Thursday, February 18, 2010

Huff And Puff Training And Leadership: An Opinion On The FEI Rollkur Decision | The Chronicle of the Horse

Huff And Puff Training And Leadership: An Opinion On The FEI Rollkur Decision | The Chronicle of the Horse

Posted using ShareThis

3 comments:

Grey Horse Matters said...

He wrote a very good article I thought. It still remains to be seen but I think it will be many years (if at all) that people will stop using Rollkur/hyperflexion/LDR because it is still acceptable to many riders and trainers. Until the FEI actually put their foot down and make it illegal I see riders and trainers adapting the new LDR to suit their own purposes. I feel it's all in the interpretation of the wording the FEI is now touting as the less aggressive LDR. So in my opinion whoever used Rollkur before will continue to do so and simply say they are training LDR.

And as for Sjef and his gang I'd love to try a little hyperflexion on them for about a week and see if they still think it's not harmful and maybe Sjef would stop patting himself on the back for 'inventing' Rollkur. By the way when I see a picture like the one in the article, I am so glad I am not there in person. I would be hard pressed not to pull that person off that poor horse and ... well never mind.

jme said...

i have to agree with him that the new wording doesn't change much. i was disappointed to hear dr. h go along with this. on his end, i suppose he saw himself in a position where making a political concession seemed better than an all-out battle. maybe he was meeting them half way and acknowledging the FEI's willingness to pursue the issue. and maybe it will put an end to the most extreme versions out there, and that is progress we can feel good about. but it certainly isn't going to cause stewards and judges to discount the absurd performances they now favor that are clearly a product of hyperflexion, and it won't deter these riders from using it at home and bringing a less extreme version to the warm-up ring....

billie said...

As usual you both offer good points to this issue. I continue to be hopeful, and every time I find yet another article written on this issue, I send up an imaginary flag of victory, because I do think the increased exposure and the many eyes watching will force this to be addressed. That's my hope, anyway!