Do you have a head-shy or ear-shy horse? Does he travel with his head high, and/or brace against the bit? Is sensitive to the bit, or rear easily? These could be signs of accumulated strain and tension in the poll.

This is a Masterson Method technique that you can use to encourage relaxation and restore movement to the horse’s upper neck and poll. The Masterson Method teaches horse owners a unique, interactive method of equine bodywork for alleviating soreness, strain, and tension in the horse.

Tension in the poll can create behavioral problems, as well as problems with movement in the poll, neck, and the rest of the body. Releasing tension in the poll will allow your horse to move more freely throughout the entire body. Jim Masterson teaches that releasing tension in the poll is one of the most important things you can do for your horse as it has positive effects on your horse's performance overall.