Horse Poll Evil and Poll Sensitivity Welfare

Poll evil and poll sensitivity cause significant pain and behavioral resistance in horses, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment essential for welfare and working partnership.

Key Facts

Poll evil is a serious infectious condition causing bursitis at the poll (between the ears) — now relatively rare but serious when it occurs
More commonly, poll sensitivity manifests as behavioral resistance to bridling, head lowering, and work in outline
Poll sensitivity may result from subtle musculoskeletal problems including atlantoaxial joint dysfunction or nuchal ligament strain
Many horses dismissed as naughty or resistant during bridling have identifiable sources of poll pain
Physiotherapy, targeted manipulation, and addressing underlying musculoskeletal causes provides relief in most cases
Tack fit including browband width and bridle cheekpiece placement significantly influences poll comfort

Welfare Considerations

Poll sensitivity and pain cause behavioral expressions that are routinely misinterpreted as disobedience rather than discomfort. A horse that throws its head when bridled, resists having ears touched, or fights accepting contact may be communicating poll pain rather than training deficits. Applying training pressure to force compliance with bridling or headcollaring in a horse with poll pain adds fear and punishment to an already painful experience. Recognition of poll sensitivity as a welfare and pain issue rather than a training problem is a crucial shift in perspective for horse owners and trainers.

What You Can Do

Assess bridle fit carefully if your horse shows resistance to bridling — browband too tight or incorrectly fitted browband causes poll pressure
Seek veterinary and physiotherapy assessment for any horse showing consistent resistance to bridling or head handling
Never use force or punishment to overcome bridling resistance without first investigating potential pain causes
Consider having the poll and upper neck assessed by an equine physiotherapist or veterinarian who specializes in this area
Ensure all handlers approach the horse's head gently and do not cause sudden pain through careless handling
Monitor for improvement after tack adjustments or physiotherapy — successful treatment should reduce resistance