Lets Destroy Riding by Amy Harneiss
I'm sure that most of us are pretty familiar with the terms 'Hyperflexion', 'Rollkur' and 'LDR ( Low deep and round)', and understand that it is an extreme stretch of the horses neck and back muscles too.
But, something that these riders, judges and supporters forget to mention is the consequences of hyperflexion and what it really does to a horse. They use the argument that it is a beneficial gymnasticising stretch of the horses neck, which athletes have to do, and that it is fair enough, but these stretches aren't needed. What I'm going to discuss about today, is what rollkur actually is, the side effects of it and alternatives and stretches that are useful. I am using resources from the books 'Tug of War- by Gerd Heuschmann', 'Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage- Philippe Karl' and 'Schooling Exercises In-Hand by Oliver Hilberger' which have helped develop knowledge and understanding of particular topics.
So- what IS the difference between rollkur, hyperflexion and LDR?
This is a question which is constantly being asked throughout the equestrian world. On February 9th 2010, the FEI held a meeting discussing the unorthodox practice of hyperflexion in competition- and not just Dressage. It consisted from an array of competitors and vets, with all different opinions, ideas and practices of training, they concluded that LDR is allowed, hyperflexion/rollkur- is not. This left people in confusion and for me personally, no real progress from that day.
So, I haven't really answered the question as to what the difference is, just given a brief outline, because in all honesty, there really is no difference, it either is, or it isn't, there is no middle ground. You either do it, or you don't; by allowing LDR, means that the main culprits are able to use this to their advantage and carry on using the common practice.
How do we stop it?
This is the big issue, we can ban it in competition, but behind closed doors, who knows what goes on? Riders who do believe in their system and believe that it is what works for them, will continue doing this- if you strongly believe it works, then why wouldn't you do it? So it makes tackling the issue a lot harder. The only thing we can really do is try and reach out to them, I used to battle them, but then I began to look at it from a horses perspective- when I work with horses, if I fight them, they just resist, resent and dislike me, if I fight the riders, they are less likely to listen- they will retort and be defensive, by approaching them in a friendly way, perhaps we are half way to solving the issue. I'm not suggesting to bow down, kiss their feet and what not, but instead we should try and encourage people to want to learn about what is best for the their horses, there is no one set way, but there are better ways than some systems of training. Not only that; we have to offer alternative solutions to horse training. I'm no competitor, not because I can't, but because I really just don't want to compete, but I still follow classical principles ( that's a whole new essay for another day!) and I use stretches in-hand to help supple my horse. I don't need to pull his neck into extreme positions, because I'm not going to place his neck in extreme positions, therefore I don't need to build it up.
But HOW does rollkur benefit a horse? Top riders who practice this claim that it is designed for horses who are athletes, but how does it really benefit them is my question, I'm not really sure and perhaps it is my incompetence and lack of experience.
Right, just had a bit of a read on http://sustainabledressage.net and have been reading, this is the theory behind it all....
Please read the following....
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/rollkur/schrijer.php
I don't really need to justify any more than what the author on the right hand side has suggested, apart from I totally agree with her.
So, the alternatives?
We would be here all day if I spewed off every single alternative to hyperflexion there is, there are lots of alternative stretches and solutions out there, which aren't so extreme, are presented in a milder form and definitely more beneficial for the horse.
I've been reading Oliver Hilbergers 'Schooling Exercises In-Hand' and already it has provided me with a useful insight into other stretching exercises to do. I began some neck stretches with Shadow a few weeks back, and my timing and accuracy still needs lots of work, but by practicing some of these stretches really encourages him to work, it will develop his 'topline' and just help him when we begin our ridden work, meaning that self carriage will be able to mould around his conformation, comfortableness and lightness.
Conformation should definitely be taken into consideration, and I think that putting a horses neck into an extreme position is unnatural. Horses aren't really designed for that, and the pressures of competition dressage are causing tension on riders and horses to succeed and perform, meaning that these training methods have been adapted and used to enable a quicker route to success.
I am not proposing a halt to competition- that would be absurd, but instead a consideration into perhaps we need to slow down, we all have dreams and goals, we all like to be the best, but I think this instinct sadly takes priority over horses in a lot of cases. But, we can look at the likes of Reiner Klimke and Klaus Balkenhol to look up to, legends of Dressage, maintaining classical ethos. They set good examples in the world of competition and we do need people like that, who can set the example.
Gentle neck stretches and gentle lowering ( not curling) of the head, for several minutes a day, can help develop a horse. He develops lighter contact, you develop better feel and begin to develop a happy, healthy horse who is not exploited for greedy desires.
Amy Harneiss
But, something that these riders, judges and supporters forget to mention is the consequences of hyperflexion and what it really does to a horse. They use the argument that it is a beneficial gymnasticising stretch of the horses neck, which athletes have to do, and that it is fair enough, but these stretches aren't needed. What I'm going to discuss about today, is what rollkur actually is, the side effects of it and alternatives and stretches that are useful. I am using resources from the books 'Tug of War- by Gerd Heuschmann', 'Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage- Philippe Karl' and 'Schooling Exercises In-Hand by Oliver Hilberger' which have helped develop knowledge and understanding of particular topics.
So- what IS the difference between rollkur, hyperflexion and LDR?
This is a question which is constantly being asked throughout the equestrian world. On February 9th 2010, the FEI held a meeting discussing the unorthodox practice of hyperflexion in competition- and not just Dressage. It consisted from an array of competitors and vets, with all different opinions, ideas and practices of training, they concluded that LDR is allowed, hyperflexion/rollkur- is not. This left people in confusion and for me personally, no real progress from that day.
- LDR is classed as a milder stretch than extreme hyperflexion, but the ideas are the same and the ways to achieve are too. By allowing LDR, this means that competitors whom decided to use this method can now manipulate it and call it LDR, as they are not using it in an extreme form- so they say. People aren't really sure the differences between hyperflexion and rollkur, but campaigns to review the rule are in place, and I think we should be in full support. It's like saying 'Murder is illegal, but if you only stab them 3 times, it's okay''- people can easily manipulate and change rules to suit their own accord, and sadly it's consequences affect the horses, whilst the riders can roll in their gold medals and bouquets, I hope they feel proud of themselves!
So, I haven't really answered the question as to what the difference is, just given a brief outline, because in all honesty, there really is no difference, it either is, or it isn't, there is no middle ground. You either do it, or you don't; by allowing LDR, means that the main culprits are able to use this to their advantage and carry on using the common practice.
How do we stop it?
This is the big issue, we can ban it in competition, but behind closed doors, who knows what goes on? Riders who do believe in their system and believe that it is what works for them, will continue doing this- if you strongly believe it works, then why wouldn't you do it? So it makes tackling the issue a lot harder. The only thing we can really do is try and reach out to them, I used to battle them, but then I began to look at it from a horses perspective- when I work with horses, if I fight them, they just resist, resent and dislike me, if I fight the riders, they are less likely to listen- they will retort and be defensive, by approaching them in a friendly way, perhaps we are half way to solving the issue. I'm not suggesting to bow down, kiss their feet and what not, but instead we should try and encourage people to want to learn about what is best for the their horses, there is no one set way, but there are better ways than some systems of training. Not only that; we have to offer alternative solutions to horse training. I'm no competitor, not because I can't, but because I really just don't want to compete, but I still follow classical principles ( that's a whole new essay for another day!) and I use stretches in-hand to help supple my horse. I don't need to pull his neck into extreme positions, because I'm not going to place his neck in extreme positions, therefore I don't need to build it up.
But HOW does rollkur benefit a horse? Top riders who practice this claim that it is designed for horses who are athletes, but how does it really benefit them is my question, I'm not really sure and perhaps it is my incompetence and lack of experience.
Right, just had a bit of a read on http://sustainabledressage.net and have been reading, this is the theory behind it all....
Please read the following....
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/rollkur/schrijer.php
I don't really need to justify any more than what the author on the right hand side has suggested, apart from I totally agree with her.
So, the alternatives?
We would be here all day if I spewed off every single alternative to hyperflexion there is, there are lots of alternative stretches and solutions out there, which aren't so extreme, are presented in a milder form and definitely more beneficial for the horse.
I've been reading Oliver Hilbergers 'Schooling Exercises In-Hand' and already it has provided me with a useful insight into other stretching exercises to do. I began some neck stretches with Shadow a few weeks back, and my timing and accuracy still needs lots of work, but by practicing some of these stretches really encourages him to work, it will develop his 'topline' and just help him when we begin our ridden work, meaning that self carriage will be able to mould around his conformation, comfortableness and lightness.
Conformation should definitely be taken into consideration, and I think that putting a horses neck into an extreme position is unnatural. Horses aren't really designed for that, and the pressures of competition dressage are causing tension on riders and horses to succeed and perform, meaning that these training methods have been adapted and used to enable a quicker route to success.
I am not proposing a halt to competition- that would be absurd, but instead a consideration into perhaps we need to slow down, we all have dreams and goals, we all like to be the best, but I think this instinct sadly takes priority over horses in a lot of cases. But, we can look at the likes of Reiner Klimke and Klaus Balkenhol to look up to, legends of Dressage, maintaining classical ethos. They set good examples in the world of competition and we do need people like that, who can set the example.
Gentle neck stretches and gentle lowering ( not curling) of the head, for several minutes a day, can help develop a horse. He develops lighter contact, you develop better feel and begin to develop a happy, healthy horse who is not exploited for greedy desires.
Amy Harneiss
