02/27/2025
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, organizations like the FEI and USEF continue to refuse to acknowledge or penalize riders for riding behind the vertical. This unwillingness to address the issue not only allows the practice to persist, but also disrespects the welfare of the horses involved. It's frustrating that governing bodies are not taking a stronger stance on this matter, especially when the negative impacts on horses’ health are so clear. It’s time we hold ourselves, and those in positions of power, accountable for the welfare of these animals, and make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being over outdated traditions or superficial ideals.
The horse in the picture is my own horse from 2018, when I was proud of him going that way. But, as I’ve learned and grown in my understanding of biomechanics, I’ve come to see the true cost of this position. Riding behind the vertical for any length of time, at any depth, is a welfare issue that can affect the horse's body in profound and long-lasting ways:
Pharyngeal Diameter Reduction
When the head is flexed behind the vertical, it leads to a reduction in the pharyngeal diameter, causing airway narrowing and obstruction. This impedes the horse's ability to take in sufficient air, particularly during exertion, leading to exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, and increased effort to inhale. You may hear horses being ridden BV breathe incredibly loudly during exercise. Over time, this restriction can result in chronic respiratory distress, dynamic airway collapse, and places extra strain on the horse’s cardiovascular system.
Decrease in Lamellar Width
Hyperflexion of the neck and back can lead to a reduction in lamellar width in the intervertebral discs and associated tissues. This results in decreased structural integrity of the spine, causing increased pressure on the vertebrae and ligaments. Over time, this can lead to chronic discomfort, degeneration of spinal tissues, and increased risk of injury due to the compromised ability of the discs to absorb shock and support movement.
Decreased Flexion-Extension Movement
When the head is behind the vertical, it restricts the natural flexion-extension of the spine, particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions. This mechanical limitation impedes the horse’s ability to engage in full spinal articulation during locomotion. The restriction in spinal mobility results in increased compressive forces on the intervertebral discs, which exacerbates disc degeneration and accelerates muscle fatigue. As the back muscles are unable to stretch and contract freely, muscle soreness and joint pain develop, leading to chronic spinal stiffness. Over time, this abnormal spinal loading can predispose the horse to degenerative joint disease (DJD), particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions.
Increased Intrathoracic Pressure
The hyperflexed head and neck position associated with BTV increases intrathoracic pressure, which restricts the natural movement of the diaphragm and limits the expansion of the lungs during respiration. This restriction of lung capacity impairs ventilation efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen exchange and exercise-induced fatigue. The lack of full respiratory function means the horse will experience shortness of breath, increased muscle exhaustion, and an overall decrease in stamina. Over time, this chronic respiratory impairment may lead to airway collapse or dynamic airway obstruction.
Abnormal Hock Load Distribution
Riding behind the vertical results in abnormal distribution of forces in the horse’s limbs, particularly in the hindlimbs. As the horse compensates for the spinal misalignment, excessive load is placed on the hock joints, increasing the compressive forces and the shearing forces on the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint. This leads to joint degeneration and ligament strain, predisposing the horse to arthritis, tendinitis, and chronic lameness. Over time, these repetitive forces increase the risk of hock injuries, such as ligament tears or tendon ruptures.
Asymmetry in Wither Movement
Hyperflexion of the neck disrupts the natural symmetry of the horse’s withers and their movement during locomotion. This asymmetry in the wither movement leads to imbalanced load distribution across the forelimbs and hindlimbs, creating uneven stress on the spinal column and musculature. The lack of symmetry in movement impairs the horse’s gait mechanics, which can compromise performance and increase susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries.
Altered Intervertebral Angulation
The misalignment of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae caused by the unnatural head and neck position behind the vertical leads to altered intervertebral angulation. This biomechanical distortion places shear forces and excessive loading on the intervertebral joints and their surrounding ligaments. These forces interfere with normal joint kinematics and exacerbate wear and tear on the articular cartilage, leading to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments. The resulting spinal instability causes chronic inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility.
Increased Intrathoracic Pressure
The hyperflexed head and neck position associated with BTV increases intrathoracic pressure, which restricts the natural movement of the diaphragm and limits the expansion of the lungs during respiration. This restriction of lung capacity impairs ventilation efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen exchange and exercise-induced fatigue. The lack of full respiratory function means the horse will experience shortness of breath, increased muscle exhaustion, and an overall decrease in stamina. Over time, this chronic respiratory impairment may lead to airway collapse or dynamic airway obstruction.
Electro-Myographic (EMG) Changes
The hyperflexion of the head and neck alters the natural activation patterns of key muscle groups, particularly those involved in neck, shoulder, and forelimb movement. Electromyographic (EMG) studies reveal abnormal muscle recruitment patterns, where certain muscles are overactivated while others are underutilized. This leads to muscular imbalance, uneven force distribution, and inefficient movement mechanics. Over time, this muscle dysfunction contributes to extreme muscle fatigue, chronic soreness, and increased risk of muscle strains or injuries. These EMG changes also alter kinetic efficiency, making the horse's movements less fluid and more taxing on its body.
Nuchal Ligament Tension
Hyperflexion dramatically increases tension in the nuchal ligament, which runs from the occipital bone to the spine and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the neck during movement. The excessive stretch on the ligament from being ridden behind the vertical causes increased tensile forces, leading to chronic strain and ligament fatigue. Over time, the ligament becomes stiffened, resulting in nuchal bursitis (inflammation of the bursa associated with the ligament). This chronic tension in the nuchal ligament leads to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility in the neck and back. As the ligament loses its elasticity, it can lead to misalignment of the cervical spine, further stressing the thoracolumbar region and causing significant back pain.
Riding a horse in a forward head position with proper contact may take more time and effort, but it is the only true path to building strength, balance, and natural muscle development. Unlike riding behind the vertical, this approach honors the horse's biomechanics, promoting long-term well-being and performance without cutting corners. The consequences of riding behind the vertical go far beyond the immediate: the pain, discomfort, and irreversible damage it causes spread throughout the horse's body. Their welfare is in our hands, and with a deeper understanding of the impact of our choices, the right choices become very clear.
König von Borstel, U., Kienapfel, K., McLean, A. et al. Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 14, 22886 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72766-5
