Rollkur has been an issue written about on this blog fairly regularly, but until now there hasn’t been a clearly demonstrating video available to show a ‘professional’ using Rollkur in a competition setting for more than a brief period of time.
You can watch the edited version of approx. 4 minutes long showing *just* Kittel riding Stanic, including a slow motion portion making the flacid blue tongue flopping from his mouth all the more evident.
[youtube 8hIXGiV4N4k]
Or you can watch an unedited version which shows other riders in the arena, including Anky van Grunsven and Patrik Kittel and a normal speed filming of the Stanic’s blue tongue.
[youtube Zo8W2fUjdM4]
The FEI has begun an investigation into the issue, likely to save face against all the public protest that has arisen, and still acknowledges that they support the use of Rollkur by ‘professionals’. Interestingly enough, I’ve found more videos as a result of looking up Patrik Kittel on youtube, demonstrating that this is not a singular offense and that Rollkur is now part of his regular routine on the road to competition glory.
EponaTV, which posted the videos of Kittel at the World Cup, states on their website that this is normal routine with most international competitors when they film at shows and is not exclusive to Anky van Grunsven or Kittel, though Kittel does train with Sjef Janssen, Anky’s partner. Looks as though the disease is catchy…
[youtube 8z7qqXaIaLE]
Sjef Janssen coaching Patrik Kittel aboard Stanic
[youtube sP4CMhLhvug]
Happy Athlete?
[youtube 6nj51leTrcI]
Anky in Aachen
Check out the following links for more info….
- EponaTV : Blue Tongue at World Cup
- EponaTV : Blue Tongue Video FAQ
- FEI Launches Investigation into Odense Dressage Warm-Up
- Dressage Disgrace Website
- Sign The Petition To BAN Rollkur!
i got into dressage because of the harmony, the communication and unity between horse and rider, the gentle conditioning that progressively builds muscle and endurance…i chose this equestrian discipline to develop strong sound horses (both mentally and physically) that will keep going well into their twenties…how does it make dressage different from racing? the longevity of of an average european dressage horse is mind boggling 5 1/2 years – not surprising after seeing these videos…thanks for the great post…i have to go and give a hug now to my “precious ponies” and ensure them that this will be never done to them
I remember when the barefoot movement was gaining momentum, or at least more publicity, and Dr. Strasser was at the forefront of it. They frequently pointed the finger of the high performance horses’ quick demise on their poor hoofcare, and although she partnered up with Dr. Cook (bitless bridle) I was never made aware of any references to Rollkur that they added as an indicator to the young age of retirement of these European performers.
That being said, if the horse is constantly stressed and in a state of fear the amount of havoc being wreaked on his immune system must be absolutely horrific. The hormone Cortisol which is released during periods of stress literally prepares the body to die by shutting down physical processes. It is no surprise to me that an animal being abused and in an otherwise naturally high-stress lifestyle like international competition should face a quick demise. :(
I’m with you Petra, I give my ‘ponies’ hugs every day thankful that I am conscious enough not to engage in such harmful practices and put their needs before my own motivations.
glad you’re bringing up the barefoot trim, I am a great believer and make sure that i spread around the word in the local community…i am slowly getting people interested ;o)
i have a question since i really value your opinion…in the october’s issue of Dressage today, Linda Gurney admits that barefoot horses have healthier feet, however she says that sand in the dressage arenas grinds down hooves and therefore she recommends regular shoeing every 5 weeks…do you agree with this? i find that hard to believe…my farrier is a student of Peter Ramey, i ride all my horses in sand rinks as well as on gravel roads (one with old Macs and one without) and find this really hard to believe…your thoughs are appreciated :o)
Utterly heartbreaking…and shameful against the entire dressage community. The brutalization of horses has no business in any competition. Dressage represents elegance and ease while controlling your horse with subtlety and precision. Donning riding equipment and riding apparel incurs a responsibility towards the animals we ride and (hopefully!) love. At a time when the riding community is losing popularity, this cruelty can only hurt the entire industry.
[...] not surprised but I guess hopeful that perhaps all of the bad publicity surrounding Patrik Kittel and the Blue Tongue incident, the lawsuit filed by Anky van Grunsven and so on would make these riders a little less out in the [...]
I’m not certain how I missed responding to your post sooner Petra, regarding riding barefoot in sand arenas…
I have a hard time believing her remarks that sand wears the hooves down, at least if they are healthy barefoot hooves. Of course a horse with a thin hoof wall from years of poor trimming/shoeing will wear their hooves down to the quick in no time. I’ve taken my barefoot horses on regular 25 mile trail rides on rough rocky ground and through steep sand climbs in the midwest and never had an issue with them overwearing their feet. Of course they have also had a few years to recover from poor trimming before being subjected to such travel. :)