2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

The Poll
The poll is the bony prominence slightly behind and between the ears of the horse, showing where the spine joins the skull. Apart from the ears it is the highest part of the body when the horse is standing naturally with the head in a normal raised position.

Flexion
The poll assumes great importance for horse riders, particularly dressage riders, who wish to have their horses moving in a relaxed, balanced manner. The horse's jaw and poll should be relaxed; giving to the rider's hand and assuming a rounded outline with the head perpendicular to the ground. Correct flexion at the poll shows that the horse is on the bit, accepting the rider's aids and direction willingly and without resistance. In dressage, the ideal is for the poll to remain the highest point. Tucking the nose into the chest is more the province of the circus ring and, in dressage circles, means the horse is evading the bit. Poking the nose out and hollowing the back are other signs of resistance to the rider's wishes. The end result of a highly trained horse should be that he looks to be moving in a naturally balanced manner, called self-carriage, as though the rider is not there. This ideal will not be achieved in a few weeks, or even a few months. The muscles need to be developed gradually. Trying to hasten the process may result in the horse arching its neck and looking pretty but the flexion will be in the wrong place.

Pressure Point
The head piece of the bridle passes over the poll and should be wide enough to spread the weight and pressure of the bridle and, indirectly, the rider's hand on the reins. The poll is one of the horse's pressure points and thus is quite sensitive. Various war bridles' and training halters are designed to inflict pressure on the poll as an aid in controlling a horse. Such controlling gear may be made of rope to exert maximum pressure on a delicate place; the thinner the rope the more the effect.

Modern aids designed to assist' the horse achieve suppleness, balance and the desired rounded outline also utilise the poll as a pressure point, the Chambon and de Gogue being examples of this. These may be used while the horse is on the lunge or under saddle. Some bitless bridles also exert pressure on the poll if the horse resists normal rein aids. When the curb rein of a double bridle is brought into play, the movement of the top of the bit shank brings pressure to bear on the poll encouraging the horse to flex and bring the nose back to the perpendicular.

Poll

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Horse anatomy: The poll?
We want to hear your view. Write now!