Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Barbara F. on January 18, 2009 at 10:18am

Hi,
I don't know too much about the Rollkur, except that no amateur riders should be trying it. Anky uses it and is greatly criticized, because it is apparently extremely damaging for the horse physically and psychologically. If you read one of the William Micklem blogs here about acceptance vs submission, you will be able to understand a bit about the psychological damage, although he is not referring to Rollkur, but training in general. I know that many vets can talk about the physical damage to the vertebrae in the neck as well, but I'm no expert.

What I do know is that many, many riders - amateur and professional - see a top rider doing something and blindly try to copy it, without having the skill or education to do so. To me, that is the greatest danger.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Daly on February 7, 2009 at 7:21pm

There is some information on Rollkur at sustainabledressage.com/rollkur/index.php, and also at sustainabledressage.com/rollkur/schrijer.php. Hope you find this helpful. Personally I think it looks awful. If you search the Eurodressage site you will also find some references, particularly about the pony Power and Paint, who has now been retired. I saw this pony performing in Holland some years ago, he was magical. When I saw the photo on Eurodressage of his chin on his chest in Rollkur I wanted to cry. Kind regards, Elizabeth Daly.

Permalink Reply by Shimmer E on February 7, 2009 at 8:06pm

I just looked Power and Paint up on youtube. What a cutie, but with that crest on his neck, it just screams Rolkur... poor kid.

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on March 10, 2009 at 4:06pm

Hi,

Dr. Gerd Heuschmann (a German equine veterinary specialist and Bereiter) has written a book called "Tug of War", which explains rollkur, or hyperflexion, very clearly. Internationally acclaimed riders and trainers, e.g.: Klaus Balkenhol, Col. Christian Carde, Dr. Heuschmann, Ingrid Klimke, etc., have spoken out against this method of training. Dr. Heuschmann has also just produced a DVD explaining rollkur, and while I have not yet received my copy I understand that it is very clear and user-friendly. It can be obtained through the Horse Council of British Columbia. They likely have the book for sale as well.

The FEI is slowly moving to speak against hyperflexion, but of course the threat from Anky and Sjef is a real one (check out Eurodressage and Sjef's lawsuits against judges), and no one wants to offend Isabell either. Our sport is unfortunately dominated by politics, and I for one applaud Princess Haya's bold move to replace the FEI dressage committee and start afresh after the appalling events/judging at the Olympics in Beijing.

If you look at the pictures of Power and Paint with Coby van Baalen (search Power and Paint on Eurodressage) in rollkur you will understand, at least emotionally, why this approach is so damaging.

As dressage riders and practitioners you owe it to your sport, to your horses, and to yourselves to become informed and aware of this awful training methodology.