„Rollkur“, „Hyperflexion“ and „LDR“ - The natural position of the head and neck of the horse and the modification by the rider

Abstract

Since about twenty years sport horses often are ridden extremely overbended(atlantooccipitole flexion), mostly with a deep neck(cervicothoracale flexion), but by some riders or in some situations with an elevated neck(cervicothorocale extension). These head-neck-positions are possible by the natural flexibility of the neck and the head. The described positions differ from the position, the horses choose while moving without restrictions by a rider. Especially corresponding to the way of moving with high demands, the horses take the position of the neck in a medium hight and the nose-forehead-line before the vertical. They properly do that to promote the effect of head and neck for the balance, for breathing and for the perception. Especially the overbending practised in an extreme extent and for a longer time differs from the rules of the national and the international riding organisations. Orthodox interpreters of the riding doctrine turn against the practice of extreme overbending, in these days usually denominated by the terms "Rollkur", "Hyperflexion" oder "LDR" (Low, deep, round)". In their view this method not only relinquishes essential principles of training a riding horse but also endangers the well being and the health of the horse. The riding organisations do not take a definite position against overbending. Obviously they are primarly interested not to see diminuished the image of the riders they are looking for and the sport, which they organize and which they are financed by. Still the different experiments, investigations and statements done by veterinarians about the physical and the psychic consequences of the extreme overbending do not show a clear picture. Some veterinarians see the endangering of the health of extensively bended vertebra joints, the hindering of the movements, breathing and perception, just as well detractions from the well beeing, reaching to pain and suffering. Some veterinarians negate the consequences, if the overbending is practised well. From the view of functional morphology and from the view of orthopaedics it is unlikely, that the extreme deviation from the natural disposition of the horse works without consequences. For these views and for the orientation of the training of the horse on his natural dispositions the absence of consequences would be an essential fact. To answer these questions valid and reliable results of further investigations are required.