## Overview Forced deep flexion (rollkur-style work) overworks the ventral neck muscles, including the sternocephalicus. Horses develop pain on palpation of the underside of the neck, reluctance to flex the poll, preference for going above the bit, and muscle hardness. ## Causes Training that forces the head behind the vertical for prolonged periods. ## Diagnosis Palpation and observation under saddle. ## Treatment Stop the aggravating work, physiotherapy, and retrain with a more natural head position. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good once the training method changes. ## Prevention Avoid prolonged forced hyperflexion.
pain on palpation of the ventral neck; reluctance to flex the poll; preference for going above the bit; muscle hardness along the underside of the neck
## Overview Forced deep flexion (rollkur-style work) overworks the ventral neck muscles, including the sternocephalicus. Horses develop pain on palpation of the underside of the neck, reluctance to flex the poll, preference for going above the bit, and muscle hardness. ## Causes Training that forces the head behind the vertical for prolonged periods. ## Diagnosis Palpation and observation under saddle. ## Treatment Stop the aggravating work, physiotherapy, and retrain with a more natural head position. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good once the training method changes. ## Prevention Avoid prolonged forced hyperflexion.
pain on palpation of the ventral neck; reluctance to flex the poll; preference for going above the bit; muscle hardness along the underside of the neck