At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the horseback riding component of the modern pentathlon caused quite a stir. The World Association of the Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) decided to remove horseback riding from the program. The discipline would be replaced by cycling.
The images of German athlete Annika Schleu at the Tokyo Olympics did not go unseen. Schleu and her national coach Kim Raisner were heavily criticized for their behavior in the horseback riding component. Videos show how Annika Schleu could not get her assigned horse Saint Boy to move forward and repeatedly used her whip and spurs. Her coach Raisner also hit the horse on the flank with her fist to get it to jump.
Coach found guilty
The incident came before the disciplinary committee of the World Association of Pentathletes (UIPM). Annika Schleu was acquitted of her actions. However, her coach Kim Raisner was found guilty of hitting the horse and of encouraging Annika Schleu to do the same.
Animal welfare questioned
After the incident at the Games, the images of Annika and her coach went around the world. The debate about animal welfare quickly started and there were questions about whether or not the horseback riding part of the pentathlon was responsible. According to The Guardian, a final decision will be made later this week on whether or not to remove horse riding from the modern pentathlon.
Source: The Guardian
Photo: Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
