Horses for Life

April 2008 • VOLUME 32 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

The FEI Veterinary Committee made a statement on their position towards the Rollkur, also called hyperflexion, at the FEI bureau meeting in Interlaken, Switzerland, April 10, 2008.

The following statement was adopted: "There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion, however there are serious concerns for a horse's well-being if the technique is not practiced correctly. The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice."

For some, this statement is a vindication that the FEI is finally speaking up against Rollkur. The statement "The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice" does seem pretty definitive.

For others, this statement is confusing, especially in regards of the statement of "no known clinical side effects"??

See some of the past articles on this subject.

http://horsesforlife.com/HorstWeilerInterview/

http://horsesforlife.com/HorsesNotBreathing

For others, this statement is the FEI still playing politics. For these riders it appears the FEI is willing to admit it is mental abuse, but they also say if the technique is not practiced correctly? Which seems to indicate that "if the technique is not practiced correctly" there is a way to practice rollkur correctly.

Here is one trainer's response:

In the first breath the FEI states that "There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion, however there are serious concerns for a horse's well-being if the technique is not practiced correctly."

What the chuffing heck is the CORRECT way to practice it??

And in the next breath they state: "The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice."

Now they're condemning it as MENTAL ABUSE.

What are we supposed to make of that? Is it just a get-out to let AvG and the like carry on using it as they 'know how to use it correctly'?

How can it be seen, on one hand, as ok by certain riders, whilst on the other hand totally distancing themselves from it by condemning it as abuse??

They must be picking splinters from their bottoms from all that fence sitting.

Warmly,

Sue Morris

Don't Follow in the Footsteps of the Masters
Seek what they Sought

http://www.classicaldressage.co.uk

Tell us what you think.

Are they fence sitting?

Or should we be proud that the FEI has finally spoken out?

Or is this the best that we could expect and we should be thankful they have done this much?

Do you think the battle is done, or is it only beginning? While the FEI may have made a statement about rollkur, no statement has been made about round and deep which at many levels carries the same physical and mental issues that rollkur does.

As we reported in June 2006 almost two years ago.. "Riding deep and round or with the chin almost on the chest or behind the perpendicular is fatal according to him. [Editor's Note: Fatal as in you are ensured that damage will occur.] "At each competition I see, I see the chronic problems arise spontaneously so to speak. The riders do not know what they are doing. He emphasized that he did not want to spell the end of dressage, but, however, wants to indicate that the manner the horses are ridden leads to problems in 80% of the horses." From an article with Horst Weiler

The one thing that this FEI statement does show is that together our voices do make a difference. Blessed are all of you who have spoken up.

Add Your Voice below!

Add your voice to others and together we all get heard.

Comments

Written by kharakterc on 2008-05-01 05:08:35

I see the FEI now gathering splinters as they try to sit on both sides of the fence.
I don't think it would take a master horseman to look at a horse in "Rollkur" to know that it would be
A. uncomfortable if not painful
B. Psychologically upsetting to the horse
Most horses react in fear when constrained in this way.
Again, AvG was recently rewarded with another big win, so there is really no sanction from the FEI. I guess they consider her to be "doing it correctly".
This is all such a shame. Damaging to the animals and to the discipline of dressage.
It is becoming harder and harder to locate trainers that use the training scale and bring horses along patiently. Nobody wants to take the time it takes.
I cherish my subscription with this online magazine.
Thank you for the other perspective. It is refreshing.
LC

Patty Whalen
Written by Patty Whalen on 2008-05-01 07:58:06

Rollkur (as far as the history books tell) has not been a commonly used training technique throughout history. Spanish Riding school? Did Alhois Phodasky use and condone the practice of Rollkur? He did not need to. How about selecting your Grand Prix horses more carefully, and choosing the ones that have a more suitable conformation for the movements rather than forcing the ones that "don't fit" quite right into an inhumane training form so they "fit" easier for YOU.
I think the FEI is like the kid on the schoolground that is afraid of the bully kid with the slingshot and the candy. It is not just AvG, there are others that will try to step around real horsemanship and real training just to get that medal faster. To them it is not a horse it is a carreer, prestige and money. Speak up FEI! Say what really needs to be said!
"Train your horses humanely, and with the talent that you are being rewarded for in the first place . So that others can look up to you for your ability, and strive to communicate with the horse as well and as with as much compassion and respect as we expect you to as professionals"

Now would that be so hard?
I hope for the horse's sake, not.

Patty Whalen

Sylvia Loch - Founder of the Classical R
Written by sylvia loch on 2008-05-01 10:54:46

It's a start and we have to encourage by applauding that start . Also, making sure everyone knows we want more!
I think the 'mental abuse' statement is hugely important to those many of us who have decried and campaigned against all forms of forced overbending. We must seize on those two words again and again until it becomes common knowledge.
Never forget, there are many riders out there who have never heard of Rollkur and there are many riders performing mental abuse on their horses.
As I see it, the biggest problem is how to police such a practice. What happens behind closed doors is the real worry and I suspect it worries the FEI too -hence the words 'unless correctly practised' to give themselves a way out.
Over 12 years ago when I was petitioning for an end to draw reins, we had a similar reaction from the great and the good. 'It's fine in the hands of those who practise it correctly' ..... yes, well, er.... pull the other one.
Nevertheless, having opened the door a chink, let's politely keep up the good fight, and ensure they open it a little more. Many people will think twice if they hear the term 'mental abuse' fielded at them, so as I said it's a start.
Congratulations to all involved and especially to you at Horses for Life Nadja! One small step for mankind.. one big step forward for the horse.

Lynne Sprinsky
Written by Benedictus on 2008-05-01 11:13:41

It's a timid step forward by an organization that has been cowed for far too long by... what? who? "Follow the money" is the watchdogs' byword for unravelling mysteries of this nature in other walks of life. If judges didn't reward this mentally (and physically, in my view, with good if not 'clinical' evidence) abusive form of riding by handing out such high marks to 'mistake-free' tests and focusing instead on the partnership of horse and rider as evidenced by the consistent presence of Losgelassenheit and Duerchlaessigkeit, this kind of riding would not be emulated so widely. The signs of a chronically hyperflexed horse are unmistakable if you know what you're looking for, and if you don't, you've no business being a judge-- at ANY level!

So follow the money: who selects the judges? From what pool? Who decides who gets to be a member of the pool? Who assigns the judges for the most prestigious competitions? WHO BENEFITS? and WHO PAYS THOSE WHO BENEFIT?

I think it's time for a thorough house-cleaning at the FEI, especially within the dressage committees. This tiny step in the right direction is far too little, and has taken far too long. And far too many horses are suffering while the process of rooting out the evil of "hyperflexion" makes progress at a lamentably glacial pace.

There are highly reputable horsemen of great personal integrity who adhere to classical dressage standards -- indeed, they are "the standard-bearers." I mean men like Walter Zettl, Karl Mikolka, and Erik Herbermann, to mention just a few. Let's put THEM in charge of the house-cleaning brigade. Then we'll see some REAL steps forward!

A beginning... hopefully of the end
Written by kelpie77 on 2008-05-01 12:33:32

It has already been stated that "it's a start" - and YES! Thank goodness for that. 'Mental Abuse' is a strong term, and certainly describes some of what is going on. I would like to also see it extended to 'Mental and Physical Abuse' of the equine, both in ridden and groundwork and has absolutely no place within the regulated and ratified equestrian firmament.

The only way to truly show where the official opinion lies is to see where the prizes, judging and money go. Sadly, the majority of horses now seen in the dressage competition arena are overbent and struggling to work through the 'training systems' imposed upon them by their humans. Worse, these riders and trainers are being lauded and awarded, with sky-high marks, 'faultless' remarks and large pieces of silverware that indicate that those who wish to continue the practice of Rollkur and similar overbent riding techniques will still reap the false rewards of their false systems.

The horses will always tell the truth. There are so few horses in competition arenas now that actually move from the back to the front with lift, power and elevation. The judges seem to be incapable of recognising, much less marking down, these huge flaws in the gymnastic and sympathetic development of the equine (which should be the aim of dressage - not contest winning) - and indeed seem to be incapable of rewarding good true movement when it is on display. So what motivation is there for the competition rider to emulate the classical heroes?

Horses are big business. Dressage horses sell for vast sums of money - no-one would pay those sums were the benefits not there to be plundered. And they are plundered at the expense of the horse, who soon ends up broken - whether mentally, physically or both. You don't see modern contest horses working regularly at high school level well into their late twenties - which is a common sight in the classical schools. Why not? Because they've been so brutalised by their training. Training that comes too early, too fast and too hard. You can't expect an animal that physically matures at 7-8 years old to be doing grand prix movements at 5 with no adverse consequences for them later in life.

So congratulations on the progress thus far FEI - but there's a long way to go before we can look the horse honestly in the eye and not be ashamed of that which we wittingly subject them to.

FEI comment retracted?
Written by Q01 on 2008-05-01 13:00:39

Soon after hearing of the statement the FEI made on Rolkür, I also heard this statement had disappeared from the web again. Is this true, and what does this mean??

Although the statement is not watertight by far, it is at least SOMETHING, which is more than most of us had expected to happen.

This definitely is not the end, but a good start for a continued lobbying campaign to get a (preferably adjusted) statement in the regulations, so judges and stewards will have to act according to the spirit of the statement.

So: please, stay at it!

Written by Katrina on 2008-05-01 13:44:45

Money is the root of all evil, they say in fine print; or is it Money talks, bull**** walks. The FEI should take a dump or get out of the stall!! I believe if enough voices are heard, financially and politically, the FEI will have no choice but to abolish this modern day equine slavery. Boycotts do work to some extent, but it is going to take some strength from the dedicated and passionate dressage community, financially, to hold back our FEI member fees, show fees, and any other monies associated with the FEI period. One step forward to success! Lets start an email petition and sign our names. If you agree, please send an email to dressagekat@comcast.net and I will be happy to draft a petition from the Dressage Universe. Please include any or all statements you wish to see in this petition. We can all be heard!! Hugs and Hooves to All.

Ms
Written by moi mache on 2008-05-01 13:45:43

The FEI has made a strong statement yet has constrained t's voice by adding 'if not done correctly'. Perhaps this is all at this stage the FEI can achieve. It is up to all riders & trainers & especially judges to make clear to those practising the rolkur technique it is not an acceptable practice for any level of dressage & will be judges accordingly- One would expect that this would immediately stop the practice

Written by regina on 2008-05-01 13:46:11

Sitting on the fence, is a non commitment to eigther get on or off the fence which is what the FEI is projecting with their statement. A non commital to make a decisive decision about the well being of the horse. It's politics plain and simple.

Written by ocotillo on 2008-05-01 14:50:03

It seems to me that it is still o.k. to use Rolkur....it should be completly banned...and the tension and muscular strain it creates is DEFINITLY physical!!!!

Professor of Surgery Emeritus. Chairman
Written by bob cook on 2008-05-01 15:28:12

When it has been shown that use of a bit is the cause of over one hundred ‘clinical side effects’ (www.bitlessbridle.com/FOTB-Q.pdf) it is disingenuous of the FEI Veterinary Committee to hide behind the excuse that a specific survey of the bit’s effect in hyperflexion has not been published. It is not uncommon for a randomly selected, bitted horse to exhibit 30 or 40 ‘clinical side-effects.’ The practice of hyperflexion is a particularly abusive use of the bit. If a specific survey of horses subjected to hyperflexion were ever carried out, I would expect an even greater number of side effects to be documented in individual victims. Collectively, the hundred or more ‘clinical side effects’ are signs of 40 different diseases (www.bitlessbridle.com/FOTB-2.pdf) . An abusive practice cannot be ‘practiced correctly.’ After waiting two years, it is deeply disappointing that the committee have failed to provide the leadership required. Their statement is self-contradictory, devious and confusing.

Written by astleopold on 2008-05-01 16:38:34

August 24, 2007

To the President of the FEI, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein:

Firstly, I apologize for bypassing your FEI Press Officer, Malina Gueorguiev, to bring this matter to your attention. I realize that you must be extremely busy with important matters on your hands. As president of the FEI, I believe that you should be aware that your organization is supporting a harmful training practice in dressage called the 'rollkur' or hyperflexion of the neck.

Please view these pictures and read this article:
http://horsesforlife.com/FEISaysRolkurGood

http://horsesforlife.com/ARollkurPictogram/ (As the close-up photos showing the horses' expressions clearly illustrate, the horses are distressed.)

According to Malina Gueorguiev, representing the FEI, it appears that the FEI condones the 'rollkur' method of riding in the sport of dressage. Per Malina's statement to another equestrian's concerns, she states that ...." Rollkur is not only harmless but in some cases beneficial"....

If the FEI read its 2006 report more carefully regarding Rollkur, and specifically Dr. Odberg's (Ghent University) comments, the experts are clearly either against the training method or neutral. I would like the FEI to take a stand against 'Rollkur' or hyperflexion of the neck in dressage riding. Condoning this method, as opposed to outright condemnation, is an injustice to the horse species.

Grand Prix dressage can be achieved without abusing the horse . I think judges who ignore top riders who train with Rollkur are complicit in horse abuse. Simply stated, Rollkur riding by training the horse with his chin to his chest is a practice of abusing the horse. Using severe bits that tear at the corners of a horse's mouth is abuse. Beating the horse while they break down during competition is abuse.

How many professionals on this FEI committee have actually ridden at the highest levels of dressage? Wouldn't it be better to be advised by a committee of horse masters such as Sylvia Loch (U.K.)?

For those of us who truly care about horses, please take a stand against Rollkur.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Erika L. Kriebel

elena aner danmark
Written by temp2007 on 2008-05-01 17:12:06

The modern way of dressage it is abuse of horses.BUT ROLLKURR IS A TORTUR!!!!YOU HAVE YO STOP IT!!!!!!!!!

Written by Sky on 2008-05-01 17:38:12

It´s very difficult to ban AvG from the competitions. Money seems more important then the poor horses souls. Unless I hope that this is a beginning to ban Rollkur and name it awefull history.

Written by equuinox on 2008-05-01 23:59:04

Just from looking at the way the muscles are formed on a horse trained in hyperflexion it is simple to see, that there is a physical problem. Shortening on the muscles which pull the front legs forward, increasing strain on the nuchal ligament - often creating calcification of the connection, which will result in pain.
Apart from this, the lose of a true connection between the hind and forehand is apparent. How could a judge miss this! Huge near-horizontal front movement, with disconnected pathetic hind, lacking power and throughness. The stress alone on the back should be enough for even the most moronic veterinarian to see this is clearly not just mental but PHYSICAL abuse.
They must not look very hard for clinical signs, because they are there to see.

Written by wildsage on 2008-05-02 01:24:22

I never had an opinion one way or another. Then I got a horse that was trained this way by one of the "experts." The poor thing was incorrectly muscled, had a tendon injury from pounding on the forehand.This horse did not know how to follow the reins down. If reins were slack the horse would go into a rollkur position and sometimes panic and go into piaffe. Other times he would just bolt off terrified. Through patient work he is a happy horse now, working correctly, and getting beautiful.

Written by leca563 on 2008-05-02 01:53:01

as a massage therapist with pretty good knowledge of equine structural anatomy, I am astonished that the FEI, with all their resources have not done any real research into the physical effects of rollkur. where horses are concerned mental abuse is usually the result of physical abuse/pain. the statement released is an oxymoron in its contradictions. (isnt the word rollkur a derogatory term in German, a clue maybe to its nature)

Down ROLKUR! But FEI?
Written by ADAMPEGGY on 2008-05-03 15:27:07

I'm not surprised at all to hear that this method is not reccommended. However, no side effects discovered by FEI? Is this politics?

Nancy Dibble
Written by NJDLusitanos on 2008-05-04 22:50:44

I think the FEI Veterinary Comments are ambiguous. The implication is, overall, that they do not support the practice of hyperflexion in training sporthorses. However, they do make the reference to practicing this method "correctly." This implies that there is a correct way to avoid mentally abusing a horse with the practice. This provides an "out" that avoids offending riders/trainers who practice hyperflexion and leaves a clear response lacking.

Rollkur
Written by reata on 2008-05-12 09:20:40

I hope the results from the upcoming Olympic Games will show if the FEI has any "Balls" or not.
Lets hope correct training will prevail..

Take a stand!
Written by Maurina51 on 2008-05-12 19:44:18

Hyperflexing should not be allowed and those caught practicing it should be punished. The FEI should take a stand and not be waffling. Rolkur IS abuse and as such the FEI should stand up and make it clear to all.

take a stand!
Written by annie mason on 2008-05-15 17:06:19

well done to everyone who has spoken up for the horse and who is still speaking up! Let the FEI statement be considered a step in the right direction but many more steps need to be taken until all this dreadful abuse is finally stopped; and it is not just happening in big competion arenas! It is happening in livery and 'training' yards all across the country. Gadgets that force an outline whether you are riding or working on the ground should all be burnt and buried forever and if I had my way I'd burn and bury the people that use them too!! So, yes, use the term mental abuse, add 'physical abuse' and don't confine it just to 'Rollkur', apply it to draw reins, market harboroughs, side rins, 'pessoas' and all the other contraptions that are used to demonstrate how inadequate the rider is!!
Good for the FEI but we have to keep the ball rolling.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

You must be registered to post a comment. Registration is FREE!

SUBSCRIBE to HORSES For LIFE™ Online Magazine for full access to the exclusive and educational monthly articles in every Issue. Register and then USE the "Subscribe"button in the left hand menu.

Your subscription includes access to
A FULL 2 PAST YEARS OF ISSUES!
Over 300 Articles!!!

For the Instructor, For the Rider, For the Horse.
Horses For LIFE - For You!

OR Enjoy the free articles in every issue available for Registered Members! Registration is FREE! Look for the asterisk * that denotes Free Articles!

[ Back ]