The intention of this technique is to get lateral movement of the poll, atlas, and the rest of the vertebrae in the neck by asking for movement in a relaxed state. 

The results of this technique are improved bending and suppleness in the poll and neck, and extension and suspension in the front end. It’s important to remember that the release of tension in the poll and atlas will release tension in the entire body. 

The Poll-Atlas junction is arguably the most important of the three junctions of the horse’s body as far as performance is affected.  Pain and tension anywhere in the horse’s body are reflected in the poll. And when tension accumulates in the poll, it can show up in other areas of the body. 

Technique in more detail:

1. Start on the left side, but remember you can move between sides. Place your left hand on the horse’s nose and your right hand or fingertips on the bottom part of the atlas. It’s a few inches behind the ear and your fingers should be on the bony part and not the groove between the jaw and atlas.
2. Bring your
3.  horse’s nose slightly towards you with your left hand and apply some very gentle (we mean VERY gentle) pressure with your right hand. Wait for your horse to relax.
4. Soften both hands. Move your right hand a couple of inches down the neck, keeping your left hand on the nose. Wiggle the nose very gently. 
5. Soften your hands again, move your right hand down another couple of inches, bring the nose back a little, and wiggle. Remember to watch the horse’s eye and step back to give your horse room to move his neck.
6. Keep repeating down the neck. Soften hands, move the right hand down a little, bring the nose further around with your left hand, wiggle and release. Be sure not to pinch or claw your horse's nose. 
7. Step back and allow your horse to release. 
8. Repeat on the left side, or move to the right side and see the difference in sides.

When you’re practicing this technique with your horse, remember that some horses are more flexible than others. One horse may find it easy to bend the neck and follow your ‘nose hand’ while another might be unable to reach around halfway. This could be caused by stiffness, lack of range of motion, or soreness. In either case, go softly and don’t force it. Your goal is to release tension in the soft tissue around the vertebrae by asking them to move in a relaxed state. If you find yourself bracing against your horse, soften your arms and hands. You’re only looking for a small improvement in the range of motion each step, not to get the horse to bend or flex beyond where they feel comfortable. If your horse is unable to relax the head and neck, soften your hands even more, and start with “micro-wiggles” of the nose. Remember less is more!