Thank you Miranda.

Regarding the use of Rollkur / LDR in the jumping events, hyperflexing the horse’s neck is actually a very common practice through many horse sports and not just those you’ll see in the Olympic Games.

I would argue against the use of hyperflexion in the training of any horse, regardless of sport, however the unique use of it in Dressage is that it directly goes against the rules of the sport. While it is not in the best interest of the horse to hyperflex their neck to force control over them, it doesn’t directly conflict with any rules of other equestrian sports to use the method in training.

Hyperflexing the neck *should* go against any sport’s welfare guidelines, but the unclear line that defines what horse (or animal) abuse is has often been exploited by the organizations and individuals who can benefit from using animals for entertainment and sport.

The safest way to ensure the horse isn’t behind the vertical (BTV) is to simply ensure their nose is always in front of the vertical. Many will focus very strongly on getting their horse on the vertical so their face is perfectly perpendicular to the ground, but this position over being slightly in front of the vertical has no greater benefit to the horse and only benefits the rider in allowing them to more easily manipulate and control their horse.