Understanding and Relieving Neck Tension in Horses

Causes, Solutions, and Support for Stress-Related Habituated Responses

Neck tension in horses is a common issue that can affect performance, comfort, and overall well-being. There are several factors that contribute to this tension, ranging from physical to psychological causes. Physical causes can include poor saddle fit, incorrect riding techniques, dental issues, or even underlying musculoskeletal problems. Horses may also develop tension from repetitive movements or injuries that have not been properly addressed.

On the psychological side, stress and anxiety play a significant role. Horses, being sensitive animals, can develop tension as a response to changes in environment, routine, or handling. If a horse experiences repeated stress—such as rough handling, inconsistent training, or uncomfortable situations—it may develop a habituated response, holding tension in the neck as a protective measure.

Signs of Neck Tension

Referencing the image at the top of this post which covers the poll and neck area, we need to understand how we might know if your horse might have neck tension?

Does your horse show any of the following:

• seem heavier on one rein compared to the other?

• find it difficult to bend in a particular direction?

• appear unwilling to move forward from the hindquarters?

• start refusing or stopping at jumps?

• in the paddock, constantly holding their head a lot higher and look more tense?

• is there tightness or inflammation at the poll (where the bridle or halter sits on the top of the horse's head)

There may be other signs, but this is a general starting point. If you think your horse has neck tension, then read on for more help in this space.

What Might Cause Neck Tension?

I think my horse may have neck tension. What is causing it?

Common horse activities can trigger or worsen poll or neck tightness. Repetitive movements that stretch the poll and neck muscles may cause tightness or spasms, preventing proper relaxation. For instance, a horse stretching awkwardly under a fence for grass can lead to such issues.

Rough play, like pulling on each other’s rugs/halters, also strains the head and neck, contributing to tension.

Dental issues, cribbing, and misaligned cervical vertebrae can also cause poll and neck tightness. Training and management practices play a role as well.

High hay nets force horses to stretch their necks upward, causing tightness. Even hay bags placed awkwardly can create one-sided neck tightness, affecting a horse's ability to bend and move fluidly.

Overusing the longe or frequently riding on small circles or favouring one direction tightens outside muscles as the horse balances, contributing to poll and neck tightness.

Pulling back against a tie up strains the neck and poll area.

Uneven rein pressure, where riders keep more tension on one rein, can also result in tightness.

Incorrect use of training equipment like draw reins or chambons can exacerbate the issue. If misused, these aids prevent free movement and balance, causing the horse to brace and tighten its poll.

General habituated behavioural anxiety responses in the herd/paddock can cause tension too (i.e. a horse that stresses will tense their head and neck up almost constantly, and this repetitive behaviour can cause significant tightness).

How to Remove or Reduce Neck Tension

Addressing neck tension in horses requires a thorough and compassionate approach. Here are a few effective strategies:

1. Check Equipment Fit: Ensure that saddles, bridles, and other tack fit correctly and do not pinch or restrict movement. Poorly fitted gear can cause discomfort and tension.

2. Assess Riding Technique: Riders should be aware of their hands, posture, and cues. Gentle, consistent communication and balanced riding help horses relax and stretch their necks naturally.

3. Regular Bodywork: Massage, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care can help release built-up tension and promote flexibility in the neck and surrounding muscles.

4. Veterinary Check-Ups: Rule out dental issues, musculoskeletal disorders, or injuries that might be contributing to discomfort.

5. Stretching and Exercises: Simple stretches, carrot stretches, and groundwork exercises can encourage the horse to relax and lengthen its neck muscles.

Techniques You Can Use

According to the "Practical Horseman", there are a few ways to help your horse in between training or bodyworker sessions to help your horse stay supple:

• Compression—Hook your fingers over his mane and use the heel of your hand to press into the muscle with a motion similar to CPR. Imagine there is a wall on the other side of the muscle, and you’re pressing through to that wall. This action separates the muscle fibers, which lie very close together when a muscle is tight. As you create bigger spaces between the fibers, more blood can get into that area and the muscle softens. The compression is a rhythmical thrusting motion in a one– two count, performed along the muscle. Try to do seven overlapping compressions starting at the anchor point, also called the origin of the muscle, working toward the base of the skull and keeping your hand on the muscle. When you have completed the seven overlapping compressions, slide your hand back to the origin of the muscle and repeat the series. Do these three or four times.

• Direct pressure—Palpating gently, you can feel a knot in the muscle tissue at the anchor point. Use the tips of your fingers to apply pressure directly to that knotted area. The horse’s brain interprets the pressure as discomfort and sends more blood to the area of the knot, which helps to soften the tissue. Do this for no more than 15 seconds. 

• Cross-fibre friction— Press gently on the muscle fibres with two fingers, moving the tips back and forth at right angles to the direction of the fibres, as if you were going across the grain of a piece of wood, to separate them further. As the action frees the muscle fibres, they can resume their normal lengthening and shortening activity. Do this for no more than 15 seconds.

Supporting Horses with Stress-Related Habituated Responses

If neck tension is primarily due to a stress-related habituated response, helping the horse involves patience, understanding, and a gradual retraining of its emotional and physical responses.

• Build Trust: Spend quality time with your horse using gentle handling and positive reinforcement. This helps the horse feel safe and secure.

• Consistent Routine: Horses thrive on consistency. A predictable schedule for feeding, turnout, and training can reduce anxiety and tension.

• Mindful Training: Use slow, progressive training techniques that allow the horse to learn at its own pace. Avoid overwhelming or rushing the horse, which can trigger defensive tension.

• Environmental Enrichment: Provide a stimulating and calm environment with opportunities for social interaction, movement, and relaxation.

• Professional Help: Consider working with an equine behaviourist or trainer who specialises in stress management and rehabilitation.

By understanding the root causes of neck tension and taking a holistic and empathetic approach, you can help your horse become more comfortable, relaxed, and happy. Remember, every horse is unique, and patience is key—small changes in care and handling can make a world of difference to your horse’s wellbeing.