Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses.
Authors: Tilley Paula, Simões Joana, Sales Luis José Paulo
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Poll Flexion and Equine Respiratory Function Researchers from the International Society for Equitation Science investigated whether relatively modest increases in poll flexion—a shift of just 15°—could measurably affect respiratory physiology and behaviour in high-level competition horses. Using dynamic airway endoscopy, pleural pressure measurement, and behavioural observation, they compared twenty dressage and twenty show-jumping horses working under two poll positions (85° and 100° ground angles) in a cross-over design, with comprehensive assessment of airway diameter, oxygenation, lactate clearance and stress-related behaviours. The more flexed position (85°) resulted in significantly higher conflict behaviours and upper airway abnormalities, reduced pharyngeal diameter, elevated pleural pressure, and increased lactate in dressage horses, whilst relaxation behaviours were more prevalent at the extended position (100°). These findings challenge current riding practices and suggest that even subtle increases in poll flexion compromise respiratory efficiency and emotional state—an important consideration for riders, coaches and clinicians seeking to optimise both performance and welfare in competition horses.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Poll flexion angles matter: a 15° increase in flexion angle produced measurable negative respiratory and behavioural changes in competition horses, suggesting riding position guidelines should be evidence-based and conservative
- •Monitor your horses for conflict behaviours and upper airway signs when riding in more flexed positions; less flexion appears to support better welfare without compromising training outcomes
- •Both dressage and show-jumping horses showed similar negative responses to increased poll flexion, indicating this is a universal concern regardless of discipline
Key Findings
- •At 100° poll flexion (vs 85°), conflict behaviours and upper airway abnormalities were significantly more frequent in both dressage and show-jumping horses
- •Pharyngeal diameter was significantly lower and pleural pressure significantly higher at 100° poll flexion in both groups
- •Lactate levels were significantly elevated at 100° flexion in dressage horses only
- •Relaxation behaviours were significantly more frequent at 85° poll flexion compared to 100°