Pentathlon drama – mild punishment for trainer, acquittal for Schleu
Annika Schleu weeping on “Saint Boy”
What: REUTERS
These Olympic pictures went around the world. Pentathlete Annika Schleu despaired while jumping on her horse “Saint Boy”. Especially trainer Kim Raisner was criticized for handling the animal. Now the world association has made judgments.
Fnational trainer Kim Raisner has been punished by the UIPM world association for her controversial behavior in the riding drama about modern pentathlete Annika Schleu at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Her athlete, on the other hand, was acquitted of allegations of excessive use of the crop and spurs, according to a statement from UIPM on Monday.
For Raisner, too, the sentence was still light, she will be able to continue her job. The disciplinary committee of the world association instructed Raisner to complete a training seminar on the correct handling of horses. Only then will the Berliner be accredited again for a UIPM competition. She also received an official reprimand. If such an incident were repeated, as in Tokyo, she would have to expect her trainer license to be withdrawn.
Less than a month ago Schleu was on the gold course in Tokyo after two disciplines. But while riding, she couldn’t get along with the completely insecure horse that had been assigned to her, Raisner had asked the crying Berliner to use the whip with the words “Hit it right!”. The trainer also hit the horse with her fist. Schleu and Raisner were then accused of cruelty to animals. Both had always rejected this.
“The monstrous behavior of Ms. Raisner cannot go unpunished,” said the reasoning. At the same time, however, the committee stated about Raisner: “Your sporting and professional career is characterized by exemplary behavior, so that the events of August 6th are to be assessed as an anomaly.”
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