Last updated on January 31, 2025
Learn How the Horse’s Poll Functions & Ways to Prevent Pain & Injuries
A horse’s poll is more than just the bump between the ears that is the perfect place to give loving scratches. It’s composed of complicated anatomy that can host an array of problems affecting their movement and performance.
In this article, we’ll discuss how the poll functions, some common ailments, and ways to reduce injury and pain in your horse’s poll.

Anatomy of the Horse’s Poll

The sweet knob on top of your horse’s head, between their ears, actually consists of 2 separate joints. These joints are the atlanto-occipital (AO) and the atlanto-axial (AA). The AO joint connects the first vertebrae to the skull and is responsible for the up-and-down “nodding” movements of the head. Because of this, the AO joint is sometimes known as the “yes” joint. The AA joint connects the first and second vertebrae, allowing the head to swivel side-to-side. This movement is why the AA joint is often called the “no” joint.
Several small muscles and tendons run along these joints, allowing flexion, extension, and rotation movements. Proper head and neck motion can become harder for the horse when these muscles become tight or injured.
Common Issues With the Poll
Although the joints in the poll are at the top of the body, issues in the poll can cause problems all the way through the horse’s body. Tight muscles in the AO joint can prevent the horse from flexing their neck correctly. The horse will then try to tilt their head using the AA joint to get the correct action, causing imbalanced movements in the neck, thoracic region, and even in the feet!

A tight poll can also cause jaw and dental issues since the 3 are biomechanically connected. Tension in the poll can cause increased tension on the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, causing the horse to chew incorrectly. Incorrect TMJ function can cause teeth damage or uneven wearing, affecting the way the horse eats.
When all of these important joints and muscles in the head are tight or dysfunctional, it can throw off the horse’s proprioception and balance. If their perception of the world is thrown off, the risk of falls and slips increases especially on uneven ground. Not to mention tight muscles in the neck, head, and jaw can cause chronic headaches. Imagine being in pain, not able to move your neck properly, but not being able to TELL your caregiver!
(We’ll have more about signs to look for when your horse is having problems with their poll in the next section.)
Uncommon Issues With the Horse’s Poll
While not as common as the muscle tension and dysfunction mentioned above, the poll can also have severe problems like fractures or infections.
Fractures are rare and usually caused by blunt force trauma, like smashing their head into the top of the trailer. If the bone stays intact, poll fractures can be treated with rest, anti-inflammatories, and keeping bridles and halters off until fully healed. If bone fragments are present (diagnosed by x-ray), infection can occur quickly. So it’s best practice to have the fragments removed surgically, and the horse put on antibiotics.
“Poll Evil” is a condition of the poll caused by excessive inflammation or bacterial infection. It makes it extremely painful for the horse to wear a bridle or halter, as the strap rests directly on the AO joint. If left untreated, the infection can travel to the bones and ligaments and become life-threatening. Treatment for poll evil caused by bacterial infection can be complicated and extensive; often lasting months to years.
Preventing & Treating Issues With the Horse’s Poll
As with all things health-related, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Paying attention to your horse’s poll, and putting preventive measures in place will work better and longer than trying to fix issues and injuries.
Poll injury prevention includes:

- Properly fitting tack- halters or bridles that are too tight can put intense pressure on the sensitive AO joint, causing inflammation and pain. Pay attention to the strap along the poll and also any buckles or straps that rest on the jaw.
- Correct feeding position- hanging a hay net too high can put unneeded stress on the horse’s neck and cause poll tension and jaw dysfunction. Make sure your horse isn’t using forceful jerky motions to pull the hay out.
- Consistent dental care- taking care of the jaw and teeth helps keep the poll healthy and loose as well. Remember: it’s all connected!
- Gentle handling- if you are pulling or yanking too hard on the reins or lead rope, you can cause injury to the sensitive joints, muscles, and soft tissues in the poll. If this seems to be a consistent issue, it might be time to consider more training and/or trust-building with your horse.
- Alternative therapies- some horse owners use bodywork and acupuncture to help relieve swelling and pain in the poll, and to make sure everything is aligned properly. Also using not-so-alternative remedies like carrot stretches before riding or groundwork helps warm up the muscles and get your horse’s body aligned.
Treatment for Poll Issues
Obviously, the treatment will depend on the injury, but most poll issues can be solved with rest and maybe an NSAID or some bodywork like chiropractic care or massage. Allowing your horse to eat off the ground with a fully extended neck may also help reduce the pressure on the poll.
More intense issues may need incisions and draining, or surgery to remove infection. These cases will need antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-inflammatories as well. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the injury and the best course of action.
Signs of Pain in Your Horse’s Poll
Pain in the poll can oftentimes be misinterpreted as behavioral issues. If the horse is struggling with pain in that region, they will often become head-shy or fight the bridle or halter. That’s why it’s important to work with a vet to determine if there is an issue and from where the pain originates.
Other common signs of poll pain are:
- Flinching when the poll area is touched
- Less compliance when ridden/lunged
- Head-tossing, holding head unevenly, unusual posture
- Uneven rein tension
More Than Just the Poll
The poll may be a small area on the relatively large body of the horse, but it is pivotal in proper body mechanics. Keeping the joints and muscles healthy, flexible, aligned, and free of inflammation can cause huge improvements in your horse’s performance, behavior, and overall well-being. If the poll is tight or dysfunctional, that can cause problems throughout the entire body including the jaw, neck, and feet.

Sudden behavioral or gait changes, head shyness and head tossing, or swelling between the ears can all be obvious signs of poll issues. Signs of poll pain can also be more subtle, so pay close attention and ensure that your horse’s bridle and halter fit properly. To help fight inflammation daily, we suggest feeding Foundation Daily Detox and NuTrack Digestive Support. Together these two supplements support all bodily functions and create a firm foundation for your horse’s overall physical and mental health.
All content is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment. Proudly written for Animal Element by the team at FaithHanan.com.
Resources:
- Chrysostom, Kat. “Poll Evil: Taking Care of Your Horse’s Poll.” Coastal Equine Services, 20 May 2020. https://www.coastalequineservices.com/post/poll-evil-taking-care-of-your-horse-s-poll
- Leste-Lasserre, Christa. “Diagnosing and Treating Poll Pain in Horses.” The Horse, 19 Sept. 2021. https://thehorse.com/196635/diagnosing-and-treating-poll-pain-in-horses/
- Mechie, Neil. “If Only The Could Talk.” Mark Johnston Racing. https://www.johnston.racing/wp-content/uploads/2015_02_If-only-they-could-talk-MJR-vet-Neil-Mechie-on-fractures-of-the-poll.pdf
- Porenta, Katya. “The Poll- Form and Function.” The Functional Horse, 02 Nov. 2023. https://www.thefunctionalhorse.com/blog/the-poll-form-and-function
- Porenta, Katya. “The Poll- What Can Go Wrong?” The Functional Horse, 09 Nov. 2023. https://www.thefunctionalhorse.com/blog/the-poll-what-can-go-wrong