The riding discipline of the pentathlon attracted criticism after multiple athletes struggled to control their randomly-assigned horses.[11]
German modern pentathlete, Annika Schleu was leading the competition when she was unable to successfully complete the show jumping event, moving her from first to last place, and an eventual 31st place.[12][13]
The horse named Saint Boy was randomly assigned from a pool of 18, refused to jump three barriers in the second half of the equestrian course.
Schleu's trainer Kim Raisner was sent home from the Olympics after footage showed her seemingly punch the horse for not performing in a desired manner. She also instructed Schleu herself to hit the horse, allegedly using the words "really hit it".[14]
The sport's governing body stated that it had reviewed video footage that showed Raisner appearing to strike the horse.[15]
Schleu also faced backlash against her repeated use of the whip and rough handling of the horse.[16]
Both Schleu and Raisner faced legal action, with the German Animal Welfare Association filing a criminal complaint against the pair on 13 August 2021.[17]
Raisner was later required to attend a coach education seminar that included a module on animal welfare and humane treatment.[18]
Russian modern pentathlete Gulnaz Gubaydullina started off by showing the best result in swimming, setting an Olympic Record (2:07.31).[19]
However, she was eliminated in the third stage, after Saint Boy, also randomly assigned to her, refused to continue jumping, leaving her without a medal at the end, although having the 6th best time in the final stage.[20][21]
The incident prompted German Olympic team member and equestrian medal record holder Isabell Werth to criticize modern pentathlon's use of horses; she stated that "Pentathlon has nothing to do with equestrian sport" and treats horses as "a means of transport to which the athletes have no connection."[22]
Werth also expressed sympathy for Schleu, whom she saw as a victim of the system of the sport.[23]
In response to this issue, modern pentathlon's governing body, Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), voted to remove horse riding from its programme at the 2028 Olympic Games.[24]
