The goal of this technique is to improve suppleness in the poll and release tension in the entire body. To do this we ease tension in the shortened muscles behind the poll and you work directly on the muscles that attach to the poll, atlas and other vertebrae of the upper neck. These muscles work to lift up, hold and turn the head and top of the neck. 

Technique in more detail:

1. Stand on the left side of your horse’s neck, facing their neck. Place your left hand softly on your horse’s forehead and your right hand just behind the poll.
2. Slowly, apply very gentle pressure to ask the horse to bring his head down. The moment he yields, relax the pressure for a second without removing your hands and then ask again. Release the pressure each time you get the slightest yield and keep your hands soft! 
3. Once you feel your horse has lowered his head as far as he is comfortably able (this might only be a few inches, it might be nose to the floor), start to gently massage the muscles just behind the poll with the right hand. If you feel your horse tense, soften your touch but keep your hands on his head.
4. Remember we’re not trying to get the Head Down, but to get movement in a relaxed state.

Remember, use the flats of your fingertips and not the tips or your nails. No claws in this technique!

Some safety notes when doing this technique - don’t have your head directly over your horse’s head when you’re massaging them with their head down. They can come up faster than you can get out of the way! Always stand to one side. Also, don’t move your feet suddenly if your horse’s head is down. It can startle your horse which will bring his head up again.