Rollkur — also known as hyperflexion — is one of the most debated and divisive subjects in modern equestrian sport. It refers to the practice of flexing a horse’s neck into an extreme position, with the poll brought low and the chin pulled close to or even behind the horse’s chest. The technique has been used at the highest levels of competitive dressage, and the controversy surrounding it has prompted major debate within the FEI, the BHS, and equestrian welfare organisations worldwide.
What Rollkur Looks Like
In rollkur, the horse’s neck is flexed to the point where the nose comes well behind the vertical — in extreme cases, nearly to the chest. The poll (the highest point of the horse’s neck) drops low, and the entire topline is compressed rather than stretched. This is fundamentally different from correct training in which the horse’s neck is long and relaxed, the poll is the highest point, and the nose remains in front of or at the vertical.
Rollkur is typically applied during the warm-up phase, often using strong contact on both reins. Proponents argue it supples the horse and encourages looseness through the back. Critics — including many of the world’s most respected classical trainers and equine welfare scientists — argue the opposite: that it compresses the airway, restricts movement, causes physical discomfort, and contradicts the principles of harmonious horsemanship.
The FEI Position
The FEI addressed rollkur formally in 2010 following significant pressure from welfare organisations and senior figures in the sport. A workshop convened by the FEI distinguished between “hyperflexion” (rollkur) — which it defined as aggressive force applied for prolonged periods — and “Low, Deep and Round” (LDR) riding, which it described as a milder form of neck flexion that could be applied without force and for limited periods.
The FEI ruled that hyperflexion/rollkur was not acceptable if applied with force, but that LDR was permissible under certain conditions. This distinction was — and remains — controversial. Many welfare advocates argue the two are functionally the same, and that any extreme neck flexion maintained beyond very brief moments causes discomfort and potential harm.
The stewards’ instructions at FEI events state that officials should intervene if a horse is being warmed up in a manner that causes visible distress.
The Welfare Argument Against Rollkur
Research into the effects of rollkur has produced several concerning findings:
- Studies have shown that extreme neck flexion reduces airway diameter, potentially compromising breathing during exercise.
- Horses schooled in hyperflexion show elevated stress indicators, including higher cortisol levels and more reactive behaviour.
- The sustained backward flexion places abnormal stress on the cervical vertebrae and associated soft tissue structures.
- Horses shown in rollkur frequently display tension in the back, inconsistent contact, and resistance that classical training does not produce.
The BHS and many leading equine welfare organisations, including World Horse Welfare, have stated clearly that rollkur is incompatible with good horsemanship and that it should not be used.
The Counter-Argument
Those who defend the technique argue that brief, carefully applied LDR work — never rollkur as described by its critics — can encourage a horse to stretch through the back and become more supple. They point to the fact that some of the world’s most decorated dressage horses have been prepared using these methods.
The debate ultimately centres on definitions, duration, and force. Very few riders openly defend the most extreme version of rollkur. The disagreement is largely about where the line sits, who draws it, and whether competition success justifies methods that cause demonstrable stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rollkur banned at FEI competitions?
Extreme hyperflexion applied with force is not permitted and should be penalised by stewards. However, the “LDR” position remains a grey area, and enforcement at warm-up arenas has been inconsistent. The FEI continues to review its position as welfare science develops.
How does rollkur differ from correct deep work?
Correct deep and round work — sometimes used legitimately in training — involves asking the horse to stretch the neck long and low with the nose in front of or at the vertical, encouraging the back to swing and the hindquarters to engage. In rollkur, the nose is pulled behind the vertical, the neck is compressed, and the horse cannot move freely or breathe normally. The difference is in the degree of flexion, the amount of force applied, and the duration.
What should I do if I see rollkur being used?
At an FEI or affiliated event, you can report it to the steward on duty. At training venues, the most constructive approach is to raise the concern with the yard owner or coach. Documenting and reporting extreme cases to an equine welfare organisation such as World Horse Welfare is also an option if you believe an animal is suffering.