PETA calls on IOC to eliminate `abusive' equestrian events

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called on the International Olympic Committee on Friday to eliminate equestrian events from future Olympics, citing cruelty to horses during the recent Tokyo Summer Games.

In an incident that went viral on social media, Germany's Annika Schleu was filmed whipping her horse 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 quickly disqualified Raisner from involvement in the men's event for her actions.

“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,” said PETA in a letter to IOC president Thomas Bach.

The IOC could not immediately be reached for comment.

PETA also noted two incidents in the equestrian eventing competition. In one of those incidents, Jet Set, a horse ridden by a Swiss competitor Robin Godel, was injured so badly during a cross-country event that he had to be euthanized, while another saw Irish rider Cian O'Connor force his mount Kilkenny to finish the course despite having blood pouring from his nostrils.

“The Olympic Games showcase human athletes, not the ability to terrify and injure horses who don't choose to compete yet are doing all the work, sometimes at the cost of their very lives,” says PETA president Ingrid Newkirk. “Just as the games have evolved to include modern sports like skateboarding, PETA is calling on the International Olympic Committee to relegate abusive equestrian events to the history books.”