Tokyo Olympics: Peta cites cruelty to horses in call for IOC to remove equestrian events from Games
- ‘Olympic Games showcase human athletes, not ability to terrify and injure horses’, says animal rights organisation’s president
- Tokyo 2020 pentathlete Annika Schleu whipped her horse, while her coach Kim Raisner was expelled for punching him
In an incident that went viral on social media, Germany’s Annika Schleu was filmed whipping her horse Saint Boy after he refused to jump during the modern pentathlon competition.
German coach and trainer Kim Raisner was also shown hitting the horse.
The Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) quickly disqualified Raisner from involvement in the men’s event for her actions.
“The world was shocked when a visibly upset German pentathlon competitor, Annika Schleu, was filmed spurring and whipping the horse Saint Boy after he refused to enter the course,” said Peta in a letter to IOC president Thomas Bach.
“Schleu’s trainer, Kim Raisner, was then shown hitting the horse. Raisner was rightfully expelled from the Olympics, but fines and suspensions aren’t enough to protect other horses from trainers who might commit similar offences.”