Sensitive poll

[LansdownK310]

Schooled my horse last night and I’m beginning to wonder if something isn’t quite right…

When brushing the very top of his neck (atlas/axis region) on his left hand side it appears to be very sensitive and he’ll throw his head up in the air to evade. He’s done this since I’ve had him (3 months) and I initially put it down to him being thin skinned as he is a TB. However he is fine and more tolerable on his right hand side. There’s definitely some sensitivity here.

He’s rising 5 and hasn’t done much except for hacking so we’ve been very gradually increasing our schooling. I’ve noticed that he’s more reluctant to flex to the left. I know that I’m worse on the left rein which doesn’t help matters. My riding instructor has been riding him once a week for me to help get things established, she commented last time how much straighter he is but I’m really noticing how much harder it is on the left for him.

I wondered if the two are conneceted and think I need someone to come and have a look, not sure whether a chiro or physio is best one to come and have a look. Or even if there are any exercises I can do with him to help encourage the flexion to the left without me on top.

I’m in South Gloucs so any recommendations for chiro or physio would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Paddy Irish]

Although I'm not in your area so can't actually recommend anyone , get a good registered chiro out , my boy is exactly the same , much stiffer on one side especially up around the poll , he hates it when i brush him up there even though i try to be extra gentle - infact i've sussed out now that if i stand infront and brush his face first then sweep the brush down the sides of his face and round behind his ears he's much more tolerent - a good chiro will give you stretch and flex exercises to do from the ground , carrots or treats held at certain places so he has to stretch his neck right round behind and also down between his front legs etc ... good luck.

 

[LansdownK310]

Although I'm not in your area so can't actually recommend anyone , get a good registered chiro out , my boy is exactly the same , much stiffer on one side especially up around the poll , he hates it when i brush him up there even though i try to be extra gentle - infact i've sussed out now that if i stand infront and brush his face first then sweep the brush down the sides of his face and round behind his ears he's much more tolerent - a good chiro will give you stretch and flex exercises to do from the ground , carrots or treats held at certain places so he has to stretch his neck right round behind and also down between his front legs etc ... good luck.

Yep mine's the same, you have to tactfully brush the front of his face first! Thanks

 

[Hippona]

Mines similar....although improving.

I got him a comfort poll to fix to his bridle ( he has a stubben one, so he has one to match, but you can get neoprine ones to fasten over the headpiece of any bridle) and he is definately much more comfortable with that on.

I also do stretches and given him a gentle massage which he enjoys

 

[Bowen4Horses]

I can TOTALLY recommend Claire Howson, she covers that area and is the best McTimoney person i've met. And, she's a lovely person too, which helps. Absolutely, totally recommend her.

ps i see a lot of horses that are sensitive around the poll area, often from yanking back when tied up, bashing head, head shaking etc... and usually they respond well to treatment. also, like poppymoo said, comfort headpiece on bridle (and headcollar?) and be aware when leading etc not to pull on his poll area.

good luck! x

 

[LansdownK310]

I can TOTALLY recommend Claire Howson, she covers that area and is the best McTimoney person i've met. And, she's a lovely person too, which helps. Absolutely, totally recommend her.

ps i see a lot of horses that are sensitive around the poll area, often from yanking back when tied up, bashing head, head shaking etc... and usually they respond well to treatment. also, like poppymoo said, comfort headpiece on bridle (and headcollar?) and be aware when leading etc not to pull on his poll area.

good luck! x

Thanks, I will look her up. I have a comfort bridle to swap over to so I'll see if that helps. Thanks for the tips!