The FEI condemns Hyperflexion in any equestrian sport!

[Whizzon]

'ROLLKUR Roundup Fact and Fiction' - see EPONA TV latest posting on the global debate on Rollkur.

In 2008 the FEI Veterinary Committee decided to condemn the technique of ROLLKUR as a form of MENTAL ABUSE.

In the minutes from the Veterinary committee, issued a few month prior to the Hong Kong Olympics.The FEI issued the following 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"

Later this statement disappeared from the document on the FEI's website without further explanation.

why?

The question begs... Does FEI ignore its own Veterinary opinion? The statement was issued only last year , why therefore does the FEI constantly refer to Rollkur workshop in Lausanne in 2006 when there is conflicting arguement against Rollkur from its own vets as recently as 2008 which it chooses not to publicise?

In the Lausanne workshop FEI trainer and Equine Ethologist, Dr Andrew McLean pointed out that "cervical flexion as a result of sustained bit pressure has a lot more to do with complaince and pain avoidance, than suppleness"

Rider and author Heinz Meyer said on Rollkur "I have not the opinion that it is done for gymnastic effect. Its mostly done to subordinate and discipline the horse"

according to EPONA TV even Sjef Janssen admits that the technique is used for "dominant horses", which infers horses with a tendency to display violent conflict behaviour, kicking, bucking, bolting, rearing. As a horse in Rollkur cant see where it is going it is possibly easier to control...

Dr McLean goes on to explain how using Hyperflexion to control 'conflict' behaviours can be a vicious cycle, actually leading to more problems. "It can deaden the brakes" and that can lead to bolting as a manifistation of habituation and other unwelcome behaviours. It can compromise welfare since horses can learn that there is nothing they can do to remove the pressure. If the horses head is on its chest it has nowhere to go and maybe in a state of "learned helplessness"

Who should get the benefit of doubt? The riders or the Horses... The code of conduct of the FEI states clearly that the welfare of the horse must be paramount at all times

There is no empirical evidence to prove rollkur does-no-harm but there is 'doubt' that it does... either mentally or physically or both... Because there is doubt - then it is clearly obvious to anyone with even the slightest interest or concern over horse welfare that the practise of ROLLKUR/HYPERFLEXION/BITE THE CHEST/ DEEP AND ROUND must not be allowed.

 

[MrsMozart]

I agree with your last sentance whole heartedly.

 

[siennamum]

How interesting the statement about bolting is. Years ago I rode a fantastic Dutch mare which had been really overdone & forced into an outline far too young.
She was extremely talented but would run blindly if she felt under too much pressure or if you tried to take too much contact.
She went to jump a car at one point which was at the side of the arena, also at one point she was going to jump seating, with people in it. Both times she was pulled out at the last minute & with huge physical force. She really had no sense of self preservation & seemed simply desperate.
She was in a dealers yars in Germany, & was passed to a German dressage rider(Olympic long list apparently) for one of her pupils. I saw her then for a few consecutive days & she was schooled in draw reins - though not Rollkur but very long & low - in circles in trot for hour after hour to break her will I suppose. It was horrendous to watch as the mare had been panicking & desperate to start with rather than wilful.

 

[kerilli]

no one should be surprised by this, we are trying to train a Flight animal, after all... if s/he gets stressed enough (by anything) then the Flight mechanism will kick in.
yes, I too agree wholeheartedly with the OP's last sentence.

 

[JamesL]

It is all very odd, it is also important to note that Rollkur horses cannot work in a way that matches how the descriptions are written in the rulebook.

From this you can only draw 2 conclusions either the judges are wrong or the rulebook is one, i think we know whichj came first!!!

A need to dominate an animals simply demonstrates someone short comings both as a rider and a human being. Horsemanship is about love, why would you wish to dominate something you love???