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EquineGlow Poll cap being displayed on a model horse head.

EquineGlow Poll: Advanced Red Light Therapy for Your Horse's Poll Area

The Largest, Most Powerful Portable Red Light Therapy Device for Equine Poll Health

Introducing the EquineGlow Poll: the ultimate portable, battery-powered, lightweight red light therapy device specifically engineered for your horse's poll area. As the largest and most technologically advanced device on the market, the EquineGlow Poll provides unmatched coverage and therapeutic effectiveness for horses of all sizes—from ponies to thoroughbreds and even mules.

Harness the healing power of combined red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) light therapy with 218 tri-diode LEDs—delivering an impressive 654 individual light sources to target the TMJ, atlas and axis vertebrae, and temporalis muscle. Experience the soothing, rejuvenating effects of professional-grade photobiomodulation therapy to promote optimal poll health, reduce tension, and enhance your horse's overall well-being and performance.

 

Why settle for basic poll caps with 30-230 LEDs when you can have 654 individual light sources working to heal your horse?

The EquineGlow Poll features the most comprehensive coverage of any equine poll device on the market today, ensuring therapeutic light reaches every critical area of your horse's poll region. With 218 tri-diode LEDs (each containing 1 red and 2 near-infrared lights) strategically positioned to target acupuncture points, trigger points, and areas of high muscle tension throughout the head, no other poll cap delivers this level of therapeutic power.

Why Every Performance Horse Needs the EquineGlow Poll

Our innovative red and near-infrared light therapy combination delivers optimal healing benefits through the science of photobiomodulation:

  • Red Light (660nm): Penetrates surface tissues to reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, stimulate acupuncture points, and promote collagen production

  • Near-Infrared Light (850nm): Penetrates deeper—up to 2 inches—into muscles, joints, and bones to promote tissue repair, enhance circulation, relieve chronic tension, and accelerate ATP production

 

Our optimal 1:2 ratio (one red to two near-infrared) maximizes therapeutic benefits at both superficial and deep tissue levels, providing comprehensive healing throughout the entire poll region.

🏆 Largest Coverage

654 LED light sources compared to our competitors' 30-300 lights.

⚡ Dual Wavelength

660nm + 850nm wavelengths are expertly designed to target the TMJ, poll, and temporal muscles on your horse.

🔋 True Portability

With a powerful battery that lasts over 4 hours, you can rely on it anywhere: stable, competitions, trail, and training facilities!

🎛️ 6 Settings

 3 solid and 3 pulse mode settings for reliable performance tailored to your needs.

EquineGlow Poll cap on a horse for blood circulation and inflammation reduction after a trail ride.

Equine Poll Health

Image by Kateryna Hliznitsova

Understanding Poll Tension: The Silent Performance Killer

The poll area—located at the top of your horse's head between the ears—is one of the most critical yet overlooked regions affecting your horse's comfort, performance, and overall well-being. As we explain in our comprehensive guide to the equine poll, this area includes:

 

Atlas and Axis Vertebrae (C1 & C2)
The first two cervical vertebrae provide the majority of your horse's head and neck mobility. The atlas supports the skull and allows nodding motion (up and down), while the axis enables rotation (side to side). Together, they create the most mobile joint in the equine spine—and the most susceptible to tension and dysfunction. 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The TMJ is essential for proper jaw function, chewing efficiency, and bit acceptance. TMJ dysfunction in horses is more than just a dental problem—it creates a cascade of issues throughout the poll, neck, and entire body. Chronic TMJ tension can result from dental misalignment, cribbing, improper bit use, or compensatory patterns from injuries elsewhere in the body.

Temporalis Muscle
This powerful chewing muscle can become overdeveloped and tight due to dental issues, TMJ dysfunction, or chronic poll tension. When the temporalis muscle is stressed, you'll often see visible bulging on your horse's forehead—a clear sign that intervention is needed.

Grey thoroughbred with the EquineGlow Poll and the EquineGlow Pad applied for performance recovery.

Equine Poll Imbalance

Barrel racing horse performing in a show after his red light therapy poll cap was applied.

Why Poll Tension Happens

Poll tension rarely exists in isolation. Think of your horse's movement as a wave that originates in the hindquarters and flows through the body, spine, and neck—ultimately ending at the poll. When tension originates anywhere along this movement chain (the hindquarters, back, neck, or shoulders), it travels forward and manifests at the poll—the endpoint of the kinetic chain.

 

Common causes include:

  • Poor riding technique or improper training methods

  • Ill-fitting tack (especially bridles, bits, and saddles)

  • Dental issues requiring floating or orthodontic intervention

  • Previous injuries to the head, neck, or spine

  • Chiropractic misalignments in the cervical vertebrae

  • Repetitive strain from athletic demands

  • Natural aging and arthritis in senior horses

  • Compensatory patterns from lameness or soundness issues elsewhere

Common Signs Your Horse Has Poll Tension:

❌ Resistance to bending or flexing in one direction

❌ Difficulty accepting the bridle or bit

❌ Head tossing or shaking during riding or groundwork

❌ Sensitivity to touch around the ears or poll area

❌ Stopping, refusing, or rushing at jumps

❌ Riding heavier on one rein than the other

❌ Visible bulging of the temporalis muscles (near the forelock)

❌ Difficulty chewing, slow eating, or dropping feed

❌ General irritability, anxiety, or discomfort under saddle

❌ Chronic headshaking with no other medical cause

❌ Resistance during dental work or veterinary exams

❌ One-sided stiffness throughout the entire body

❌ Reluctance to step through from behind or engage the hindquarters

The good news? Addressing poll tension with the EquineGlow Poll can break this cycle, restoring balance, comfort, and athletic ability to your horse.

Horseback rider and chestnut horse taking a break from riding before applying the EquineGlow Poll for exercise recovery.

Poll Cap Benefits 

EquineGlow Poll applied for TMJ and poll tension relief on a senior horse.

Who Benefits Most from the EquineGlow Poll?

The EquineGlow Poll provides transformative benefits for horses across all disciplines, ages, and activity levels. Whether your horse is a high-level competitor or a beloved companion, targeted red light therapy addresses the root causes of poll tension, TMJ dysfunction, and chronic discomfort. The EquineGlow Poll delivers professional-grade therapy that transforms comfort, performance, and quality of life.

 

Proven Results Across Every Discipline

  • Performance Athletes (Dressage • Jumping • Eventing • Western • Racing) - High-level competitors experience significant poll tension due to athletic demands. The EquineGlow Poll maintains the flexibility, muscle recovery, and responsiveness required for upper-level movements and competition success.

  • Horses with Dental & TMJ Issues - Sharp edges, malocclusions, and dental irregularities create TMJ soreness and temporalis muscle overdevelopment. Red light therapy provides soothing relief after dental treatment, reduces TMJ inflammation, and prevents compensatory tension patterns that affect the entire body.

  • Senior Horses - Aging horses naturally develop stiffness and arthritis in the cervical spine. The EquineGlow Poll offers gentle, drug-free pain relief, enhanced circulation to aging tissues, and maintained quality of life.

  • Injury Recovery & Rehabilitation - Whether recovering from poll injury, cervical strain, concussion, head trauma, or post-chiropractic adjustment, red light therapy accelerates tissue repair, reduces recovery time, and provides medication-free pain management throughout rehabilitation.

  • Behavioral Challenges & Stereotypes - Many "problem behaviors"—head tossing, bit refusal, rearing, cribbing—stem from undiagnosed physical pain. By relieving poll tension and TMJ discomfort, the EquineGlow Poll can improve temperament, cooperation, and rider-horse communication.

 

Universal Benefits for All Horses

✅ Alleviates Chronic Poll Tension
✅ Reduces TMJ Soreness and Inflammation
✅ Relieves Temporalis Muscle Overdevelopment
✅ Enhances Blood Circulation
✅ Accelerates Tissue Repair
✅ Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
✅ Provides Drug-Free Pain Relief
✅ Prevents Future Issues
✅ Complements Other Therapies
✅ Supports Cellular Energy (ATP) for Faster Recovery and Healing
✅ Reduces Oxidative Stress and Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Effects
✅ Encourages Lymphatic Drainage to Decrease Swelling
✅ Promotes Relaxation and Nervous System Balance

✅ Stimulates Collagen Production for Healthier Tissue and Skin Elasticity

EquineGlow Poll being shown on a horse from the back. We can see the red light diodes glowing on the neck of the horse.

How Red Light Works

EquineGlow Poll being applied to a horse for pain relief and poll flexibility.

How Red Light Therapy Heals Your Horse's Poll

Red light therapy—also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy—is a scientifically proven, non-invasive therapy option that uses specific wavelengths of light to promote healing at the cellular level. The science behind red light therapy is fascinating, and the results are backed by decades of research in both human and veterinary medicine.

 

The Science: How Red Light Therapy Works

When red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) light wavelengths penetrate your horse's tissues, they interact with photoreceptors in the cell's mitochondria—the powerhouse of every cell. This interaction triggers a cascade of beneficial biological responses:

 

Increased ATP Production - Light energy absorbed by the mitochondria enhances the electron transport chain's activity, leading to significantly increased ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is the energy currency of cells—more ATP means cells have more energy for healing, repair, and optimal function. Studies show red light therapy can boost cellular energy production by up to 200%.

 

Enhanced Nitric Oxide Release - Red and near-infrared light stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO) from hemoglobin in red blood cells. Nitric oxide is a crucial signaling molecule that:

  • Dilates blood vessels, improving circulation

  • Delivers more oxygen and nutrients to tissues

  • Promotes tissue regeneration at every level

  • Acts as a neurotransmitter supporting nerve health

 

Reduced Inflammation - Light therapy decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemicals that promote inflammation) while increasing anti-inflammatory signals. This dual action provides powerful relief from chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the poll, TMJ, and surrounding muscles.

 

Stimulated Collagen Production Red light therapy enhances collagen synthesis and promotes proper collagen fibril alignment, which is essential for:

  • Tendon and ligament strength

  • Tissue repair and wound healing

  • Skin health and elasticity

  • Joint capsule integrity

 

Natural Endorphin Release - Photobiomodulation triggers the body's release of endorphins—natural pain relievers that provide comfort without drugs or side effects. This makes red light therapy particularly valuable for horses that cannot tolerate medications or for owners seeking drug-free solutions.

Horse in competition will be using the EquineGlow Poll for recovery and inflammation reduction.

Poll Cap Specs

Mule with the EquineGlow Poll enjoying the benefits of the red light therapy.

Why Every Performance Horse Needs the EquineGlow Poll

True Portability and Convenience

Battery-powered functionality eliminates the need for cords and power outlets, providing a safe and hassle-free experience for both you and your horse. Take this device anywhere your horse needs therapeutic support:

✅ At the stable for daily maintenance
✅ To competitions for pre- and post-performance care
✅ On trail rides for injury prevention
✅ During travel to keep horses calm and comfortable
✅ At training facilities to enhance recovery between sessions

 

The durable vinyl protective covering safeguards the LEDs from stable conditions, ensuring long-lasting use in any environment—rain, dust, or shine.

Six Customizable Therapy Settings

Unlike basic poll caps with only one or two settings, the EquineGlow Poll offers six specialized modes to tailor therapy to your horse's specific needs:

  1. Only Red Light (Constant) - Surface-level healing, acupressure point stimulation, and skin health

  2. Both RED and NIR (Constant) - Maximum therapeutic benefit for comprehensive poll care

  3. Only Near-Infrared (Constant) - Deep tissue penetration for chronic muscle tension and joint issues

  4. Only Red Pulsing (10Hz) - Targeted surface therapy with enhanced light absorption

  5. Both Pulsing (10Hz) - Enhanced cellular response, improved circulation, and accelerated healing

  6. Only NIR Pulsing (10Hz) - Deep muscle relaxation, pain relief, and chronic tension release

 

Pulse therapy at 10Hz frequency has been shown in studies to enhance cellular uptake of light energy, making sessions even more effective for stubborn conditions.

Safety-First Design with Auto Timer

An integrated 20-minute automatic timer delivers the ideal session length—no guesswork required. This means you can set it up with confidence, knowing your horse receives consistent, effective therapy every time.

 

The adjustable design allows a comfortable fit for a wide range of horses—from small ponies to large warmbloods, draft crosses, and even mules.

The EquineGlow Poll is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Red light therapy is a complementary therapy that works best in conjunction with proper veterinary care, dental maintenance, and appropriate training methods. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding your horse's health concerns and before starting any new therapy. Results may vary based on individual horse conditions, consistency of use, and severity of underlying issues. Testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not guaranteed outcomes.

woman next to her horse after her therapy session

Have Questions? Want to Learn More?

Please feel free to reach out by filling out the form below or check out our FAQ's section.

Thank You for Contacting Poll to Pastern!

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