Dressage fans have been expressing concern about alleged use of the controversial Rollkur training method at the Olympic Games. 

Outrage

Images were published yesterday that showed Swedish rider Patrick Kittel in the warm-up arena at Greenwich, which caused outcry from some factions of the sport.

There has been no official comment on any one rider, and no incidents of any abuse have been confirmed. 

But some viewers have been campaigning for spectators to turn their back on 'any rider using the rollkur method', while others point out that photos can be misleading and that it should be left up to FEI stewards to judge. 

The FEI Facebook page has been inundated with complaints from upset viewers since the images were released.

A spokesman this morning wrote on Facebook in response: "We are aware that there is concern about some training methods, but photographs can be misleading. Rest assured that our stewards are always there, on the ground, monitoring all training sessions. We’re on the case."

Hyperflexion

The FEI rules state that "any head and neck position achieved through aggressive force is not acceptable. [The FEI] redefined hyperflexion/Rollkur as flexion of the horse’s neck achieved through aggressive force, which is therefore unacceptable. The technique known as Low, Deep and Round (LDR), which achieves flexion without undue force, is acceptable."