Rollkur, also known as hyperflexion, is a controversial training technique in equestrian disciplines that involves excessive bending of a horse’s neck, pulling the head back towards the chest. This extreme posture, often achieved through rider pressure, significantly impacts a horse’s biomechanics, potentially leading to pain, stress, and long-term health issues. While proponents argue for its benefits in suppleness and performance, scientific evidence and equestrian organizations increasingly highlight the severe welfare concerns associated with this practice. This article delves into what rollkur is, its effects on horse welfare, and the regulations surrounding it.
What is Rollkur?
Rollkur, or hyperflexion, involves the extreme flexion of a horse’s neck, pulling the head back towards the chest beyond its natural range of motion. This position is typically enforced by the rider’s hands and legs, and sometimes with the aid of specific training equipment. [1] In high-level dressage, a rounded and arched neck position is often rewarded by judges, which may incentivize riders to employ techniques like rollkur to achieve a desired aesthetic and potentially higher scores. [6][8]
Historically, elements of neck flexion were included in training methods by classical riding masters. However, older texts do not endorse the extreme hyperflexed positions seen today. [1] In recent decades, cervical flexion has become more prevalent, with horses trained in a range of postures from slightly behind the vertical to extreme flexion where the chin nearly touches the chest. [7] Various training aids, including lever bits, curb chains, training reins, and pulley systems, have been developed to achieve and maintain these positions. [4][7][10]
Proponents of rollkur suggest that when applied correctly by skilled riders, it can enhance flexibility and strengthen specific muscles. [11] However, these claims are increasingly challenged by a growing body of evidence concerning the practice’s negative impact on equine welfare.
Understanding Head-Neck Positions (HNPs) in Horses
A horse’s long, flexible neck is crucial for its natural behaviors, such as grazing and social interaction, and plays a vital role in balance and coordination during movement. [3][9][12][13] In equestrian sports, Head-Neck Positions (HNPs) describe the alignment of the horse’s head and neck relative to an imaginary vertical line passing through the poll (atlanto-occipital joint). [3][9][12][13]
The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) categorizes four primary HNPs:
- Behind the Vertical: The head is positioned behind the vertical line, often due to excessive poll flexion.
- On the Vertical: The head is aligned directly with the vertical line through the poll.
- In Front of the Vertical: The head is slightly ahead of the vertical line.
- Inverted: The head is raised above the vertical, with a hollowed neck. [1][7][9][12]
The term “on the bit” refers to a horse that responds correctly to rein pressure, accepting contact harmoniously. This ideal position involves the horse’s head being slightly in front of the vertical, with an arched neck and a balanced body, allowing energy to flow freely from the hindquarters. [10] This state is achieved through minimal rein pressure and the release of pressure once the desired position is held, reinforcing positive learning. [7]
Rollkur & Horse Biomechanics
Rollkur significantly disrupts a horse’s natural biomechanics. The excessive flexion at the atlanto-occipital joint forces the cervical vertebrae beyond their natural range, pulling the head downward and behind the vertical. This can lead to a hollowed back, restricted shoulder movement, and shortened strides, hindering the natural engagement of the body. [14] True engagement involves a raised chest, lifted withers, and a flexed back that facilitates the smooth flow of kinetic energy, with the hind legs stepping under the body to power movement.
Rollkur vs. Low, Deep and Round (LDR)
The terminology surrounding hyperflexion can be confusing, with terms like “overbending” and “extreme flexion” often used interchangeably. [1][2][7] The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) distinguishes between rollkur and Low, Deep, and Round (LDR). Rollkur is defined as excessive neck bending achieved through aggressive force, leading to stress and discomfort. [2][14][16] LDR, on the other hand, encourages a lowered, rounded neck position through gentle, cooperative methods that align with the horse’s natural movement. While rollkur is widely criticized, LDR is considered acceptable by the FEI when performed without force. [4][10] The key difference lies in the intensity of flexion and the methods employed.
Welfare Concerns Associated with Rollkur
The practice of rollkur raises significant welfare concerns, including vision impairment, airway obstruction, structural and musculoskeletal changes, and increased stress.
Vision Impairment
The extreme downward and backward positioning of the horse’s head in rollkur restricts its field of vision. This limits the horse’s ability to see its surroundings and potential hazards, leading to disorientation, anxiety, and an increased risk of accidents, particularly in high-stress environments like competitions. [7][10][11][15]
Airway Obstruction
Hyperflexion compresses the horse’s airway by disrupting the natural alignment of the trachea. This narrowing increases airway resistance, making breathing more difficult and inefficient. [1][10][16] The reduced oxygen intake can lead to faster fatigue, diminished performance, and general discomfort for the horse.
Structural & Musculoskeletal Changes
Prolonged neck flexion can cause structural alterations, including changes in neck length and vertebral angles. This may lead to nerve compression and dysfunction. [7] The increased tension on the nuchal ligament and other supporting structures can result in injuries at attachment sites, leading to chronic pain, discomfort, reduced mobility, and long-term welfare issues. [9][14]
Stress
Rollkur can induce confusion and stress in horses by disrupting their natural learning process. The forced position hinders their ability to understand cues, leading to frustration and anxiety, which can manifest as resistance to training and behavioral issues. [10][14][1] Factors like the horse’s conformation, the duration of the posture, and the training methods used also influence the level of stress experienced. [7]
Training Effects of Rollkur
From a learning theory perspective, rollkur interferes with effective training. It combines conflicting signals—one to slow down and one to flex the neck—from a single cue, confusing the horse about what is being asked. [10][17][18] This contradicts the principle of clear cause-and-effect relationships in learning.
Furthermore, maintaining hyperflexion requires continuous strong rein pressure without release, which negatively impacts learning. Horses may become desensitized to bit pressure, requiring increased force, and can suffer from mouth corner lesions, tongue damage, stress, fear, and pain. [19]
Rollkur & Sport Regulation
Growing concerns about horse welfare have led to regulatory changes in equestrian sports regarding neck flexion.
Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)
The FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sports, has taken a stance against rollkur. Its rules stipulate that a horse’s head must remain at or slightly in front of the vertical at all times. [8][9] In 2010, the FEI officially redefined rollkur as excessive neck bending achieved through aggressive force, distinguishing it from acceptable techniques like LDR and Long and Low (LL) when performed without force. [2][14][16] While extreme neck flexion for short periods is permitted if not achieved through aggressive force, the subjective nature of “aggressive force” makes enforcement challenging. Stewards are tasked with intervening if a horse shows signs of stress or fatigue, aiming to safeguard the horse’s well-being. [14]
International Society for Equitation Science (ISES)
The ISES strongly opposes the use of extreme or hyperflexed head and neck postures (HNPs) in equine training due to significant welfare concerns. ISES believes the physiological and mental costs to the horse outweigh any potential gymnastic benefits, impairing airflow and causing mental distress. [7] ISES supports FEI dressage rules requiring the cranio-facial profile to be at or in front of the vertical at all times. [7]
Challenges in Enforcing Guidelines for Neck Flexion
Enforcing regulations on neck flexion techniques like rollkur faces challenges due to the subjective nature of monitoring a horse’s well-being. Stewards rely on visual observations of rein tension and stress indicators, which can be interpreted differently based on individual experience and expertise. [20] Subtle signs of stress, such as altered breathing or minor behavioral shifts, can be difficult for even experienced officials to consistently identify. [1][9][13][14] The competitive environment can also make stewards hesitant to intervene unless harm is immediately apparent, leading to inconsistent enforcement and potential compromises to horse welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rollkur?
Rollkur, or hyperflexion, is a riding technique where a horse’s neck is excessively flexed, pulling the head far behind the vertical, sometimes to the point where the chin nearly touches the chest.
What is the difference between rollkur and “behind the vertical”?
“Behind the vertical” refers to a slight position where the horse’s head is just behind the vertical line, often used in dressage for collection. Rollkur involves extreme, forceful neck flexion beyond this, where the head is pulled far back.
Where did the term “rollkur” come from?
The term “rollkur” was coined by Professor Heinz Meyer in 1992, derived from German words “roll” (to roll) and “kur” (cure or treatment). It has become widely associated with hyperflexion in the equine industry. [1]
What are the risks of rollkur?
Extreme neck flexion can cause physical harm, including damage to the cervical spine, muscle strain, impaired movement, vision and breathing issues, and increased stress. While some proponents argue for its potential benefits when practiced correctly, scientific findings highlight significant welfare risks.
Summary
Rollkur is a training technique that enforces extreme neck flexion in horses, posing significant risks to their physical and mental well-being. Historically rooted in classical dressage, its modern application has become controversial due to documented negative impacts. Rollkur disrupts natural biomechanics, leading to impaired movement, potential long-term musculoskeletal damage, and reduced performance. It can cause vision impairment, airway obstruction, and significant stress, compromising the horse’s overall welfare and potentially leading to anxiety, frustration, and injuries. Regulatory bodies like the FEI and organizations such as the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) have taken strong stances against extreme neck flexion, advocating for humane training methods that prioritize the horse’s health and function. Enforcing these guidelines, however, presents challenges due to the subjective nature of assessing a horse’s well-being in competitive environments.
