[Trebol]

The charity World Horse Welfare has welcomed the International Equestrian Federation's tough new stance on Rollkur, saying it was good the governing body had drawn a line in the sand over the issue.
Rollkur, or hyperflexion, was discussed at a round-table conference at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne on February 9, at which the charity was present.

It was agreed that any head and neck position achieved through aggressive force is not acceptable.

The group redefined hyperflexion/Rollkur as flexion of the horse's neck achieved through aggressive force, making it unacceptable. It also defined the technique known as Low, Deep and Round (LDR), as flexion achieved without undue force, making it acceptable.

The FEI has since established a working group, headed by Dressage Committee Chair Frank Kemperman, to expand the current guidelines, which will allow stewards to implement this policy. The findings should be available by the northern spring.

http://www.horsetalk...10/02/103.shtml

Sounds like Rollkur is on the way out as a training method.

[cyrus]

We can but hope

[Trebol]

Yes, We know there will be many people against it, Siting all the reasons it's good and proper to use Rollkur. Many of those are going to have to go back and re-learn dressage and how to get the most out of their horses with out force.

[improv]

Thanks for that Trebol.

*...aggressive force...*

To me, this is the point.
To me, it puts Dressage alongside soring and such.
Just because you can produce more extravagent paces does not make it right.

Trying to look at the basic biomechanics going on, I'm positive that these classy riders can produce the same result a bit more cleverly and with more sympathy.
They are such talented riders with such talented horses.

[Trebol]

What i got from this, is when is abuse worth the price of winning?