The modern pentathlete Annika Schleu hit her horse Saint Boy during the course at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This caused criticism and allegations of cruelty to animals. Now the German Equestrian Association and the DOSB have reacted.
The German Equestrian Association has expressed itself critically about the entire sport in view of the behavior of the modern pentathlete Annika Schleu in show jumping during the Olympic Games. “The pictures that we saw clearly showed that the rider and horse were overwhelmed,” said FN sports director Dennis Peiler in a statement. It went on to say: “As a professional association for equestrian sport, the equestrian will be viewed critically in the modern pentathlon. Our understanding of equestrianism lies in the partnership between man and horse and not in viewing the horse as a piece of sports equipment.”
Trainer: “Hit it right! Hit it!”
The pictures of the ARD broadcast from Tokyo had previously caused a stir. Out of sheer desperation, Schleu kept hitting her cropped horse Saint Boy, who did not want to enter the course. National coach Kim Raisner called out clearly audible to the 31-year-old on television: “Hit it right! Hit it!”
From the point of view of the Equestrian Sports Association, “the rules of this sport must be designed and applied in such a way that rider and horse are protected. There is obviously an urgent need for action in modern pentathlon.” The world association for modern pentathlon is responsible for the rules, not the equestrian associations FN and FEI, emphasized Peiler.
DOSB sees an “urgent reason” to change the rules
The German Olympic Sports Confederation has also called for rule changes. “Numerous recognizable excessive demands on horse-rider combinations should be an urgent reason for the international association to change the set of rules,” wrote the DOSB in a statement on Friday. “It must be redesigned so that it protects horse and rider. The welfare of the animals and fair competition conditions for the athletes must be the focus.”
The DOSB further wrote: “Today’s competition in riding the modern pentathlon was partly characterized by scenes that damage the image of the sport.”
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
