This cannot be avoided...

I've tried, trust me. But I have to say something after this came out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo8W2fUjdM4&feature=response_watch

Rollkur. The four-letter word in dressage. Love it, hate it, don't mind it but don't do it, this is a topic that gets everyone riled up. And for good reason, as that video and many others show. This one is exceptional because during the extreme hyperflexion the horse's tongue turns blue and falls out of his mouth. But this does not stop his rider, who continues to ride him rollkured for the remainder of the video segment (and who knows how much longer).

I'm not a veterinarian nor a kinesiologist. However, to learn more about the physical effects of this technique, read Tug of War: Classical versus Modern Dressage or visit www.sustainabledressage.net. Those resources will be able to give you more information on the detrimental effects of rollkur.

After you know something about the physical damage of rollkur, just take a moment to look at rollkured horses and think about what they're doing. Does that position look comfortable? Do those horses look joyful? Are they happy in their work? Are they relaxed? How would you feel if you were forced into that position? Does that uphold the principles of classical dressage?

And the last question, why do these riders practice rollkur? In my opinion, one word: competition.

Maybe that's why I don't compete. Maybe because it's the root of so much evil in the dressage world.

I'll come back to this topic, but I think this is enough to ponder for one day...