Horse Cervical Flexion Testing and Welfare Concerns

Prolonged and forced neck flexion in horses during training and competition raises welfare concerns around potential musculoskeletal pain, respiratory restriction, and psychological stress.

Key Facts

Rollkur (hyperflexion) involves training horses with the neck severely flexed, bringing the nose toward the chest
The FEI banned rollkur in 2010 but permits a milder form called low, deep and round (LDR)
Research demonstrates increased muscle tension, altered gait biomechanics, and stress behaviors in hyperflexed horses
Hyperflexion restricts visual field, reduces proprioceptive input, and may cause cervical muscle and ligament strain
Horses trained under hyperflexion show higher eye white exposure and ear flattening, indicating psychological stress
The welfare debate around collection versus forced flexion in dressage training remains active in equine science

Welfare Considerations

Welfare concerns about forced flexion practices in equestrian sport are supported by growing scientific evidence of physiological and psychological stress in affected horses. The distinction between appropriate collection, which requires years of correct gymnastic training, and shortcut hyperflexion methods that achieve visual results through force, is a critical welfare distinction. Horses trained through forceful hyperflexion may perform in competition while experiencing ongoing physical discomfort and psychological stress. Welfare-oriented equestrian organizations must enforce standards that protect horses from harmful training practices.

What You Can Do

Learn to distinguish correct biomechanical collection from forced hyperflexion when observing equestrian training
Support organizations that enforce anti-hyperflexion rules in equestrian competition with meaningful consequences
Avoid trainers who use rollkur or similar forced flexion methods regardless of competitive success achieved
Advocate for welfare-based judging criteria in dressage that reward relaxation and correct biomechanics
Report suspected rollkur use at competitions to relevant officials and equestrian governing bodies