Diverging veterinary statements and investigations about the effects of extreme overbending of the horse

Abstract

Since about twenty years a growing number of sport horses are ridden in an extreme way of overbending (atlantooccipital flexion) during training in general and while preparing before the start in a competition. Most often overbending involves a deep neck (cervicothoracal flexion),but occasionally it is also seen with an elevated neck (cervicothoracal extension).Orthodox interpreters of equitation turn against the practice of extreme overbending, these days usually indicated by the terms "Rollkur", "Hyperflexion" oder "LDR (Low, deep, round)". In their view this method neglects essential principles of "classical" training of a riding horse. More over it compromises the well being and the health of the horse. In contrast the proponents of overbending defense this method as a way to improve physical training of the horse. Since the beginning of the last decade considerable veterinary research has been conducted about the physical and the psychic consequences of extreme overbending to sort out these differences. However, the veterinary work and interpretations still have not resulted in a uniform image: Several veterinarians see a compromise of health especially by extensively bended vertebral joints, and by hindering movements, breathing and optical perception. Further, they see impairment of the well being, reaching to pain and suffering. Other veterinarians negate such consequences, if overbending is practised correctly. This means: Several results and interpretations of veterinary research in this field are in the same way contradicting as are the convictions of the practitioners in the saddle. The veterinarians were (so far) not able to clarify the physical and the psychic consequences of extreme overbending in a way that results in a scientific judgement, which could obligatorily regulate the behaviour of the trainers. 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 has no consequences. For these views and for the orientation of training the horse based on its natural dispositions the absence of consequences would be a fad that could have, and that should have, far going consequences. To find a solution for the described problem, further veterinary investigations are required, representative, valid and reliable investigations, harmonised between the different research groups. Hypothetically stated: The longer and more flexible necks, achieved by selection in breeding, can be flexed to a further extent without consequences than short and firm necks. If the care for the health and the wellbeing of the horse would primarily lead the practices of the riders, they should demonstrate the harmlessness of such a method of training before using this method, according to the principle "in dubio pro equo".