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Showjumping will no longer be part of the Modern Pentathlon in the Olympics

5 Comments

At least one good thing has come out of the Annika Schleu horror show – horseback riding will no longer be part of the Modern Pentathlon in the Olympics. Cycling will be added to the pentathlon instead.

The International Modern Pentathlon Union will confirm this decision on Thursday, which will be the biggest modern makeover of modern pentathlon. The ancient pentathlon included running, jumping, spear-throwing, discus and wrestling. The modern version of this Olympic event, includes pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running. Mind you, though, the change might take place only AFTER the Paris Olympics in 2024.

For those who don’t remember the Tokyo fiasco, here’s a video showing what happened. Annika Schleu was the lead at this point, set to win the gold medal. However, when she mounted the horse, it was clear in an instant that the gold medal wasn’t going her way.

In this hard-to-watch video, Annika Schleu loses her composure from the get-go. One can only assume she thought the horse knows that and will magically yield to her wishes. The horse, Saint Boy, was already ridden by another competitor, who treated him badly. He was stressed and tired. His tack was hurting him. Perhaps he was scared. And then comes Annika Schleu, all hysterical, racing against the clock, and starts whipping and kicking him, although it’s obvious he’s not responding to any of these “aids”. Her coach only exacerbates the problem by encouraging Annika to hit the horse, and she even punches him in an effort to get him going.

This despicable display of shameful behavior sparked a debated in the equestrian community and the majority of horse people were adamant – this “sport” has to stop. The decision to swap showjumping with cycling was made in hopes that the modern pentathlon could preserve its status as an Olympic sport and probably in an effort to save some of its image.

This is wonderful news, which goes to show that proper public reaction, social media and lots of horse love can truly make a difference.

About me: An amateur equestrian. Owned by a horse named Talo. During 2020, Talo fell on me and I broke my pelvis and my ankle. I wrote a book about my healing journey and about going back to riding my horse. Here it is.

 

 

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5 Comments

  • November 5, 2021 at 12:05 am
    Francine VanCuron

    Why did the officials let that disgraceful behavior continue? That woman shouldn’t be around horses at all, and they should’ve disqualified her. Poor horse !

    Reply
  • November 17, 2021 at 9:36 pm
    Rachelle Primeau

    Shouldn’t take it from the Olympics love show jumping need to ban idiots like this from riding and stop ppl from riding the same horse back to back when it’s tired that’s animal cruelty at its finest .

    Reply
  • November 20, 2021 at 4:28 am
    D O

    Obviously, none of you ride horses. When riding, the rider must be the lead horse. The horse was acting up, and this is because she was not the alpha in the herd. She didn’t hurt the horse by popping him with the whip. If you don’t believe me, watch a video with wild stallions fighting or mares when they are kicking each other. Quit being judgemental if you don’t know anything about what you are talking about.

    Reply
    • November 20, 2021 at 12:13 pm
      Revital Salomon

      Such a rude comment, obviously from someone who knows nothing about horses. Assuming your stupid theory is right – why didn’t it work? The rider whipped Saint Boy many times, and he still refused to jump. She lost. Could it be because this method is useless when a horse is under such stress?

      Reply
    • November 24, 2022 at 2:51 am
      Jessica

      I can’t believe you horse abuser the horse was in pain couldn’t you tell she was doing such a bad thing I mean yes I use a riding crop but I don’t sip the horse as hard as she did there not meant to do that it’s just motivation . I mean obviously the horse was acting up but I can’t believe you blaming it on the horse when the horse is uncomfortable and in pain. How would you feel if that was you ? I bet you would be doing the same thing scared and acting up because you are afraid what the person was going to do to you. I know you have to show the horse who’s boss but not like that you shouldn’t hurt them. People think they can just through a horse life away like it’s nothing but there just like us. They want to live a good life not in pain or discomfort . I do not agree with you and therefor you are just like her and her trainer. HORSE ABUSER

      Reply

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