Poll Injuries from Pulling Back– Aitken's Saddlery

Poll Injuries from Pulling Back: A Veterinary Physiotherapist’s Perspective

OCTOBER 16th ,2024

Poll injuries can occur when horses pull back while tied up, whether in the yard, stable, lorry, or trailer. Some horses handle being tied better than others, but many horse owners have witnessed their horse pull back so forcefully that a head collar or lead rope breaks. Worse still, when horses can’t break free, they can panic, placing tremendous force on their poll, neck, and back.

As a Veterinary Physiotherapist, I frequently encounter cases where horses become head-shy, difficult to tack up or groom, and resistant to contact during ridden work. Often, these behaviours can be traced back to an incident where the horse pulled back while tied up.

Common Symptoms After a Horse Pulls Back:

Reduced range of motion in the poll
Tension in the muscles around the poll area

Frequently Affected Structures:

Splenius muscles
Occipitohyoid muscle
Nuchal ligament
Atlanto-occipital joint
In severe cases, muscle strains may extend along the neck and back, and the hindquarters may also show signs of strain—particularly if the horse slipped while struggling.

Survey Results:

In a survey of 5,615 respondents:
75% of head collar injuries occurred while horses were tied up
Injuries ranged from minor cuts to fractures
In the worst cases, pulling back in a head collar that doesn’t release can lead to poll fractures, which can be career-ending for a horse. This highlights the importance of prevention over cure.

Preventing Poll Injuries:

To reduce the risk of serious injury, I always recommend using a breakaway head collar or lead rope. These are designed to release under pressure, minimizing the force on your horse's poll and preventing extensive damage.

Survey of 5,615 respondents, Dr David Marlin, October 2019.
Victoria Boakes, Veterinary Physiotherapist
Vicky studied Equine Sports Science at the University of Lincoln and completed a two-year post-graduate course (CEPT) to become a Veterinary Physiotherapist. With years of experience treating both equine and canine clients, Vicky has a particular interest in equine performance therapy.

Common Symptoms After a Horse Pulls Back:

Reduced range of motion in the poll
Tension in the muscles around the poll area

Frequently Affected Structures:

Splenius muscles
Occipitohyoid muscle
Nuchal ligament
Atlanto-occipital joint
In severe cases, muscle strains may extend along the neck and back, and the hindquarters may also show signs of strain—particularly if the horse slipped while struggling.

Survey Results:

Preventing Poll Injuries:

Equilibrium Stellar All Weather Headcollar II

Equilibrium Massage Pad Heat Sense PU & Nylon Back Pad

Equilibrium Stellar Lead Rope

Equilibrium Field Relief Fly Rug 2024

Common Symptoms After a Horse Pulls Back:

Reduced range of motion in the pollTension in the muscles around the poll area

Frequently Affected Structures:

Splenius musclesOccipitohyoid muscleNuchal ligamentAtlanto-occipital jointIn severe cases, muscle strains may extend along the neck and back, and the hindquarters may also show signs of strain—particularly if the horse slipped while struggling.

Survey Results:

Preventing Poll Injuries:

Reduced range of motion in the poll
Tension in the muscles around the poll area

Splenius muscles
Occipitohyoid muscle
Nuchal ligament
Atlanto-occipital joint
In severe cases, muscle strains may extend along the neck and back, and the hindquarters may also show signs of strain—particularly if the horse slipped while struggling.