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Area of Science:

  • Equine welfare science
  • Animal biomechanics
  • Veterinary sports medicine

Background:

  • Dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, known as hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP), has been a subject of significant public and scientific debate for 20 years.
  • Concerns exist regarding the ethical implications and physiological effects of this training method on equine athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis of existing peer-reviewed literature to establish a consensus on the welfare and performance outcomes of horses in HNP.
  • To evaluate the scientific evidence regarding the impact of HNP on equine welfare and athletic performance.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies was performed.
  • Databases searched included CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed, and ScienceDirect (last search 28.05.2023).
  • Statistical analyses were used to synthesize conclusions on welfare and performance (marks, kinematics, musculoskeletal) outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A significant majority of studies (75%) expressed concerns about horse welfare when in HNP.
  • Factors like training level, experience, or duration did not significantly alter welfare concerns.
  • Performance outcomes were inconclusive, with benefits, detrimental effects, and no significant effects reported across studies.

Conclusions:

  • The practice of HNP appears to impair equine welfare irrespective of the method used to achieve the posture.
  • The potential welfare costs associated with HNP likely exceed any demonstrated performance benefits.
  • Further research and ethical considerations are warranted regarding the widespread use of HNP in equine disciplines.