Dressage comes from the French word ‘dresser’ which means to train (Borstel et al. 2009). It involves horses demonstrating complex and complicated movements. Judging are looking for accuracy, rhythm, balance and communication between horse and rider. The welfare of horses at elite level is often forgotten about with most of the welfare issues focused on neglect of horses, due to owners not being able to afford the upkeep. There are issues within the world of elite horses that seem hidden from the public who are engrossed in the spectacular movement of these dressage horses. (Mcllwraith and Rollin, 2011).
Although dressage horses have the best care with spotless stables and are generally in top condition they are often stabled for long periods, …show more content…
One example is the Rollkur position, which is hyperflexion of the neck. This position has been banned by the FEI who state that ‘the nasal plane should be at all times be in front of the vertical’ (FEI, 2009, cited in McGreevy et al. 2010). It involves the rounding of the neck and the muzzle of the horse to be almost touching its own chest. This can be achieved by exerting excessive pressure on the reins as well the use of draw reins which restrict the movement of the horses head. Researchers such as Denoix (2006, cited in Borstel et al. 2009), have observed that hyperflexion causes stress on the withers, nuchal area and intervertebral discs, causing unnecessary pain in the horse. Other studies of hyperflexion have found that it causes obstruction of airways, impairs vision and damages ligaments by overstretching them; major welfare issues (Christensen et al. 2014). After a test carried out about different head carriages, it was proved that when ridden in Rollkur position, the horses showed more stressful behaviour patterns associated with discomfort and pain, demonstrated by higher heart rates, compared with regular poll flexion. These results prove that this harsh style of riding is diminishing the horse’s welfare and putting it at greater risk of injury related to stress. (Kienapfel,