Effects of different head-neck positions on the larynges of ridden horses.

This study shows that hyperflexion, a common training posture in horse riding, significantly compresses the larynx of ridden horses, regardless of the horses’ age or training level.

Objective of the Study

• The primary objective of this research was to compare the impacts of different head-neck (or poll-neck) positions on a horse’s upper respiratory tract. The poll-neck positions in study include a stretching posture, a working position, and hyperflexion, which is a heavily critiqued training technique thought to affect horses’ well-being.

Methodology

• The study involved 14 horses whose larynges were video recorded using an overground endoscope while the animals were resting and during the three different riding positions. This methodology enabled the researchers to compare and analyze the changes in the laryngeal area during different stages.

Findings of the Study

• The video analysis of the horses’ larynges showed a significant reduction in the laryngeal opening area by about 8.2 ± 5.0% when the horses were in hyperflexion as compared to when they were in a working position.
• Other parameters of the horses’ larynx also showed a significant decrease when in hyperflexion.
• These changes were uniform across the board and did not correlate with the age of the horses or their level of education.
• The results were also independent of the individual horses’ anatomical conditions of the poll-neck region, showing that hyperflexion consistently led to a significant compression of the larynx across different horses.

Conclusion

• Based on the findings of this study, the researchers concluded that hyperflexion causes considerable compression of the larynx irrespective of the horse’s age or level of education. This significantly contributes to the critics of hyperflexion practicing and raises concerns about animal well-being and welfare.