zoo:logic

Anyone involved in the equestrian world will be aware of the controversial Rollkur debate, one of the most hotly discussed topics in modern dressage. As defined by the FEI, the governing body for all international equestrian events, the term ‘Rollkur’ refers to hyperflexion of the horse’s neck achieved through aggressive force (see photo). In 2010, the FEI ruled Rollkur to be an unacceptable practice that would result in a penalty if seen to be used. However, the FEI stated that Low, Deep and Round (LDR), which achieves a similar shape of the neck without force, was acceptable.

Though the debate has been raging for centuries, opinions have so far been based on very little scientific evidence. Becker-Birck and colleagues sought to shed some light on the true physiological effects of Rollkur by investigating the impacts of lunging in a hyperflexed position on the levels of cortisol - a stress-related hormone - in the saliva as well as changes to heart rate and body temperature in the head and neck region. 16 German sport horses all between 7 and 8 years of age - none of which were used to being exercised in forced hyperflexion - were lunged on one day with side reins allowing forward stretching, and on the other day, lunged with side reins fixing the neck in a hyperflexed position, with the treatments given in a different order for alternate horses. In both cases, lunging caused cortisol levels and heart rate to increase - a physiological response typical of physical exercise - but these changes and differences in body temperature were not significantly different between the two conditions. Whether the neck was extended or in hyperflexion, the horses moved forwards without resistance in the gaits asked of them.




The results of the study are interesting in that they suggest that the hyperflexion position in itself does not cause undue physiological stress to horses during exercise - though as with any research, it is important to bear in mind the conditions of this particular experiment. In particular, the horses were given an 11 minute warm up on the lunge in which they were allowed the freedom to stretch before they were lunged in hyperflexion for 13 minutes - which may be much more mild than practices that horses may be subjected to where training regimes involve heavy use of Rollkur. This research also cannot rule out stress caused by forceful and aggressive riding which often accompanies this practice. 

Ref: Becker-Birck M. et al. (2012) Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability, and superficial body temperature, in horses lunged either with hyperflexion of the neck or with an extended head and neck position. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition [link]