poll encouraging the horse to flex and bring the nose back to the perpendicular.

Poll Evil

Above and behind the bony prominence (poll) is a fluid filled sac or bursa. If this becomes inflamed or infected, poll evil may result. The poll is susceptible to injury through ill fitting gear or through trauma, such as rearing in the stable or throwing the head up in a confined area. Horses traveling, especially by plane, may be fitted with various types of poll guard or even a skull cap.A condition known as poll evil can develop if there is injury to the poll. Poll evil is relatively rare and, apart from the location, identical to fistulous withers which are seen more often as it is often associated with ill-fitting saddles. Occasionally the condition of both poll evil and fistulous withers appears to be spontaneous.

Symptoms

Symptoms of poll evil are tenderness in the area which may be noticed when bending; stiffness when moving the head or pus discharge in the mane. Swelling may be observable only on close inspection, be well- or ill-defined, and painful to touch.

Treatment

Clip all hair well away from the swollen area so the discharge does not matt the mane. Call your vet who will probably prescribe antibiotics. In the meantime, bathe four times a day for ten minutes with hand-hot water. After bathing apply a drawing agent such as Magnoplasm or antiphlogestine.

by Judy Evans