FEI Imposes Sanctions on Controversial Dressage Training Method

Participants in a Feb. 9 conference organized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) sanctioned aggressive riding, including that which results in hyperflexion of the horse’s neck.

“The group redefined

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Participants in a Feb. 9 conference organized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) imposed sanctions on aggressive riding, including that which results in hyperflexion of the horse’s neck.

"The group redefined hyperflexion/Rollkur as flexion of the horse’s neck achieved through aggressive force, which is therefore unacceptable," the FEI said in a statement. "The technique known as Low, Deep, and Round, which achieves flexion without undue force, is acceptable."

No rule changes were deemed necessary, but a new working group will expand the current guidelines for stewards to facilitate the implementation of this policy, potentially including closed-circuit television monitoring of warm-up arenas at selected shows.

The issue came up for discussion after an Internet video circulated of Swedish Olympian Patrik Kittel warming up at October’s CDI Odense, Denmark, using a method some call inhumane. (Read more: "Controversial Dressage Training Method Under FEI Investigation.") The FEI sent Kittel a warning letter in late January, but no formal claim was lodged

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Written by:

Erin Ryder is a former news editor of The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care.

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