Old poll injuries and head shaking.

[FionaM12]

My mare Mollie is a head-shaker (when ridden). She's also head-shy and very nervous, a generally anxious horse. I'm learning to manage these aspects of her, and the head-shaking is now under control by using a cross-under bitless bridle, no browband, and a nose net.

I've just found out that in her past (pre 2007) she suffered a horrendous poll injury, so severe that she retired from a show jumping career and was left with "issues". She was sold on, passed from pillar to post and eventually ended with me. I bought her a year ago, she was 17 then.

Can anybody tell me anything useful about the connection between poll injuries and later head-shaking?

Is it believed that horses who sustained such injuries might continue to suffer pain? I have always believed her head-shaking (which starts the moment a conventional bridle goes on) is pain-induced.

I want to do the best for my girl, but hopefully still use her for light riding which is what I bought her for. I will be seeking advice from my vet in the light of this new information and also reading up whatever I can about management of her condition. But anything at all people on here can add to this/get me started on my reading will be very appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[be positive]

Damage to the poll area can cause headshaking, I had a horse here that pulled back when tied up he was fine until after he was ridden 24 hours later when it was impossible to get his bridle off, it was no problem to put on, my physio came and treated him and he was much happier afterwards with no long term damage.

The poll can be very sensitive and it would be worth asking your vet for referral to a physio it may really help Mollie.