Switzerland prohibits hyperflexion in horses during both training and competition

Swiss authorities have passed a law banning hyperflexion following a proposal dating back to 2008. This measure, adopted in October 2013, has been in effect since January 1, 2014. Article 21 of the Animal Protection Ordinance states that it is prohibited to “require a horse to keep its head and neck in hyperflexion .” The rationale cited is a definition provided by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI): “a dressage method that compromises the animal’s welfare.” Consequently, the argument centered on the fact that this method, common in dressage, involves forcing the horse into an abnormally low head position—either by pulling hard on the reins or through other means—thereby causing hyperflexion of the head and neck and, consequently, excessive tension in the back. So, is it the end of “hooded” horses in Switzerland? Not necessarily. This is because certain breeds—and even some individual horses of other breeds—can naturally assume a hyperflexed position for short periods of time. In such cases, there is nothing illegal about it. The spirit of the law focuses more on the method used to achieve this position than on the position itself . Swiss authorities aim to combat the consequences of such exercises when performed repeatedly over several minutes. This distinction was already made four years ago by the FEI, which differentiates between flexions performed with or without force. This new Swiss provision therefore introduces nothing new regarding the ban on hyperflexion in horses; it now allows the act to be classified as “cruelty to animals.” The penalties involved remain to be determined in the near future. Finally, Article 21 also targets other, more barbaric practices—such as “blocking” horses at the jump—which have already been strongly condemned by sports federations.