Poll tension whilst being ridden

[auntienutnut]

Hi
I’m looking for any tips to help with horse poll tension whilst being ridden.

I can cut back head pieces, regularly massages and check ups, hay fed from floor, but can’t seem to help with the poll tension, horse has always been head shy around ears and his automatic response has always been to pull back when concerned whilst tied up.

Many thanks

 

[fredflop]

Have you had his teeth looked at under sedation by an experienced equine vet

 

[auntienutnut]

Have you had his teeth looked at under sedation by an experienced equine vet

He has his teeth done by a dentist and has to be sedated for that, so far haven’t had any issues, but is there something I could be missing ?

 

[Britestar]

Maybe get a chiropractor or osteopath to look at him.
Made a big difference to my horse.

 

[Apizz2019]

Hi
I’m looking for any tips to help with horse poll tension whilst being ridden.

I can cut back head pieces, regularly massages and check ups, hay fed from floor, but can’t seem to help with the poll tension, horse has always been head shy around ears and his automatic response has always been to pull back when concerned whilst tied up.

Many thanks

Did you use a vet or vet dentist?
I only ask as I had a vet do teeth in April and in October tagged onto a visit by a Vet Dentist and our boy needed two fillings - it was something from birth when they don't lay down enough cememtum and wasn't causing pain but had been missed by the vet.

If you used a vet, I'd recommend getting a vet dentist out to double check as many vets have a rudimentary knowledge of teeth and aren't as detailed or know what to look for as specialist vet dentists.

It sounds like you've ticked every box though.

The only other thing I would check is bit, if you haven't already.

Good luck!

 

[Griffin]

As other posters have said, check teeth, bit (get a specialist out) and look into an osteopath/physio.

You could also try a Protechmasta Poll Guard. I can never work out if they are a placebo or not but my sensitive mare likes hers.

I think if they are head shy around their ears, working on making being touched there a pleasurable experience that helps a lot. I use very soft brushes and give treats while brushing or handling around their ears until they realise that it's actually quite nice to have that area brushed. It takes a little while but it is worth it.

 

[auntienutnut]

Thanks you, couple of ideas to try, I have been spending time around his ears and gentle massaging my physio has said he softens to me quicker than he does her so will continue with that and look out for a poll guard