Annika Schleu Mistreats Horse on Live Camera

“Hit him properly. Hit him!”

Editorial Team Wild beim Wild — 6 August 2021

Olympic athlete ruthlessly beats unwilling horse.

At today's modern pentathlon event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, rider Annika Schleu subjected the horse Saint Boy to severe blows with her crop and repeatedly kicked the animal hard in the flanks with her spurs.

Against the animal's obvious will, the shying horse was forced in tears to complete the course. In the process, Saint Boy ran into the obstacles twice and refused several jumps. National coach Kim Raisner can be heard giving Schleu the instruction at the start: “Hit him properly“.

Saint Boy showed massive signs of panic, overwhelm, stress, fear and helplessness. It is almost unbearable to watch as, in this situation, the bit in his mouth is also wrenched to its full extent using repulsive auxiliary equipment. In his panic, the noseband also prevents him from opening his mouth, causing him to constantly pull his lips apart. Meanwhile, the rider rams small metal knobs — spurs — into his sensitive belly. She thrashes him with the crop, and the trainer even punches him in the flank.

Peter Höffken, specialist advisor at PETA, commented on the incident:

Once again, the equestrian team showed their true colors at the Olympics. Mistreatment that usually takes place behind the scenes was openly displayed in the face of a stressful situation. The repeated blows to Saint Boy, encouraged by the national coach, must have consequences. We demand the immediate suspension of Annika Schleu and Kim Raisner. The Japanese officials must also step in and sanction the German team. The horse could barely walk in a straight line due to stress. It was irresponsible to take this tormented animal into the arena. Saint Boy was drenched in sweat, had eyes wide with fear, and was made to endure considerable suffering because Annika Schleu completely lost control.

Equestrian sport has been controversial for years, and accusations of animal cruelty against the athletes seem ever-present.

Swiss eventing rider Robin Godel's gelding Jet Set recently had to be put down at the veterinary clinic in Tokyo after sustaining a severe and inoperable ligament injury on the cross-country course.

Eventing at the Olympics: “The pinnacle of animal cruelty”

Unlike humans, horses have no choice in the matter. A discipline in which living beings are forced by violence over a life-threatening course dishonors the Olympic spirit. We call on the International Olympic Committee to immediately remove equestrian disciplines from the list of Olympic sports!

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