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Scientific reports2024; 14(1); 22886; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72766-5

Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP). The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the articles (75% of n = 36; Z = 3.00; P>|Z|=0.0027) expressed concerns about the welfare of horses working in this posture. Parameters such as dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method of achieving the hyperflexed posture did not influence welfare concern conclusions significantly (P > 0.1). Therefore, it appears that the practice impairs welfare regardless of how it is imposed. A concurrent assessment of the weight of evidence for performance benefits showed inconclusive results: approximately one-quarter of the studies showed benefits and one-quarter detrimental effects, while the largest proportion (44%) showed no significant effect on performance. On balance, it appears that the costs associated with hyperflexed HNPs exceed potential benefits.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-10-02 PubMed ID: 39358404PubMed Central: PMC11446961DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72766-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper offers a detailed meta-analysis of multiple studies on the effects of hyperflexion of the neck in horses, finding that this practice negatively impacts animal welfare and doesn’t consistently improve performance.

Introduction

  • The research study is a comprehensive meta-analysis evaluating the impacts of hyperflexing a horse’s neck, a posture often used in horse training and competition.
  • The study collected and analyzed data from 58 studies on this topic, providing an extensive look at the existing research.
  • Methodology involved searching six databases for relevant peer-reviewed studies, then summarizing and interpreting their findings.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • The study delved into articles from databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed, and ScienceDirect.
  • Each article’s conclusions were evaluated, and statistical analyses were used to assess welfare and performance outcomes when horses were made to hold a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP).

Results and Findings

  • The results showed that a vast majority of the studies (75 percent) flagged concerns about the wellbeing of horses made to work in hyperflexed posture.
  • Dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method used to achieve hyperflexion did not significantly influence welfare concern conclusions, suggesting that the practice harms animal welfare irrespective of how it is applied.
  • The study also analyzed the weight of evidence regarding performance benefits, yielding inconclusive results: nearly one-quarter studies showed benefits, one-quarter showed detrimental effects, and the largest portion (44 percent) did not find a significant impact on performance.

Conclusions

  • The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that the practice of hyperflexing the horse’s neck may involve risks and costs that outweigh potential benefits.
  • These conclusions call into question the merits of hyperflexing HNPs in horse training and suggest the need for a more critical consideration of this practice in the sense of equine welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
König von Borstel U, Kienapfel K, McLean A, Wilkins C, McGreevy P. (2024). Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep, 14(1), 22886. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72766-5

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Pages: 22886

Researcher Affiliations

König von Borstel, Uta
  • Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Section Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare, University of Giessen, Leihgesterner Weg 52, 35392, Giessen, Germany. uta.koenig@agrar.uni-giessen.de.
Kienapfel, Kathrin
  • Group Equids, Swiss national stud farm, Les Longs Pres, Agroscope, Avenches, 1580, Switzerland.
McLean, Andrew
  • Equitation Science International, 3 Wonderland Avenue, Tuerong, VIC, 3915, Australia.
Wilkins, Cristina
  • School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2353, Australia.
McGreevy, Paul
  • Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Armidale, NSW, 2006, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses / physiology
  • Animals
  • Neck / physiology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Animal Welfare

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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