Do Horses Get Headaches?
Why would we assume they don’t?
Just like in people, tension headaches are a common occurrence in horses. When a horse is chronically tense or tight, those tight, contracted muscles restrict blood flow. This in turn results in reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues (hypoxia). Nerves are very sensitive; because of this, when there is reduced blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues, neurotransmitters and natural chemical are released, resulting in pain.
There are other factors, too. Poor air quality (for the horse who’s nearly always stabled indoors), improperly fitting tack, dental issues, nutritional imbalances, a hard handed rider, and the rider’s balance/position can all contribute to a horse having headaches… and that’s not even touching on the fact that horses are emotional and energetic street sweepers, taking on the stress/anger/fear/angst their owner or rider might be carrying. (We’ll get into that topic another day.)
From a physical perspective, tightness in the poll results in either the atlas (C1-the first cervical vertebrae) being pulled up, or other cranial tissues being pulled down. This tension at the base of the skull isn’t limited to that one area. The brain and spinal cord are also affected. This results in impaired muscle function, reduced nerve conduction, reduced blood flow, and reduced range of motion.
