Extreme poll flexion techniques in competitive dressage, known as rollkur or hyperflexion, remain controversial for their potential to cause physical pain and psychological stress in horses.
The welfare implications of sustained poll hyperflexion in horses are serious and increasingly well-documented. Research shows that holding horses in extreme flexion for extended periods elevates cortisol, restricts breathing, and causes visible signs of distress. Eyes showing high white sclera are associated with negative emotional states in horses, and these are more frequent under rollkur training. While brief flexion exercises have legitimate training applications, prolonged hyperflexion appears to compromise both physical and psychological welfare. The equestrian community continues to debate this practice, with growing consensus among veterinarians and ethologists that training goals can be achieved without sustained extreme postures.