11/13/2025
The poll is more than just the spot behind your horse’s ears. It’s a key junction of bones, muscles, and nerves that affect how your horse moves, carries themselves, and even accepts the bit.
Here’s what makes up this small but mighty area:
Bones:
The poll is formed where the skull meets the atlas, the first cervical vertebra (C1). This joint, called the atlanto-occipital joint, allows your horse to flex, extend, and slightly tilt the head.
Muscles & Soft Tissue:
Several muscles attach here, including the re**us capitis, obliquus capitis, and parts of the splenius and brachiocephalicus. These muscles coordinate to move the head and neck. When they’re tight, it can restrict motion all the way through the topline.
Nerves & Sensitivity:
The poll houses important nerve pathways, including branches of the trigeminal nerve, making it a very sensitive area. This is why tension or ill-fitting tack near the poll can quickly cause discomfort or resistance.
When the poll is free and relaxed, your horse can move with ease, softness, and better connection through the body.
When it’s tight, you’ll often feel it everywhere else.
Gentle bodywork can make a world of difference in restoring balance and comfort at this crucial junction.
