Rollkur or hyperflexion of the horse's neck is defined as "flexion of the horse's neck achieved through aggressive force" and is banned in International and Olympic sanctioned equestrian sports by the governing body, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).[1][2] The FEI recognises a distinction between rollkur and the riding of the horse in a deep outline not achieved by force.[1]
Rollkur has been used by dressage and show jumping riders. The technique has been controversial for some time;[3] petitions and boycotts (including a threatened boycott of the London 2012 Olympics) have been created to ban the practice.[2][4] The FEI moved to ban the practice following the release of video of Swedish dressage rider Patrik Kittel using rollkur during a competition warm-up, where the horse's tongue appeared to turn blue as a result of the manoeuvre.[2][5][6]
- ^ a b White, Charlotte (2010-02-10). "FEI outlaws rollkur when ridden using aggressive force". Horse and Hound.
- ^ a b c MacArthur, Jenny (2010-02-10). "Public outcry brings ban on controversial equestrianism warm up". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ "Round table conference resolves Rollkur controversy". FEI. 2010-02-09. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "Rollkur 101 - What you need to know". Dressage Disgrace.
- ^ Butcher, Abigail (2009-11-12). "Rollkur row under discussion by FEI". Horse and Hound. Archived from the original on 2010-09-11.
- ^ ""I've had hate mail" days dressage rider at centre of blue tongue row". Horse and Hound. 2009-11-06.