Poll (livestock)

The poll is a name of the part of an animal's head, alternatively referencing a point immediately behind or right between the ears. This area of the anatomy is of particular significance for the horse.[1]

The term poll comes from from Middle English pol, polle 'scalp, pate', from Middle Dutch pol, pōle, polle 'top, summit; head'[2]

Specifically, the "poll" refers to the occipital protrusion at the back of the skull.[3] However, in common usage, many horsemen refer to the poll joint, between the atlas (C1) and skull as the poll.[4] The area at the joint has a slight depression, and is a sensitive location. Thus, because the crownpiece of a bridle passes over the poll joint, a rider can indirectly exert pressure on the horse's poll by means of the reins, bit, and bridle.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Bennett, Deb (1988). Principles Of Conformation Analysis Volume I. Fleet Street. ISBN 9781929164059.
  2. ^ Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed. "poll, n.1" Oxford University Press (Oxford), 2006.
  3. ^ Saunders comprehensive veterinary dictionary. Edinburgh ; New York : Saunders Elsevier. 2012. p. 874. ISBN 978-0-7020-3231-8. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  4. ^ Sing, Patrick (25 April 2012). A Study of Equine Anatomy Including Its Muscular, Skeletal, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems. Webster's Digital Services. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-286-28743-9. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  5. ^ Robinson, Nina; Bye, Tracy L. (July 2021). "Noseband and poll pressures underneath bitted and bitless bridles and the effects on equine locomotion". Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 44: 18–24. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.002.
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