Olympic gold medallist Kate French has retired from modern pentathlon after a 17-year career.

Kate, 33, came up through the Pony Club and went on to represent Britain at three Olympic Games – Rio, Tokyo and Paris.

She has five World Championship medals, including team gold, plus six gold and three silvers from Europeans. In 2021, Kate became the first British woman to win Olympic gold in modern pentathlon – breaking an Olympic record in the process.

“To every coach, teammate and supporter – thank you all. It’s impossible to pick out specific people or moments to highlight, each one has shaped my journey in its own way and I am so grateful,” said Kate.

“This sport has taught me so much, and I leave with a heart full of happiness and a head full of wonderful memories. There were many highs and lows, but it’s been an amazing adventure and truth be told, I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Thank you for being part of this chapter of my life.”

Kate was appointed MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List. Following a sabbatical in 2023, she returned to the sport to target Paris 2024. She was in strong contention for a medal, but had to withdraw ahead of the final owing to illness.

Jamie Cooke, Pentathlon GB head of performance, said: “I have been fortunate enough to have been alongside Kate throughout her career, joining the British Pathway Programme together in 2007.

“One of the best parts about any sports are the people you meet, and the journeys you go on. Our first competition in Gran Canaria seems a long time ago now, but to have trained alongside Kate, watched her compete and shared two Olympics together has been an absolute pleasure.

“From a performance side Kate dominated the sport, and from a personal side she continues to inspire in the way she did it. I wish her the best of luck in the future.”

Pentathlon GB chief executive Will Brown added: “Kate steps away from her role as a Pentathlon GB athlete after a truly phenomenal career in which she won at the highest possible levels in the sport.

“She is a role model and a leader to her fellow athletes and those around her and we know that she will continue to inspire current and future generations.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New international body to run pentathlon competitions that include riding horses

‘A glimmer of hope’ as new pentathlon body puts horse welfare at its heart

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new organisation to run pentathlon including horse riding has been welcomed, as it pledges to put welfare at its heart, while operating in an “ethical, transparent” way.

H&H reported last week that the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) and the International Pentathlon Association (IPA) are to collaborate to “develop, promote and manage equestrian multi-sport”.

Modern pentathlon, run by international governing body UIPM, replaced riding with an obstacle competition, after distressing scenes at the Tokyo Olympics. Many pentathletes spoke out against the decision, and now the IPA has been formed to allow them to ride again.

IPA director Alex Watson, a three-time Olympic pentathlete who also managed the Australian team at the Sydney Games, told H&H replacing riding with an obstacle course is “like taking cycling out of triathlon and replacing it with golf”.

“It was forced on the community against the vast majority of athletes’ wishes,” he said.

Mr Watson said, as other pentathletes have before, that riding was not prioritised by UIPM, which meant athletes could qualify for major competitions without the appropriate equestrian skill, but the new alliance will change that.

“The only way forward is to have a complete reset,” he said. “To go to a fundamental principle that to be involved, you must have a riding background and be an equestrian athlete, not an athlete who suddenly gets on a horse. People don’t want to watch athletes kamikazeing their way round a course they’re not capable of.”

He added that all IPA athletes will have to be a Pony Club member or equivalent, as this will give them horsemanship as well as riding skills, and qualify to ride at a certain level. The idea is that for national competition, members will ride their own horses, then for international, horses would be borrowed as they have in previous UIPM competition.

“Horse welfare will be paramount and we need a really good relationship with the equestrian community,” Mr Watson said. “It must stand alone, not rely on being part of the Olympics, and we’re determined it will be ethically managed and governed, open and transparent.

“There’s a huge amount of work to do but I feel very positive about where we are and the enthusiasm of the global community and both organisations.”

‘Brilliant solution’

Former British tetrathlete Richard Mulcaster, whose daughters compete in the sport, told H&H that Pony Club involvement is key.

“They’re the tried-and-tested equestrian organisation; that’s what’s been missing,” he said. “Having the Pony Club to take it to the next level is a brilliant solution.”

“My girls love the sport but are at the age they’re looking ahead; three years ago they wanted to take it all the way but then they weren’t interested in pentathlon without the horse element,” he added.

“I coach for the Cheshire Hunt branch and must have had a couple of hundred kids looking for their next step. Athletics with equestrianism has been around as long as the Olympics but has lost that pathway so to have a glimmer of hope back is absolutely brilliant. There are thousands of people like us across the world, and this is testament to that.”

It is hoped there will be a British and a US open competition next spring, as the organisations try to secure dates.

Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel told H&H the Pony Club is fully supportive of the IPA and this agreement.

“This is great all round, for sport and for equestrianism,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

Mr Capel said he and others in the Pony Club here and internationally have been involved from the start so he is confident in the IPA’s integrity, governance and operation, as well as the details of the agreement.

“The global implications have been very carefully considered and it provides that route for members to go on,” he said. “I’m very supportive of it and excited about how it will develop.”

A UIPM spokesperson told H&H: “UIPM is the sole governing body of the Olympic sport of modern pentathlon. Riding remains one of the disciplines within the sport as per UIPM statutes and this gives member federations the possibility to arrange national or regional competitions that include riding.

“Having successfully secured a place on the Olympic programme for LA 2028 with the introduction of a ninja-style obstacle discipline, UIPM continues to oversee global masters competitions that include riding.

“UIPM has no affiliation with external bodies that purport to develop their own iteration of pentathlon multi-sports. Any such unofficial initiative would operate outside the global pentathlon multi-sports movement, and therefore outside the Olympic movement.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

From Pony Club to Paris in two years: rider heads to Olympics

New international body to run pentathlon competitions that include riding horses

Paris Olympics to mark riding’s final appearance in modern pentathlon

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Athletes who want to compete in pentathlon including the equestrian element will still be able to, as two organisations have signed a “historic” agreement.

The Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) and the International Pentathlon Association (IPA) have announced that they are to collaborate to “develop, promote and manage equestrian multi-sport”.

The IPA has been formed to allow athletes to take part in pentathlon as it was, until the UIPM, the international governing body for modern pentathlon, replaced the riding element, three months after distressing scenes at the Tokyo Olympics. The Paris Games was the last to feature showjumping.

A joint statement from the organisations said PCIA has a “strong tradition of international participation and competition in tetrathlon (horse riding, swimming, running and pistol shooting), and IPA has been formed to develop the aspirations of young athletes who wish to participate in pentathlon (horse riding, swimming, running, pistol shooting and fencing)”.

“Working together, PCIA and IPA will promote pathways for athletes of all ages and abilities to explore harmonious relationships with horses and athletic performance for fun and fitness in activities and competition,” the statement said.

Competition will run in aquathon; running and swimming, and equathon; running, swimming and riding, as well as tetrathlon and pentathlon.

“Both organisations will work together to embrace the world’s best practice in athlete safety and animal welfare, ensuring that competition logistics are appropriate to the level of ability and training of athletes and horses,” the statement said.

PCIA chair Ben Duke added: “The PCIA mission is to create opportunities to support equine education, friendship and leadership across the world, and this association with IPA allows us to support and promote multi-sport equestrian activities for our members.

“Competition and sport with our equine partners builds character, unique athletic skills and sportsmanship. Working with IPA will encourage global participation and we are pleased to collaborate with IPA to further these goals.”

The organisations will share rules and technical information and work together on national and international competition, “including a possible international equestrian multi-sport games”.

Former Olympic pentathlete Alex Watson, a director of IPA, said: “Athletes of all ages and abilities from around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy participation at local Pony Club level through to regional, national and even international competition in exciting sport, testing their horse riding skills and personal athletic ability. To become a competent tetrathlete or pentathlete is a life achievement. IPA is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with PCIA.”

The organisations will form a committee to “develop, promote and manage competition, technical information and rules”.

• Share your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Questions asked over riding’s removal from modern pentathlon

Pentathletes revolt — and what dropping riding means for all horse sport

From Pony Club to Paris in two years: rider heads to Olympics

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who won the Pony Club national tetrathlon championship in 2022 is to represent Britain in the modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics.

Charlie Brown, a former member of the Ludlow Hunt branch of the Pony Club, has been called up to Team GB after Myles Pillage withdrew on medical grounds.

Myles sustained a calf injury at the World Championships in June and “despite intensive rehabilitation he re-injured his calf upon return to training”, and there was not enough time for him to recover before Paris.

Team GB modern pentathlon team leader Georgina Harland said: “For Myles to have his dream of competing at the Olympic Games taken away from him due to injury is devastating. He has been such a valued member of the performance squad throughout his career and fully deserved his place in Paris. We all wish him well in his recovery and will do all we can to support him through this.

“This has given Charlie an incredible opportunity which I know he will grasp. He is a great athlete with so much potential and has been preparing alongside the team, so we are confident he is ready to perform.”

Charlie, who trains at the University of Bath where he is studying sports management and coaching, said he is “incredibly grateful for this opportunity”.

“To compete at an Olympic Games this early on in my career is something I am very proud of,” he said. “I am extremely gutted for my teammate and friend, Myles. He is an incredible athlete, who works exceptionally hard, and I wish him all the best with his recovery.

“I have worked really hard over the last few years leading up to Paris, with the aim to compete for Team GB for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. My results have really accelerated since my senior debut, 18 months ago, and I am so excited to represent Team GB and give it all I’ve got for the team.”

Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel said the organisation is very proud, adding: “Charlie’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent have led to this remarkable achievement.”

The modern pentathlon starts tomorrow (8 August). This is the last Olympics that will include showjumping, which is to be replaced with an obstacle race, and athletes will also compete in swimming, cross-country running, fencing and shooting.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

Paris Olympics to mark riding’s final appearance in modern pentathlon

‘Never give up’: rider who was partially paralysed in a fall takes Olympic rowing gold

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will mark the final time riding features in modern pentathlon after more than 100 years.

Those involved are keen for a positive week for both athletes and horses, following a turbulent time for the sport as a result of distressing scenes at Tokyo.

Pentathletes face learning an entirely new sport for Los Angeles 2028 in obstacle racing. The decision sparked outrage after Tokyo, with athletes and national federations among those who disagreed with the move.

Instagram page Pentathlon United has been sharing emotional posts from athletes following the European Championships this month, the final non-Olympic modern pentathlon competition to include riding.

“It’s like changing the shape of the football to a rugby ball – that’s the extent of the change,” multiple British modern pentathlon medallist Kate Allenby told H&H.

“Pentathlon United has collated the stories from athletes of the loss and the sorrow they feel, the partnerships they have had with horses and what they have learnt from horses. It has also had messages from those who started modern pentathlon and wanted to ride, but never got the opportunity.”

Ms Allenby has previously spoken about how the damage to riding in the sport dates back decades.

Speaking to H&H ahead of Paris, she said athletes have been training for years as best they can within the frameworks given – but that the sport’s structure does not encourage athletes to prioritise riding.

“The athletes are an amazing group of people – the levels they perform at in the most diverse set of skills are extraordinary,” she said.

She added that the way the sport is run puts strong emphasis on the other four disciplines; the only riding qualifications needed for an Olympics are completion of one showjumping round in an Olympic qualifier without elimination or disqualification to “tick the box” and a UIPM, the international governing body for the sport, riding certificate that need not be signed by a qualified equestrian coach.

“If you asked any Olympic showjumper or event rider how many rounds they had jumped, it would be in the tens of thousands,” Ms Allenby said. “The framework is not encouraging athletes to get in the saddle.”

She added that the structure has reduced the number of riders in the finals at World Cups, so the opportunity to ride at that level of competition has also reduced. But in Paris, the new format means more competitors will showjump.

At Paris 2024, modern pentathlon is a 90-minute event comprising all five disciplines, starting with riding. This 90-minute format will take place in the semi-finals and finals of the men’s and women’s competitions, which are held on four days (8-11 August).

Ms Allenby voiced concern that if something were to go wrong early on, it potentially places other athletes “under an enormous amount of unfair pressure” for a much longer period of time than at past Games – and that horses and riders need better protection.

The FEI and World Horse Welfare offered the UIPM support to “learn lessons from the Tokyo Olympics”.

An FEI spokesperson told H&H the FEI has been involved in providing counselling and advice.

Changes for Paris include decreasing the number and height of jumps from 12 fences at 1.20m to 10 fences at 1.10m.

“The selection of the horses for the Olympic modern pentathlon was handled with great care over a six-month period in cooperation with renowned French equestrian institutions,” said the FEI spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that a delegation from the Paris 2024 organising committee met in November 2023 and March 2024 with representatives from the Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation (Cadre Noir), Garde Républicaine, and L’École Militaire d’Équitation to select the 40 horses.

The delegation included Christophe Boisson, the Olympic modern pentathlon riding event coordinator, who has been the French national team coach since 2009, and Paris 2024 course-designer Teodor Sheytanov.

Mr Sheytanov had discussions with the horses’ usual riders and trainers about the technicalities of the courses to ensure the design of the Olympic courses is suitable for the selected horses. Chosen horses had a rehearsal, with their usual riders, at Versailles in June.

“Horses will be accompanied by Cadre Noir riders, veterinary professionals and carers from their home stables for the duration of their stay in Versailles to ensure they’re comfortable and welfare protected at all times,” said the spokesperson.

A UIPM spokesperson told H&H that “in the past few years, UIPM has made animal welfare a priority”.

He added that in addition to changing the rules, measures have been implemented to guarantee horses’ wellbeing, and that a “high level of service for horses will be provided” at Paris 2024.

“After a three-stage selection process, the horses competing in the pentathlon events this summer are considered by the organising committee and all stakeholders as high-level athletes and will be treated according to the highest welfare standards,” added the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the horses will be examined at least three times: on arrival, at the veterinary inspection 24 hours before the events, and at a third inspection.

He said an animal welfare officer is appointed to oversee and co-supervise all modern pentathlon equestrian events, with a 24-hour veterinary clinic available. Horses’ temperatures will be taken twice a day, the arena surfaces are of high quality, the stabling is ventilated and supervised, and vets and farriers will be on duty “around the clock”.

“In addition to the above, the Paris 2024 organising committee and its partners implemented comfort and safety measures for horses that exceed the requirements of international regulations such as several lunging and paddock areas that will enable horse owners to let their horses graze and walk freely, while several cooling tents will be strategically placed,” he added.

You might also be interested in:

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

Pentathletes revolt — and what dropping riding means for all horse sport

‘A sad day for the sport’: Pentathlon GB on loss of riding phase

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the Paris Olympics, Royal International, Burghley and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Paris Olympics is set to be a sporting bonanza you don’t want to miss and if you’re a fan of the modern penathlon, then we are here to help. If you’re lucky enough to be living in Australia or Canada, you’ll be able to watch all the action for free, but wherever you are in the world, we have what you need to know on how to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics live, which will include a showjumping phase for the final time. From LA2028, this phase will be replaced with an obstacle race.

If you’re outside your normal country of residence, but want your usual coverage, or if you’d like to have the additional online security offered by a VPN connection, check out the NordVPN, where you can get 73% off, plus a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics in the UK

The BBC will broadcast some of the Olympic action on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer, however, the BBC won’t have all the action. That currently belongs to Eurosport and its streaming arm Discovery+. A subscription to Discovery+ to watch the Olympics currently costs just £3.99 per month (discounted from it’s standard price of £6.99 a month) or £59.99 for the year, and lets you tune in on a wide range of devices, as well as the Eurosport TV channels.

But what if you aren’t at home to catch the modern pentathlon coverage of the Paris Olympics? Maybe you’re on holiday and don’t want to spend money on pay TV in another country, when you’d usually be able to watch the event for free at home?

Don’t worry — you can watch it via a VPN instead. We’ll show you how to do that below.

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics live from outside your country

If you’re travelling and still want to watch the Paris Olympics, this is how you can. Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Paris Olympics rights holders, you won’t be able to use them when outside your own country. The service will know your location based on your IP address, and will automatically block your access.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you get around this obstacle. A VPN creates a private connection between your device and the internet, ensuring that all the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. As a rule, we’d suggest a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get 73% off. This offer also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the service.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For instance, if you’re away from the UK and want to view a British service, you’d select UK from the list.

3. Then head over to BBC iPlayer on your browser or device and enjoy the free equestrian coverage on the Paris Olympics livestream.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics in the US

NBCUniversal has broadcasting rights to the Paris 2024 Olympics in the US, with coverage likely to be spread across Peacock TV and its range of TV channels. These include NBC, USA Network and MSNBC.

How to watch Paris 2024 Olympics in the US without cable

Peacock costs $4.99 a month for an ad-supported version of the service that also offers live coverage of EPL soccer, every big WWE event, Premiership Rugby, plus plenty more live sports. You also have the option of paying $10 a month for commercial-free coverage.

OTT streaming service Sling TV is reasonably priced and includes NBC, USA Network and MSNBC as part of its Sling Blue package in most major markets. The usual cost is $45 a month, but if you’re new to the service you can get $10 off your first month.

Another over-the-top streaming service that includes NBC, USA Network and MSNBC is FuboTV. It’s a much more comprehensive cable replacement, and carries more than 100 channels including Fox, CBS and ESPN.

Prices start at $74.99 a month after a FREE FuboTV trial.

If you subscribe to Sling, Peacock, or any other US streaming service and find yourself unable to access coverage because you’re out of the country, consider using a VPN as outlined above – of the many options, we rate NordVPN as the best of the best.

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics in Canada

In Canada, Olympics coverage tends to be split between a range of different broadcasters, including CBC, Sportsnet and TSN.

CBC always offer plenty of events free to watch on CBC Gem. You can currently pay $4.99 per month for ad-free access to CBC Gem’s on-demand library, but if you don’t mind sitting through advert breaks, the service is free.

For Sportsnet, an SN Now subscription costs $14.99 per month, $49.99 for four months, or $149.99 per year.

A Sportsnet Now Premium subscription costs $34.99 per month or $249.99 per year.

You can subscribe to TSN on a streaming-only basis for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.

If you’re outside of Canada but still want to watch the action, don’t forget to explore NordVPN, as set out above.

How to watch modern pentathlon at the Paris Olympics in Australia

The entirety of the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be shown for free across Channel 9 and 9Gem in Australia. That means viewers will also be able to use a Paris 2024 Olympics live stream on the 9Now streaming service, which is compatible with most smart devices.

Not going to be in Australia? Use a VPN to watch the Paris 2024 Olympics on 9Now from abroad.

It looks likely that Stan Sport will be providing ad-free coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics. A subscription costs $10 per month (on top of a $10 Stan sub), after a seven-day Stan Sport free trial.

The modern pentathlon timetable at the Paris Olympics

Five sports make up the modern penathlon competition: fencing, showjumping, swimming and lazer run (shooting and running combined). Here is an overview of the schedule of modern pentathlon events at the 2024 Olympics.

8 August 

• 11am (10am British time): men’s fencing ranking round
• 2.30pm (1.30pm British time): women’s fencing ranking round

9 August 

• 1pm (12pm British time): men’s semi-final A showjumping
• 1.40pm (12.40pm British time): men’s A semi-final fencing
• 2.10pm (1.10pm British time): men’s semi-final A swimming 200m freestyle
• 2.40pm (1.40pm British time): men’s semi-final A laser run
• 5pm (4pm British time): men’s semi-final B showjumping
• 5.40pm (4.40pm British time): men’s semi-final B fencing
• 6.10pm (5.10pm British time): men’s semi-final B swimming 200m freestyle
• 7.40pm (6.40pm British time): men’s semi-final B laser run

10 August 

• 9.30am (8.30am British time): women’s semi-final A showjumping
• 10.10am (9.10am British time): women’s A semi-final fencing
• 10.40am (9.40am British time): women’s semi-final A swimming 200m freestyle
• 11.10am (10.10am British time): women’s semi-final A laser run
• 1.30pm (12.30pm British time): women’s semi-final B showjumping
• 2.10pm (1.10pm British time): women’s semi-final B fencing
• 2.40pm (1.40pm British time): women’s semi-final B swimming 200m freestyle
• 3.10pm (2.10pm British time): women’s semi-final B laser run
• 5.30pm (4.30pm British time): men’s final showjumping
• 6.10pm (5.10pm British time): men’s final fencing
• 6.40pm (5.40pm British time): men’s final swimming 200m freestyle
• 7.10pm (6.10pm British time): men’s final laser run

11 August 

• 11am (10am British time): women’s final showjumping
• 11.40am (10.40am British time): women’s final fencing
• 12.10pm (11.10am British time): women’s final swimming 200m freestyle
• 12.40pm (11.40am British time): women’s final laser run

You might also be interested in:

Paris Olympics to mark riding’s final appearance in modern pentathlon

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE world of modern pentathlon is in revolt against the decision to drop riding from the sport – as equestrians are warned the move could have wider consequences.

World governing body UIPM’s announcement that showjumping would be replaced after the Paris 2024 Olympics sparked outrage, with national federations and athletes among those who disagreed with the move.

Kate Allenby, who won pentathlon bronze at the 2000 Games, is among the members of a group called Pentathlon United, as are some 900 pentathletes from across the world.

“We formed because the athletes are up in arms at the decision to remove our equestrian discipline from our sport,” she told H&H, adding that pentathlon without riding does not fulfil the sport’s creator Baron de Coubertin’s vision of a complete sport.

“By removing the riding, it feels they’re almost chopping off an arm,” she said.

H&H has reported that the UIPM decision was made by its executive board, without consultation. Federations and athletes believe this process was unconstitutional, which UIPM denies, and the Danish federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on this basis.

Issues raised include the fact the executive board is not allowed to make such a decision; these should be made at the UIPM congress and supported by a certain percentage of the vote.

It is understood that UIPM has cited extraordinary circumstances allowing the move, but campaigners disagree this was the case. The executive board added a last-minute item to the agenda of the UIPM 2021 congress asking delegates to confirm its decision, which was passed by a vote. Campaigners say this late adding of an agenda item is also unconstitutional.

Ms Allenby said concerns have also been raised over the voting.

She added that Pentathlon United has been in discussion with national and international Olympic committee members and athlete representative bodies, to “make sure the athletes’ voices are heard”.

“Some national federations aren’t listening but we want to keep riding,” she said. “There’s a huge amount of work to be done.”

Danish federation president Benny Elmann-Larsen told H&H the appeal to CAS is ongoing, and that he believes it is possible to keep riding in the sport.

“That’s what a big majority of athletes also think,” he said. “UIPM has simply not been up to the task of keeping the riding problem in order. We’ve had problems at several Olympics and it was clear the riding standard in Tokyo was too low but if the rules don’t prohibit bad riders arriving at the Olympics, that’s the result. It’s UIPM’s responsibility to get things fixed, and we think that can be done, but if nothing is done, nothing happens.”

Mr Elmann-Larsen said the hope is that CAS will overturn the decision to drop riding, and he thinks there is “a good chance” of this.

“Then there will be an opportunity,” he said. “It’s a bit of a paradox that those trying to fix the problem are the athletes, who have never really had a voice in these things. It’s interesting that most of the athletes seem to think the situation can be fixed, whereas UIPM has done very little to try to fix it over the years. It’s a very interesting situation to be in.”

Mr Elmann-Larsen said there is action that can be taken to improve the standard of riding.

“The UIPM has been frantically trying to present the sport in the context of other new sports, which is doomed to fail, as they’re different sports. In trying to make it as accessible as possible, you end up with something that isn’t modern pentathlon any more,” he said.

Another wider concern over the removal of riding is what effect this may have on equestrian sports. There have been petitions launched and letters written calling for all horse involvement in the Olympics to cease since the scenes in the modern pentathlon in Tokyo.

H&H has long reported on the need for horse sport to keep its social licence to operate – essentially public acceptance of the involvement of horses in sport – and World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers said the UIPM decision could be significant.

He reiterated his earlier comment to H&H, that decisions on the sport are down to UIPM, but that the charity did not agree dropping riding was the right way forward.

“The problem isn’t people riding, it’s the rules of the competition,” he told H&H. “I feel very strongly about that. It’s not for us to say how they run their sport but we’d seriously question the decision and what it’s based on, as I don’t think that’s the core problem. Banning it seems to be treating the symptoms rather than the cause.”

But Mr Owers said the decision is a “real wake-up call” for the horseworld.

“There are two key parts of social licence; doing right by our horses and being seen to do right by them,” he said. “In the second part, if you talk to anyone about horse sports at the Tokyo Games, the vast majority would hone straight in on the pentathlon; it shows that as far as the public is concerned, it doesn’t matter if it’s polo, racing, pentathlon; it’s all horse sport.

“People often think, ‘My discipline is fine, it’s that one that’s the problem,’ but every discipline has room to improve, and as far as the public is concerned, there’s no difference. It’s all horse sport to them, and this is a very timely reminder of that. It doesn’t matter if something happens in any discipline and it doesn’t matter where; it affects us all.”

Mr Owers said the decision was “very unfortunate and even dangerous” as it may be misinterpreted by some, and used by those who “want to ban far more than riding in the modern pentathlon”.

“It sets a dangerous precedent, because I don’t think it’s based necessarily on what’s best for the horse, and it could be used against horse sport,” he said.

Mr Owers added that general understanding of welfare and ethics is improving all the time, and that although there are people who want to see horse sport banned, there is also a “vast majority who are open-minded”, and not knowledgeable about riding and horse sport but not against it, who can be educated.

“It’s up to the sport to celebrate the horse-human partnership and sell the story of what horses bring to people and vice versa,” he said. “It’s a collective responsibility; we all have a role to play. We need to embrace that rather than reacting in the way pentathlon has done.”

UIPM declined to comment when approached by H&H but in a statement after its congress, said delegates voted 81% in favour of dropping riding and opening a consultation for a replacement sport.

President Klaus Schormann said: “The high majority in favour of this decision gives us a very comfortable feeling and confirms that the UIPM executive board acted in the interest of the UIPM family. The debate was fair, open and very clear. Delegates were given the opportunity to speak in chronological order according to a queue system, with no preferential treatment and full transparency.

“As UIPM president, I am very happy that we will retain the team that has worked so hard for so many years in the interests of our union and our sporting movement. This allows us to continue our discussions, to focus on our priorities for the future with a visionary spirit and a commitment to innovation.

“I ask our national federations to remain with us in this spirit so that we are united, working in solidarity for the future for all our sports so that we can keep modern pentathlon in the Olympics and continue to progress all the UIPM Sports that offer us such a strong base for promotion and participation.”

• What do you think about the UIPM decision and its possible repercussions for all horse sport? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

You might also be interested in:

Questions asked over riding’s removal from modern pentathlon

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

How to engage with public to ensure our sport survives

‘A sad day for the sport’: Pentathlon GB on loss of riding phase

Horse sport must demonstrate sound ethics to survive

5 reasons why a subscription to HorseandHound.co.uk makes the perfect last-minute gift

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE decision to remove the riding element of modern pentathlon has been questioned not only by federations but also by welfare experts.

World governing body UIPM announced on 4 November, after days of rumour, that the showjumping would be dropped after the Paris 2024 Games. The UIPM board had endorsed recommendations made by its innovation commission, set up some years ago to “continuously monitor the composition of modern pentathlon and review its suitability for the Olympic Games”.

The board agreed that riding be replaced with a discipline that “enhances the popularity and credibility of modern pentathlon, while preserving its status as the ultimate physical and mental sporting challenge – as envisaged by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games”.

A consultation has been launched to find the replacement sport.

UIPM president Klaus Schormann said: “Many times in recent decades our sport has evolved to meet the changing expectations of the modern world. We can be rightly proud of what our global family has achieved, and now the time has come to be bold and ambitious once again.

“On behalf of the UIPM executive board I ask our global community to embrace change and grasp the momentous opportunity before us. A new discipline will provide fresh impetus to our sport and strengthen the position of modern pentathlon within the Olympic movement.

“We now look forward to an inclusive and very positive consultation process as we consider which sporting discipline is the most suitable to take modern pentathlon into a new era.”

Former modern pentathlete Kate Allenby, who won bronze at the Sydney 2000 Games, told H&H she felt for the members of the working group, set up to review the riding in Tokyo, whom she says are “very good people, who have been working so hard”.

“I’m furious for those people, and the sport,” she said. “You think, how long [has UIPM] known about this, was it a smokescreen?”

Kate added that it is “terrifying” to think of modern pentathlon without riding.

“What’s going to happen to the sport?” she added. “Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s vision has always been the trump card to stay in the Games, and without riding, it’s a different product.”

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H the format of the sport is a matter for UIPM but that the charity would “certainly question the thinking behind this decision”

“No one could condone what happened at this year’s Olympics but the issue wasn’t that horses were being ridden but how the horses were ridden and the rules of the competition,” he said. “We believe this could have been addressed while maintaining the sport’s integrity.

“Riding at any level needs an appreciation for how to get the best out of a horse, which is as relevant today as it was when the Olympics were established in ancient Greece. There is a risk that some will see this change as vindication of their view that horse welfare will always suffer when horses compete – a position we would utterly refute.

“The FEI, along with World Horse Welfare, have offered the UIPM support to learn the lessons from the Tokyo Olympics, which we hope they will utilise in order to achieve the highest standards of welfare and horsemanship at Paris 2024 and also to reconsider the decision to remove riding from this unique sport.”

Pentathlon GB chairman David Armstrong said it was a “sad day” for the sport, and that the body is “disappointed at the suddenness of this decision and the lack of consultation until now”.

“But we also understand that modern pentathlon’s place in the Olympic Games is very important and was under threat,” he said.

Pentathlon GB said the decision had “most likely” been taken in light of the scenes during the women’s event in Tokyo, which sparked worldwide outrage.

“But also because of a desire to make the sport more accessible,” a spokesman said.

“These ambitions are acknowledged but it is disappointing that the excellent work done by the sport’s riding working group has not been given the opportunity to be tested in practice before this decision was made.

“British pentathletes have always enthusiastically supported the riding discipline and many of our leading athletes have come into the sport from a riding background, most notably Tokyo gold medallist Kate French. Others have come to the sport from a non-riding background and excelled, such as Olympic champion Joe Choong. The sport will be very different without this important source of new athletes and we will have to fully assess our talent pathways.”

You might also be interested in:

Modern pentathlon must be ‘clever’ to stay in Olympics:former medallist calls for change

Riding axed from modern pentathlon: consultation on replacement sport

‘A sad day for the sport’: Pentathlon GB on loss of riding phase

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Pentathlon GB said it was a “sad day” for the sport, as world governing body UIPM announced riding would be dropped after the Paris Olympics.

UIPM released the news, rumours of which had been spreading for days, yesterday (4 November), stating that a consultation would run on which sport would be brought in.

In response, Pentathlon GB chairman David Armstrong said the governing body is aware the decision will have come as a “significant shock” to athletes.

“This is a sad day for modern pentathlon,” he said. “Many of our athletes came into the sport from an equestrian background and have a proud tradition as accomplished and keen riders.

“We are, of course, disappointed at the suddenness of this decision and the lack of consultation until now, but we also understand that modern pentathlon’s place in the Olympic Games is very important and was under threat. We will be exploring with the UIPM the impact of this decision on our sport and fully supporting the search for a new, fifth discipline, but meanwhile we have a team to prepare for Paris 2024 where we will be double defending Olympic champions.”

Pentathlon GB said the decision had “most likely” been taken in light of the scenes during the women’s event in Tokyo, which sparked worldwide outrage.

“But also because of a desire to make the sport more accessible,” a spokesman said.

“These ambitions are acknowledged but it is disappointing that the excellent work done by the sport’s riding working group in recent weeks has not been given the opportunity to be tested in practice before this decision was made.

“British pentathletes have always enthusiastically supported the riding discipline and many of our leading athletes have come into the sport from a riding background, most notably Tokyo gold medallist Kate French. Others have come to the sport from a non-riding background and excelled, such as Olympic champion Joe Choong. The sport will be very different without this important source of new athletes and we will have to fully assess our talent pathways.”

You might also be interested in:

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Riding axed from modern pentathlon: consultation on replacement sport

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riding will be dropped from the modern pentathlon, the world governing body UIPM has confirmed today (4 November), as it opened a consultation on which sport should replace it.

H&H reported on Tuesday (2 November) on rumours that the UIPM executive board had taken the decision, which was confirmed today. Riding will stay in place for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but be replaced by Los Angeles 2028.

“The historic move comes after the UIPM executive board (EB) unanimously endorsed a series of recommendations made by the UIPM innovation commission after a two-day meeting in Monaco last week,” a UIPM spokesman said, adding that the commission was set up in 2016 to “continuously monitor the composition of modern pentathlon and review its suitability for the Olympic Games in the context of Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5 – the strategic roadmap of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).”

The board agreed with the commission’s recommendation that riding be replaced with a discipline that “enhances the popularity and credibility of modern pentathlon, while preserving its status as the ultimate physical and mental sporting challenge – as envisaged by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games”.

The consultation, on which sport should replace riding, will include athletes, coaches, media and marketing partners, and UIPM said the replacement sport must meet certain criteria. These include following Baron de Coubertin’s vision of a complete athlete, not falling under the governance of another international federation recognised by the IOC, allow global accessibility, universality, equality and fairness and “be attractive and relevant for global youth and future generations”. It must also be exciting, easy to understand for spectators and low-cost for athletes and organisers.

UIPM president Klaus Schormann said: “The recommendations put forward by the UIPM innovation commission are in continuity with the tradition of innovation which UIPM has in its DNA.

“Many times in recent decades our sport has evolved to meet the changing expectations of the modern world. This evolution has created more appeal for young athletes and families, more value for spectators and TV/digital audiences, a reduced environmental impact and 100% gender equality since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

“We can be rightly proud of what our global family has achieved, and now the time has come to be bold and ambitious once again in following the strong recommendations of our UIPM innovation commission.

“On behalf of the UIPM executive board I ask our global community to embrace change and grasp the momentous opportunity before us. A new discipline will provide fresh impetus to our sport and strengthen the position of modern pentathlon within the Olympic movement.

“We now look forward to an inclusive and very positive consultation process as we consider which sporting discipline is the most suitable to take modern pentathlon into a new era, alongside swimming, fencing and laser run (laser shooting and running).”

UIPM first vice-president and IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr added: “This is a very important moment for modern pentathlon – and actually for the Olympic programme.

“We would be making a mistake if we were to take our place in the Olympic programme for granted past Paris 2024. It is not granted for us, it is not granted for anybody.”

In an open letter to pentathletes, UIPM said it realised the decision would be “surprising and even shocking” to them, adding that it is not long since it committed to reviewing and protecting the riding phase after the distressing scenes at the Tokyo Olympics.

“But life within the Olympic movement changes fast,” the letter read. “While our sport is confirmed for Paris 2024 with our exciting new format in place (including riding), Los Angeles 2028 is a different matter and we must be flexible and embrace change once again.

“Today we communicate the EB’s decision to you, with an assurance that you will be centrally involved in this consultation. Without our athletes, our movement would be nothing – and your voices must be heard.

“Once again, we find ourselves writing to ask for your support, your patience, your cooperation and collaboration – because we cannot implement the changes needed without athletes forming a strong backbone in our community.

“The transition will be hard, of course, but we ask you not only to see the difficulties in front of you, but also the opportunity awaiting you at the finish line. A sport with a unique heritage redeveloped for the 21st century and beyond. A sport that is sustainable and safe. A sport that anyone in the world can take part in – powered by the dream of becoming gold medallist in the Olympic Games’ most demanding sport.”

• What do you think about the UIPM decision? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

You might also be interested in:

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Rumours abound that riding will be dropped from modern pentathlon

Modern pentathlon must be ‘clever’ to stay in Olympics:former medallist calls for change

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rumours abound that riding may be dropped from the modern pentathlon — although the world governing body is maintaining silence on the issue.

H&H has heard that an executive board meeting was held on Sunday (1 November) and the decision was made to exclude the horse element of the competition. World governing body UIPM has not responded to H&H’s requests for comment but said in a statement today (3 November): “As part of UIPM’s commitment to maintaining a strong, dynamic profile for #ModernPentathlon, a series of strategic meetings are being held.

“These meetings will include an upcoming call with national federations later this week.

“The outcome of these meetings will be detailed in a press release to be published on 4 November.”

The governing body came under worldwide pressure this summer after distressing scenes in the women’s modern pentathlon at the Olympics. As a result, it formed a working group tasked with reviewing the riding in Tokyo and looking into any changes needed to improve horse welfare.

In late September, UIPM president Klaus Schormann said UIPM “remains fully committed to riding as an integral part of the modern pentathlon based on the vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin and we look forward to doing so in an even safer, more secure way”.

Former modern pentathlete Kate Allenby, who won bronze at the Sydney 2000 Games, told H&H she felt for the members of the working group, whom she says are “very good people, who have been working so hard”.

“I’m furious for those people, and the sport,” she said. “You think, how long [has UIPM] known about this, was it a smokescreen?”

Kate added that it is “terrifying” to think of modern pentathlon without riding.

“What’s going to happen to the sport?” she added. “Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s vision has always been the trump card to stay in the Games, and without riding, it’s a different product.”

You might also be interested in:

Modern pentathlon coach at centre of Olympic uproar to undergo training

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

MODERN pentathlon is in a “dangerous” position, and will have to be clever to stay in the Olympics, according to a former medallist, who believes sport leaders have let horses and riders down with “systemic, constant downgrading” of the riding.

Kate Allenby, who won bronze at the 2000 Games, told H&H she believes the damage to the riding, which culminated in distressing scenes in Tokyo, dates back to the 1990s.

“In 1996, they changed the sport from five days to a one-day format,” she said. “To qualify for the final at major championships, you had to be in the top 32, and in 1994, they removed the riding from the semi-final because of costs. Until then, everyone rode, so the message was that the other events are more important.

“But also, that means you have athletes who went to major competitions but never ride until the Olympics.”

Kate added that when she competed, the top-ranked athletes rode first, so horses were more likely to have a better experience with their first riders. Had this been the case in Tokyo, the German Annika Schleu would have ridden Saint Boy earlier, and her experience might have been different.

“I’m quite angry with [world pentathlon governing body] UIPM,” she said. “Every rule change has downgraded the riding so Tokyo became the perfect storm. It’s not new [to have criticism of pentathlon riding]; Beijing, London, Rio – the UIPM hasn’t regulated riding standards. It’s given to the national federations to set standards.

“I think the UIPM needs to be held to account and bring in some big changes.”

On 12 August, the UIPM announced measures to “urgently protect horse welfare”.

These include a riding working group to review the Tokyo Games and make recommendations and “assess the need” for changes to the UIPM code of ethics for horse welfare.

Kate said this group is made up of good people, but that they “need as broad a scope as possible to effect change, as [UIPM has] gradually reduced the importance of riding”.

Kate got into pentathlon through the Pony Club, as did 2021 British gold medallist Kate French. British men’s gold medallist Joe Choong did not, but Kate said he “is a real flagship for what can be achieved” when the right attention is given to riding standards.

“The UIPM is sanctioning A- and B-grade competitions where the horses aren’t of a standard to jump 1.20m so the course is set at 1.10m; the athletes aren’t prepared to the right standard,” Kate said.

“The UIPM needs to be accountable, and someone needs to be checking that they’re making changes and taking things on board for horse welfare and rider safety. Riding is part of the modern pentathlon vision, but we need to protect our sport and move forward, and make sure the leadership is leading.”

A spokesman for UIPM told H&H: “The working group is still working on the improvement and changes proposals that cover a wide range of topics, including actions linked to animal welfare, education and competition rules.

“Once the group concludes its mission, we will certainly inform the community and the media.”

You might also be interested in:

Modern pentathlon coach at centre of Olympic uproar to undergo training

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Major change needed to prevent future pentathlon issues

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The German modern pentathlon coach seen striking a horse at the Tokyo Olympics has been ordered to attend a course on the “humane treatment of animals”.

The decision came as the disciplinary panel for modern pentathlon’s international governing body, the UIPM, concluded its review of the women’s riding phase of the competition at this summer’s Games.

The panel has also urged the newly created working group to “labour diligently” to modify the sport’s rules ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, in light of the horse welfare concerns that arose in Tokyo.

Coach Kim Raisner was seen to lean over the fence and strike a horse, Saint Boy, who was being ridden by German competitor Annika Schleu at the time (6 August).

The distressing scenes were met with widespread condemnation, and the UIPM promised a review of the day’s events. Ms Raisner was also banned from the remainder of the Tokyo Games.

The UIPM disciplinary panel upheld the decision to ban Ms Raisner from the rest of the Games. It also found her in breach of the rule covering “unsportsmanlike conduct” and ill treatment of a horse for her part in both hitting Saint Boy and encouraging the rider to do the same.

She has been given an “official reprimand” and a warning that any repeat behavior could result in the removal of her coaching credentials and permission to coach at UIPM-sanction competition. She has also been ordered to attend a coach education seminar containing a humane treatment of animals module “at the earliest opportunity” and before taking part in any further UIPM competitions.

Ms Schleu was found not guilty of excessive use of the whip and spurs and no action will be taken against her.

A statement from the panel said Ms Raisner’s behaviour that day stands out as an “anomaly” given her athletic and professional record “is one of exemplary behaviour”, noting her personal contribution to the sport “over many years”.

“That said, Ms Raisner did in fact violate the UIPM competition rules, specifically rule 4.6.8 and her behaviour, that of striking the horse, Saint Boy, and encouraging her athlete to do the same, regardless of the reason, was shocking to this Panel and indeed the world. Ms Raisner’s egregious behaviour cannot go unpunished,” the statement added.

“The panel considered the actions of Annika Schleu when she entered the riding arena mounted on the horse, Saint Boy. Based on the review of evidence available it was determined that the use of the whip or spurs was not excessive and while the situation certainly was distressing for both rider and horse, the panel concluded that there are no animal welfare issues to answer and that no action will be taken.

“The UIPM is committed to the humane treatment of animals and athletes alike and condemns any acts of cruelty and/or abuse to either. Inhumane treatment of animals in any form will not be tolerated, nor will cruelty, bullying or harassment against our athletes and coaches.

“The panel encourages the newly empowered UIPM riding working group to labour diligently towards modifying our rules in the new competition format for Paris 2024 to safeguard and ensure the health, safety and humane treatment of our animals and athletes.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

British former Olympic champion joins pentathlon group to help tackle riding concerns

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A working group has been formed to urgently address concerns about horse welfare in modern pentathlon – and to “prevent any repeat of the distressing scenes” seen in Tokyo.

On Friday (20 August) the UIPM announced the “10-strong” riding working group that will be chaired by 1976 Olympic champion Janusz Peciak of Poland. He will be joined by five Olympians and some of the “world leading” pentathlon coaches and experts, including Brits James Cooke, who took part in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and former Olympic champion Stephanie Cook, who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The news follows UIPM’s pledge to make changes to the sport following the scenes of the women’s competition in Tokyo on 6 August during which German Annika Schleu was seen in tears as her ride Saint Boy napped, and later refused to jump.

“Within four days of the end of the Games, UIPM committed to urgent improvements in horse welfare in modern pentathlon and the formation of the riding working group is the first outcome of that process,” said a UIPM spokesman.

The group will review the riding competition at the Tokyo Games and discuss a range of measures designed to “prevent any repeat of the distressing scenes that occurred”.

On 17 August UIPM president Klaus Schormann met with FEI president Ingmar De Vos and it was agreed the FEI will provide two specialists to work with UIPM as consultants, advising on technical jumping and the veterinary aspects of horse welfare.

“I am delighted that we have the support of the FEI along with our own expertise within modern pentathlon as we work towards solutions that result in improved horse welfare and athlete safety in our sport,” said Dr Schormann.

“I am grateful to Ingmar de Vos and very pleased that we are entering a new era of cooperation between our two international federations.”

Another measure to be introduced is a three-person disciplinary panel appointed by the UIPM executive board. The panel, made up of Modern Pentathlon Confederation president Rob Stull and UIPM executive board members Martin Dawe and Viascheslav Malishev, will review the events of the riding competition in the women’s event in Tokyo.

You might also be interested in:

Major change needed to prevent future pentathlon issues

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

9 ways to save money on your horse’s bills

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Commentator and broadcaster Adam Cromarty, who owns production company Impact Media and covers the sport all over the world alongside his work as a level three judge, shares his thoughts of the new Olympic showjumping format and reflects on the modern pentathlon

THE Tokyo Olympics will stand out in history for many reasons. Watching Ben Maher and the incomparable Explosion W take individual gold after an edge-of-your-seat jump-off was magical.

But as the dust settles, and our rather full glass-recycling bins are emptied, many people will be reflecting on the new format that was forced on our sport. The biggest shift saw a reduction in the teams from four to three members, with no drop scores. The competition structure was also adapted.

Not having a drop score was supposed to make the sport more understandable and attractive to new audiences.

An additional, supposed benefit to reducing team numbers was the opening up of more spaces, so that other nations could be represented. I was skeptical when this was announced and now I’m convinced it’s detrimental to the sport, with a risk of diluting the level of competition.

The drop-score system took into account that there are two hearts on course and that either can have a bad day at the office. If an athlete had to ride a circle on-course or even retire, the option was there, and it would simply put additional pressure on the remaining members. Now the pressure is there from the start.

If you surrender in the ring due to your horse not being quite right, then the dream is essentially over. Even the most holistic of riders will have that in the back of their minds.

There seems to be a fascination with bringing us in line with other sports; I’m just not sure why. If a javelin breaks or the stitching comes undone on a boxing glove, you can change it mid-competition. We can never align with this. The reserve system now allows for changes, but it felt a bit like football’s transfer window. It was hard to keep up.

In the wisdom of freshening things up, the new team format is now identical to the individual format. I’m not sure that makes things more interesting. I may be a lone voice, but I also don’t think it’s as fair as having the scores carry forward in the team competition.

With my media and broadcast background, I’m always ready to applaud any initiative that opens up showjumping to a wider audience. We clearly need to work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure our sport is not dropped from the Olympics. I’m just not sure that the answer is changing the competition format, and then presenting the sport in exactly the same way and selling it as something fresh.

Improving the modern pentathlon picture

THE showjumping phase of the modern pentathlon was more hide-behind-a-cushion than edge-of-your-seat.

There were some talented riders in the field and Team GB did well, but, on the whole, what we witnessed reflects badly on equestrianism.

Sadly, I don’t think a mainstream audience necessarily distinguishes between this and pure showjumping. If modern pentathlon wants to use our sport, surely they need to continue to fall in line with our rules, too.

In any FEI showjumping competition, after a fall, an athlete is eliminated and now must be given clearance to ride in future from the medics. With the new format, it would essentially mean game over for the team. In modern pentathlon, they can get back on board and have another go. Clearly, the two sports don’t talk.

At the moment, they have 20 minutes to get to know the horse and then have to jump a 1.20m course. By reducing the height down to below a metre, it would surely improve the whole picture.

The Olympics has always found a way to coalesce those involved with any sport and even to introduce us to new ones, although I’m not going to buy a skateboard quite yet. It’s vital for showjumping that we are given the chance to use the opportunity as a showcase.

I can live with the new format, but the drop-score system needs to return before we are saying bonjour to Paris in 2024.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 19 August

You may also be interested in…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

‘The majority were against this change’: riders react to new Olympic showjumping format

‘With this new format everything counts’: shock exit for Ireland in Olympic team showjumping

New three-rider format causes ‘carnage’ in Olympic showjumping, say riders

Nick Skelton on Tokyo 2020: ‘The new showjumping format was a disaster’

William Funnell reflects on Tokyo 2020: ‘Exciting sport and easier to understand’

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE scenes witnessed during the modern pentathlon at the Tokyo Olympics must never be allowed to happen again, it has been widely stated, as the world governing body has pledged to make changes.

H&H reported on 6 August, when German Annika Schleu was seen in tears as her ride Saint Boy napped, and later refused to jump. Her reaction and use of the whip, and her coach’s punching of the horse, sparked worldwide outrage.

More than 132,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for the riding phase to be removed from the sport.

Other suggestions to improve horse welfare, athlete safety and the reputation of the sport, which comes into the spotlight owing to concerns about the standard of riding at every Olympics, include better education and smaller fences.

John Ledingham, who represented Ireland in showjumping at one Olympics and was a team coach at another, was also Ireland’s modern pentathlon coach at three Games.

“Tears were brought to my eyes on 6 August as I witnessed the Olympian principles of fairness and animal welfare trampled underfoot,” he said. “What I witnessed should never have happened; it has brought the sport into disrepute, it has created enormous hurt to the victim, both human and equine; it can never be let to happen again.”

John told H&H he feels “very strongly that the structure is not correct”, and that it is open to what happened.

“A few changes could really improve it, and make it fair,” he said.

John said in some pentathlon events, not all competitors qualify for the riding phase. This, particularly for those without an equestrian background, means their riding may not be as good as their performance in other phases as they do not prioritise this training.

“In the UK and Ireland we have the Pony Club, and a lot of pentathletes come through it so they’re used to riding and tetrathlon,” he said. “But a lot of other countries don’t have the Pony Club.”

John raised concerns about the suitability of the horses selected for the Tokyo event; horses are lent for the competition and must, he said, “have experience and a proven record in competition, be mentally strong, and be used to being ridden by different riders”.

John pointed out that Saint Boy had already misbehaved for a previous competitor on 6 August, refusing three times. Had he stopped again, he would have been eliminated and not available for Annika to ride, but as he then napped until the time limit was exceeded, this was a technical elimination, so could not be substituted out for the next rider.

“The sport is incredible and the athletes are incredible; to hear the international governing body just blaming the athletes really upset me as that was just wrong,” he said.

“In Tokyo we saw athletes reduced to tears in total frustration at the unfairness of horse selection, horses who were clearly stressed by competition, and a coach behave in a despicable manner – flying in the face of the Olympic spirit and a lamentable advertisement in front of a global TV audience for what is a truly great sport.”

John suggests a course of 10 fences, with no double or treble combinations, at a maximum height of 1.10m rather than 1.20m – he added that world cup and Olympic qualifier courses are 1m to 1.05m – and believes each horse should only be ridden by one athlete.

“As a coach, I have a responsibility to protect the mental and physical health of both equine and human athletes; so do the Olympic organisers,” he said.

Former pentathlete Harry Sykes, who competed for Britain but is now an amateur showjumper, told H&H he was shocked by the standard of riding in Tokyo.

“You could see when Annika came into the ring that the horse wasn’t happy and that things weren’t going to work,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking as she’s the best in the world and had got off to a good start in the competition, but it was hard to watch; she and her coach didn’t handle it in the right way.”

Harry said he once asked a professional showjumper his opinion of the modern pentathlon and was told athletes ride to “complete, not compete”.

“For me, the showjumping was the most enjoyable part but for maybe 90 to 95% of competitors, it’s just something they have to do,” he said, adding that there is a view among some that a good horse will get you round and a tricky one will not, and that some pentathletes view the horse as another tool they have to use.

He suggested that an international standard riding proficiency test, which all athletes must pass in their own countries, would help improve standards, and that if the riding phase were judged on style and performance, this could also help.

He agreed with John that the height difference between most competitions and the Olympics is a significant one, so believes that until global riding standards are raised, a smaller course, with changes such as ascending rather than square oxers, might be a better idea.

But he thinks education is key.

“The officials need educating as they don’t fully understand the rules, and the riders need to learn to respect the horses, and horsemanship,” he said. “Those who come from a swimming or running background don’t understand how to respect horses. If I crash through a fence, I feel terrible and apologise to my horse, but many pentathletes won’t see that, they think the horse should have got them out of it.

“The men’s competition was a bit better; many were showing a bit more respect to their horses so maybe they’d learned from the women, but fundamentally, there needs to be better education all round.

“There was a terrible incident in a world cup this year when a girl missed a stride and the horse crashed through the fence and fell. The horse took a bit of time to get to its feet and the rider was confused but instead of taking it away to trot it up, the officials told her to get back on and keep going.

“In the rules, like FEI rules, the horse should have been eliminated but the officials weren’t educated enough to know that.”

Harry said he is a fan of the sport and would like to see showjumping remain part of it.

“But at the same time, as a horse lover I don’t want to see anything like that again,” he said.

Apart from horse and athlete safety and welfare, another implication is the effect on horse sport as a whole; some viewers may not differentiate between the modern pentathlon and other equestrian disciplines.

World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler told H&H that if horse sports are to maintain public support, and so their social licence to operate, “the welfare of horses involved must be given absolute priority above all commercial and competitive considerations, and all involved must be seen to be doing this”.

“Sadly, this was not demonstrated in many of the modern pentathlon rides at the Olympics, where some of the horses were in obvious distress and the ​riders’ and other team members’ treatment of the horses at times was simply unacceptable,” he said.

“A review of the [international governing body] UIPM rules is essential, and we are encouraged that the FEI have offered their support. We believe that review must include the use of spurs and the whip and as well as approved bits and tack. It should also look at the format of the riding section.

“The challenge for riders in modern pentathlon is that they have not been able to build up a partnership with their horse and the UIPM should consider giving marks for riding ability and style, not just for completing the course, as this would encourage competitors to concentrate on their horsemanship skills.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H that although horse welfare is its “absolute top priority”, with strict rules preserving it, modern pentathlon is not in the FEI’s remit.

“Although it is not an FEI discipline, FEI president Ingmar De Vos has already reached out to his UIPM counterpart Klaus Schormann, reiterating his offer of support and guidance from the FEI so that important improvements can be made by the UIPM for the welfare of modern pentathlon horses,” the spokesman said.

On 12 August, the UPIM announced measures to “urgently protect horse welfare”.

These include a riding working group to review the Tokyo Games and make recommendations, and “assess the need” for changes to the UPIM code of ethics for horse welfare.

Dr Schormann will meet Mr de Vos, to gain “expertise and insights on horse welfare”, and UIPM will draft modifications to its riding rules to suit the new format, which means, from next year “fewer jumps and lower, simpler obstacles”.

New guidelines and education tools on horse welfare will be provided for athletes and coaches, as well as technical delegates.

Dr Schormann said: “UIPM remains fully committed to riding as an integral part of the modern pentathlon based on the vision of [sport creator] Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

“Our union has already adapted modern pentathlon in many innovative ways based on expert advice and feedback from inside and outside our global sporting community. The UIPM 2021 congress provides an opportunity for national federations to have their say.

“On behalf of the UIPM executive board I look forward to working with all parties concerned to ensure we make the adjustments needed to provide a safe and secure future for the riding discipline within modern pentathlon.”

The board is to appoint a disciplinary panel to rule on the 6 August events, but “strongly condemns any abuse, online or offline, directed at any of the individuals involved in the events”.

The UIPM has also had “strong assurances” from Saint Boy’s owners that he is “safe and well” at home.

You might also be interested in:

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Governing body to review Tokyo Olympic pentathlon riding after ‘distressing’ scenes

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE world modern pentathlon governing body is to conduct a “full review” of the riding element of the women’s competition in Tokyo after “distressing” scenes at the Games.

The sport, in which competitors have to take on a showjumping course of up to 1.20m on borrowed horses, as well as fencing, swimming, running and shooting, has sparked debate over the standard of riding at every recent Olympics.

But although governing body UIPM admitted that “the number of refusals and falls [in the women’s event] on August 6 was slightly above average”, it was German competitor Annika Schleu’s actions that put the sport in the spotlight.

The athlete, who was in gold-medal position before the showjumping, was seen in tears and using her whip repeatedly as her ride Saint Boy, who had done similar with his previous rider, napped. The combination started their round but having crashed through one oxer, the horse napped again and then refused to jump.

German coach Kim Raisner, who was seen punching Saint Boy’s quarters over the fence, was banned from the men’s riding the following day.

German Olympic eventer Ingrid Klimke was among those calling for change to the rules, stating: “For me, trust and harmony are a fundamental part of every way of dealing with the horse.

“The regulations of the modern pentathlon expect horse and rider to get to know each other so well in 20 minutes that they can complete a jumping course together. In my opinion, that is not possible, at least not in a competitive situation like the Olympic Games.”

She added: “The rules of the modern pentathlon should urgently be reconsidered!”

The German Olympic federation DOSB agreed, adding: “It needs to be redesigned to protect horse and rider. The welfare of the animals and fair competition conditions for the athletes must be the focus.”

The sport had already agreed on a new format for the 2024 Games; it will run as a single 90-minute event with equestrian first, and an elimination system that might encourage better horsemanship.

The UIPM said: “The events of August 6 in the Tokyo stadium have caused distress both inside and outside the global UIPM sports community.”

It added that riding is “integral” to the sport, which is “the ultimate test of moral and physical qualities”, and that “the unpredictability of athletes riding on unfamiliar drawn horses, with only 20 minutes to establish an understanding, is part of the dramatic spectacle that makes modern pentathlon unique and compelling”.

The statement added that the experience of Annika and Russian competitor Gulnaz Gubaydullina on Saint Boy was “unusual in high-level modern pentathlon”.

“That said, UIPM has a duty of care to all participants in the competitions it oversees; this includes the Olympic Games and it includes horses,” the statement said.

“Not only will UIPM conduct a full review of the riding discipline of the women’s modern pentathlon at the Tokyo Games, it will also reinforce the importance of horse welfare and athlete safety across the entire global competition structure. UIPM regrets the trauma suffered by Saint Boy in this high-profile incident and has penalised the coach who violated UIPM competition rules by striking the horse from outside the ring.

“Although no athlete or horse was physically injured on August 6, the best possible safeguards must be in place to minimise risk in future.

“Changes in riding were already in the pipeline due to the new format coming into force in 2022 for the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle. Horse welfare and athlete safety will be at the centre of this process and the UIPM 2021 congress in November will provide an opportunity for UIPM’s national member federations to participate in a collective effort to secure the future of riding in modern pentathlon.”

You might also be interested in:

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Top eventer calls for pentathlon rule change after controversial scenes

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic gold medal-winning eventer Ingrid Klimke is among the riders calling for an urgent review of modern pentathlon rules after controversial scenes in the women’s Olympic competition yesterday (6 August).

Ingrid said the rules “urgently” need to be reconsidered, joining a number of riders expressing concerns about the riding phase of the sport.

Germany’s Annika Schleu was in the lead going into the showjumping, in which competitors ride borrowed horses to jump a course of up to 1.20m.

She could be seen crying as her ride Saint Boy napped, and hitting him with her whip. Coach Kim Raisner was also seen striking the horse with her fist over the fence. The horse started his round, but napped again and later refused to jump.

The coach was banned from the men’s competition today (7 August), but this last competitor’s round was one of a number that prompted equestrians to speak out. Other athletes fell, more than once, or appeared in other ways not to be comfortable in the arena.

Ingrid said today: “For me, trust and harmony are a fundamental part of every way of dealing with the horse.

“The regulations of the modern pentathlon expect horse and rider to get to know each other so well in 20 minutes that they can complete a jumping course together. In my opinion, that is not possible, at least not in a competitive situation like the Olympic Games.”

Ingrid said she would not want to swap places with the pentathletes, adding that horses are so sensitive they immediately pick up on their riders’ feelings.

“In this case also the high level of tension and the unfamiliar atmosphere!” she added. “When you have grown together as a horse-rider couple over the years, you know each other very well and can master such situations together.

“The rules of the modern pentathlon should urgently be reconsidered!”

The German Olympic committee agreed with Ingrid, and the world modern pentathlon governing body UIPM said it “acknowledges the messages received… from people concerned about horse and athlete welfare in modern pentathlon”.

Britain’s Kate French won the individual gold in the women’s event with 1,385 points, including a stylish showjumping round that many on social media said demonstrated her excellent horsemanship. Silver went to Lithuanian Laura Asadauskaite on 1,370 and bronze to Hungary’s Sarolta Kovacs on 1,368.

• What do you think of the modern pentathlon? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

You might also be interested in:

Zara Tindall and Ingrid Klimke among stars to vie for virtual eventing ‘champion of champions’ title

‘Have you ever wondered what would happen if the champions of the past took on the champions of today at

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Coach who struck Olympic pentathlon horse banned from the Games

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The German modern pentathlon team coach seen striking a napping horse with her fist in yesterday’s (6 August) Tokyo Olympics women’s competition was banned from the men’s competition after widespread uproar.

German competitor Annika Schleu was in the gold-medal position going into the showjumping phase, in which competitors ride borrowed horses on a course of up to 1.20m.

In tears as her ride Saint Boy napped, Annika was seen hitting and kicking the horse. As he neared the fence, coach Kim Raisner leaned over and struck him with her fist.

Saint Boy did start the course but having been crashed through one oxer, he napped again and then refused to jump.

Social media erupted last night with concerns for the welfare of the horses involved in the competition.

In an initial statement the world modern pentathlon governing body UIPM said it “acknowledges the messages received in recent hours from people concerned about horse and athlete welfare in modern pentathlon”, adding: “Today we are focused on delivering the best possible Olympic competition for our male athletes and will follow up with a statement in due course.”

Today’s statement read: “The UIPM executive board (EB) has given a black card to the German team coach Kim Raisner, disqualifying her from the remainder of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“The EB reviewed video footage that showed Ms Raisner appearing to strike the horse Saint Boy, ridden by Annika Schleu (GER), with her fist during the riding discipline of the women’s modern pentathlon competition.

“Her actions were deemed to be in violation of the UIPM competition rules, which are applied to all recognised modern pentathlon competitions including the Olympic Games.

“The EB decision was made today at the Tokyo stadium before the resumption of the men’s modern pentathlon competition.”

The German Olympic federation has called for a rule change.

In a statement, the DOSB said: “Numerous recognisable excessive demands on horse-rider combinations should be an urgent reason for the international association to change the rules.

“It needs to be redesigned to protect horse and rider. The welfare of the animals and fair competition conditions for the athletes must be the focus.”

Olympic women’s modern pentathlon medalists

Britain’s Kate French won Olympic individual gold in the women’s event with 1,385 points. Silver went to Lithuanian Laura Asadauskaite on 1,370 and bronze to Hungary’s Sarolta Kovacs on 1,368.

You might also be interested in:

Medal winners and rising stars named in Britain’s modern pentathlon squad for Tokyo

Modern pentathlon: all you need to know

Why not take up a new sport this year? In fact, why not take up 5 sports at the same

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

World number two Kate French heads the four-strong British modern pentathlon squad for the Tokyo Olympics.

Kate is joined by her fellow Rio 2016 Olympians Joseph Choong and James Cooke, as well as Olympic debutante Joanna Muir.

Modern pentathlon comprises fencing, swimming and showjumping on borrowed horses, culminating with the laser-run (laser pistol shooting and cross-country running).

Kate, 30, heads into the Games following her victory in the World Cup final in Hungary in May, where she set a new women’s world record in the fencing. She was also fifth at the 2016 Olympics and won silver at the 2019 European Championships.

Tokyo will be the first Olympics for Joanna, 26, who is currently ranked sixth in the world and heads the UIPM’s World Cup ranking list.

James, 30, set a new Olympic modern pentathlon swim record at the 2016 Games. In 2018, he was the first British man in more than 25 years to be crowned modern pentathlon world champion, which he followed up with gold at the 2019 Europeans.

Joseph, 26, finished 10th on his Olympic debut at Rio and has since held the world champion and world number one titles.

“This team has put in some incredibly strong performances this season and they are fully deserving of their selection to Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games,” said Team GB chef de mission for the Games, Mark England.

“They, along with so many other Team GB athletes, have demonstrated the determination and commitment required to perform at the highest level despite the challenging circumstances that everyone has faced over the last 13 months.

“I’d like to congratulate them all on this superb achievement and look forward to welcoming them to Tokyo next month.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Modern pentathlon: all you need to know

Why not take up a new sport this year? In fact, why not take up 5 sports at the same

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Appeal in progress over ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision to withdraw Ireland’s dressage team from Tokyo Olympics

Pentathlon GB’s performance director Jan Bartu added: “It has been remarkable return to competition for our British pentathletes this year. Despite the long break from competition, the team have trained well in challenging circumstances and continued to perform well on the international stage.

“Despite not being able to conclude the Olympic Games qualification season for reasons beyond our control, the athletes still achieved the UIPM Olympic Games qualification standard, confirming the strength and depth of the team and the performance programme at Pentathlon GB, and I want to take the opportunity to congratulate the whole squad and coaches on this achievement.

“I also want to thank the whole team of staff who have supported the athletes, particularly over the past year and throughout the pandemic.

“The team selected have proven form and experience and are looking forward to representing Team GB in Tokyo, but we still have more preparation to do at home in Bath, and will continue to focus on doing everything we can to ensure we are as ready as we can be when the Games come around.”

This is the final year that the modern pentathlon will continue in its current format at the Olympics. A new look for the sport has been developed for Paris 2024, condensing all five phases into a 90 minutes to make it easier for people to follow and broadcast.

British modern pentathlon squad:

Women

• Kate French
• Joanna Muir

Men

• Joseph Choong
• James Cooke

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two pentathletes have been ruled out of Rio following the recent Russian doping scandal.

The McLaren Report, commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), exposed wide-scale state-sponsored doping in Russian Olympic and Paralympic sport.

The equestrian disciplines of eventing, showjumping and dressage were not mentioned in the report, but modern pentathlon was.

As a result, Russia’s modern pentathlon squad member Maksim Kustov and reserve Ilia Frolov will not be allowed to compete at this summer’s Olympics. There are no team medals for modern pentathlon at the Games, so all athletes compete as individuals.

The pair were caught up in “disappearing positive methodology”, whereby positive drug test results were falsely recorded as negative.

According to the report, both athletes tested positive for trenbolone, methenolone and oxandrolone when their samples were analysed in a Moscow laboratory in August 2014, but the findings were not reported as such.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided on Sunday (24 July) against a blanket ban for all Russian athletes, instead allowing individual sporting federations to choose — provided athletes met strict IOC criteria. This includes never having been sanctioned for a positive drug test.

This comes as a blow to Russia as Kustov, the current world number seven, is Russia’s the highest-ranked pentathlete.

The remainder of the Russian modern pentathlon contingent — Aleksandr Lesun, Donata Rimshaite and Gulnaz Gubaydullina — will be allowed to compete.

However, they will not be allowed to substitute another athlete in to fill Kustov’s place.

Instead the executive board of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) has ruled the spare place be reallocated to the first reserve athlete, Latvia’s Ruslan Nakonechnyi, to take part in the men’s individual competition.

“UIPM is fully committed in the fight against doping and the protection of clean athletes, and will continue following up with WADA,” said a UIPM spokesman.

Will Russia be allowed to compete in the equestrian disciplines?

The FEI has decided that Russian riders will be allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics.

The country has three eventers and two dressage riders — including world number five dressage combination Inessa Merkulova and Mister X — on the final entries list.

None of the riders have been implicated in the findings of the report.

Related articles:

• Russian riders’ Rio places hang in the balance
• Modern pentathlon: all you need to know

FEI president Ingmar De Vos said yesterday (Monday, 25 July) he could see “absolutely no reason” why the Russian equestrian athletes should not compete in Rio.

See Horse & Hound, out Thursday, 28 July, for more information

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A strong performance by Great Britain’s women resulted in a team gold at the European Modern Pentathlon Championships.

The championships were held in Bath from 18-23 August.

Britain’s Kate French also secured her Rio 2016 Olympic spot, finishing eighth individually.

Fellow team members Samantha Murray, who qualified for Rio at the World Championships in June, finished in 10th place with Freyja Prentice in 13th.

Germany took silver and Italy picked up bronze in the women’s team event.

Reigning Olympic champion Laura Asadauskaite of Lithuania won individual gold with France’s Elodie Clouvel in silver and Germany’s Lena Schoneborn in bronze.

In the men’s individual competition, Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe (pictured, below) became the first ever Irish pentathlete to win a European gold medal.

In silver was France’s Valentin Prades and Riccardo De Luca from Italy took bronze.

Arthur, who was in second place going into the riding section, has also now qualified for the Olympics.

He jumped a clear round with his drawn horse, Davis, and had just five points deducted for time.

“I was really lucky with the horse I got, he was really sweet,” Arthur added.

“[Winning] basically means the world to me, our whole season has been focused on peaking at this one moment and we peaked at it, so it gives me great confidence going into Rio.

“I’ve now qualified for the Olympics, I’m the European champion – it is pretty much up there with the top days of my life.”

In 2012, Natalya Coyle and Arthur were the first Irish modern pentathletes to qualify for an Olympics.

The men’s team competition was won by France with Russia in silver and the Czech Republic in bronze.

Great Britain’s men’s team finished in seventh place, with team member Joe Choong picking up a Rio qualification.

Joe was the highest-placed Brit, finishing in seventh place individually and is the first British male penathlete so far to qualify for next summer’s Olympics.

However, his Olympic place is not yet guarunteed. If more than two British men reach the qualifying standard, he will have to go through a selection process in June.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ellen Svennerstal has been appointed as sales and marketing assistant at Keyflow Feeds.

The 22-year-old event rider competes at three-star with her horse, Southway, and has represented Sweden on several occasions.

Keyflow’s Cam Price said: “We are really excited to have Ellen on the team. The combination of business training and practical equestrian knowledge and experience will be hugely valuable to Keyflow.”

Nigel Laughton is the new chief executive for Pentathlon GB.

Nigel has 17 years’ experience working in elite sport and joins the organisation in November.

He comes to Pentathlon GB after three years as performance director of British Skeleton.

“I am honoured to have been offered this incredible opportunity in the lead-up to Rio 2016 and beyond,” said Nigel.

The Society of Master Saddlers has a new president — Peter Wilkes.

Well-known throughout the industry as head of Vale Brothers, Peter is passionate about excellence in saddlery craftsmanship, saddle fitting and the development and progress of the industry as a whole.

Peter takes over from Helen Dart, with Laura Dempsey moving into the vice president role.

“It is important that we never let go of our traditional craftsmanship while also adopting and looking into new manufacturing processes,” he said.

“I am starting my term feeling confident that consumers are buying again and it looks set to be a very positive time for all involved.”

Norbrook Laboratories has appointed Mark Brady as national sales manager for trade in Britain.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the animal health industry, he was most recently with Pfizer, which is now Zoetis.

Norbrook is a British veterinary pharmaceutical company set up in 1968 by the late Lord Ballyedmond.

Rory MacDonald has officially retired from his position as chief executive of the British Racing School in Newmarket after 22 years.

He has been succeeded by Grant Harris.

Grant Harris has previously worked for the National Trainers’ Federation, the British Horseracing Board and Weatherbys.

“I am honoured and proud to have been given the opportunity to carry on the great work Rory and the BRS team have achieved over the past 20 years that has led to the School’s reputation as a world-class training provider,” he said.

“We will strive to continue to improve the quality of training and trainees for the industry in this country and wider afield.”

Champion Chase-winning is jockey Jamie Moore the new “jumps ambassador” for the London region of Jockey Club Racecourses.

“It is a pleasure to be working with Sandown Park and Kempton Park racecourses as their ambassador for the coming season,” he said.

“They are two tracks that I enjoy riding at and I have been lucky enough to have had some great successes at both, so I feel honoured to have been asked to take on this role.”

Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre’s board of Trustees has announced a management restructure which will see the new role of chief executive created at the charity.

The current roles of operations director and fund raiser will be replaced with the chief executive and an executive assistant.

“This is a time of great opportunity and change for the TRC as we move into the next three-year strategic plan,” said chairman of Trustees, Brian Acott.

There have been a number of staff changes at Cumbria-based equestrian lick manufacturer, Horslyx.

Horslyx product and sales manager, Gillian Neill, is now on maternity leave and Nick Mackley, who recently joined the team as UK north sales manager, will be covering.

Becky Brennan has now been appointed as UK north sales manager.

Longstanding Horslyx team member, Anita Watson, will be leaving the company this autumn and Jonathan Bagg has been appointed as export manager.

Dengie has employed a new thoroughbred specialist and sales manager for Ireland.

Former National Hunt jockey Padge Whelan is joining the company and has has extentsive experience of the thoroughbred sector, thanks to a successful racing career that saw him ride more than 120 winners.

Dengie national sales manager Chris Allen said: “We are pleased to welcome Padge to the team. We are confident that, with his high level of knowledge, enthusiasm and drive, he will be a tremendous asset to the Dengie brand as he works to develop our potential in Ireland.”

Why not take up a new sport this year? In fact, why not take up 5 sports at the same time? The Olympic sport of modern pentathlon is an extremely rewarding means of exercise.

Here are 13 things you need to know about the sport to get you started:

1.The basics

Modern Pentathlon is comprised of 5 events usually over 1 day — running, swimming, pistol shooting, fencing and showjumping. Each event is held separately (in contrast to triathlon, which is continuous), apart from the run and shoot, which is held together in a challenging combined event.

2. The history

Modern Pentathlon was invented by the army officer and founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. As the events of the ancient pentathlon were modelled after the skills of the ideal soldier of Ancient Greece, Coubertin created the contest to simulate the experience of a 19th-century cavalry soldier stuck behind enemy lines. He must ride an unfamiliar horse, swim across a river, run and duel with the enemy with a pistol and sword.

3. Modern changes

The sport often comes under criticism for being too traditional. To combat this several innovations have been made recently to update the sport for the 21st Century. In 2009 the run and shoot components were combined and the event was held at the end of the competition, with the leader after the first 3 disciplines starting the run, followed by the rest of the pack spaced at time intervals according to the amount of points they are behind the leader. This means that whoever crosses the line first wins! This is known as a Hungarian Start. The pistol shooting was also converted to laser in 2011.

4. The day of the competition

Competition day brings with it its own dilemmas. How on earth do you equip yourself for a manic day of 5 different sports? Preparation is crucial — you don’t want to be caught short without your swimming costume in the pool. Nutrition is also vital, with the need to maintain energy levels and hydration over the course of the day. ‘Grazing’ throughout the day, eating little and often, is an oft-used tactic — just an excuse to fill your boots with sugary goodness.

5. There’s a retro film

The 1994 film Pentathlon starring Dolph Lundgren shows the sport in all its glory. Seemingly starting off as a promotional video, the film quickly dissolves into a fast-paced action thriller, almost laughable with its early 90s vibe. Take a look at the trailer:

6. Oxbridge

At university level there is a high degree of competition between Britain’s most famous academic institutions — Cambridge and Oxford. The Cambridge Modern Pentathlon Club (CUMPC) and Oxford Modern Pentathlon Association (OUMPA) clash in their annual Varsity Match in April each year, the culmination of the season.

7. The men

Great Britain performs well in modern pentathlon internationally, with many recent successes. Nick Woodbridge, the 27-year-old Olympian and British Modern Pentathlon Athlete of the Year 2013, won silver at the World Championship in August 2013 in Taiwain. Sam Weale also competed in London 2012 alongside Nick, and in Beijing in 2008.

8. The women

Individually, the greatest success has come in the women’s competition, which was only included in the Olympics from 2000. Mhairi Spence won World Championship gold in May 2012,and competed in London 2012 alongside fellow GB athlete Samantha Murray, who secured Olympic silver. Heather Fell narrowly missed out on qualifying for the London Olympic Games, but gained silver at Beijing in 2008.

9. Past heroes

Steph Cook certainly qualifies as a Pentahlon heroine. Starting her education at Bedford High School, Steph went on to study at Cambridge, before completing her clinical medicine course at Oxford, winning the women’s individual title at the Varsity match in 1997. She went on to win Olympic gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Kate Allenby, a bronze medallist at Sydney, is another former Olympian, now a PE teacher in Bath. Jim Fox has been described as one of the most influential figures in the development of pentathlon in Britain, winning the British title a record ten times and competing in four Olympic games up until 1976, where he won team gold along with Danny Nightingale and Adrian Parker.

10. Ones to watch

Joe Evans, 20, who won bronze in his first Modern Pentathlon World Cup in February, collected the newcomer of the year award for British Modern Pentathlon. Sam Curry has also shown much promise. The 20-year-old studying Politics and International Relations at Bath University won bronze at the European Junior Championships in Bulgaria in 2013.

Pentathlon GB’s High Performance Centre is situated at the University of Bath and so many future Olympic hopefuls study there. However not all international athletes study at Bath. 19-year-old Tom Lees studies geography at Oxford University, where he also competes for OUMPA. He made his World Cup debut in Chengdu, China in April 2013.

11. Pony Club

Many past and current pentathletes come from a Pony Club background, often from Tetrathlon, which shares 4 of the 5 disciplines, just minus the fencing. These athletes include Nick Woodbridge, Freyja Prentice, Mhairi Spence and Kate Allenby. It’s a great route into the sport — you just need to watch the showjumping phase to see that having a Pony Club background can really give you a head start.

12. It’s fun!

Pentathlon, as with most sports, is primarily about enjoyment. Most people come into the sport having only ever experienced 1 or 2 of the disciplines, if any. Therefore it’s a perfect chance to try your hand at something new.

13. Pentathletes are perfect sportsmen and women

Aristotle said: “The most perfect sportsmen, therefore, are the pentathletes because in their bodies strength and speed are combined in beautiful harmony.” So there we go, something to aspire to!

If you want to get involved with Modern Pentathlon, or just want to find out more about the sport, visit www.pentathlongb.org

(Pictures by Benjamin Baker)

Take a look at these 14 horsey terms… and what they really mean

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The British women’s modern pentathlon team maintained their winning streak by taking gold at the World Championships in Chinese Taipei on Saturday (24 August).

The British trio of Olympic silver medalist Samantha Murray, Kate French and Mhairi Spence all put in solid performances to secure back-to-back world titles for the women’s team.

The team fought off competition from the Chinese (silver) and Ukraine (bronze) to defend the title they won in Rome last year.

Performance director, Jan Bartu, said: “What a day! It’s been a really tough competition for the girls, but they proved they’re the best team in the world by winning the World Championships team title in consecutive years and the Europeans this year.”

Meanwhile Nick Woodbridge — who was only confirmed for the team two weeks ago after injury problems — won Britain’s first men’s individual medal at a World Championship for 20 years.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it feels good,” said Nick, whose previous best performance of the year had been 16th at the Rio World Cup in March.

“I’ve had a difficult year so it’s nice to finish on a high,” he added.

“I’ve had a couple of injuries that have prevented me getting the results I wanted and I think I needed this today.

“Winning silver at the World Championships is by far my best result.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Britain’s women’s modern pentathlon struck gold at the recent European Championships in Poland (11-17 July).

The British trio of Kate French, Samantha Murray (pictured below right) and Mhairi Spence fought off a strong challenge from both the Ukraine (silver) and Germany (bronze).

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB Performance Director, said of Britain’s winning trio: “They dominated the team competition today, everything went for them. It was a really well deserved gold medal and a very positive experience all-round.”

Samantha Murray, the London 2012 Olympic silver medallist, was seventh, Kate French achieved her highest senior finish in 10^th and reigning world champion, Mhairi Spence, was just behind her in 12^th.

Individual Freyja Prentice was Britain’s highest-placed athlete, just missing out on a medal by finishing fourth. This was Prentice’s first major competition since recovering from a hamstring injury.

Murray and French, together with Katy Burke, were members of the women’s relay trio that won team gold in this separate competition on the opening day of the championships. Britain’s Jamie Cook, Sam Curry and Joe Evans took team gold in the men’s equivalent.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Joe Evans won a bronze medal at his first modern pentathlon World Cup competition in Palms Springs, California last week.

The day got off to a good start for the 19-year-old from North Shropshire when he won 20 of his 35 fencing bouts for joint eighth place.

A positive 200m swim saw him pull himself up to joint sixth, and then he had just one fence down in the showjumping, when clipping a jump stand with his foot. Only Ireland’s Eanna Bailey managed a clear round inside the time for the maximum 1200 riding points.

This left Joe in second place going into the final event, the combined run/shoot. He couldn’t quite hold on to the silver medal, but finished in third on his World Cup debut, 10sec ahead of Russia’s world number two, Ilia Frolov.

A delighted Joe said: “It was absolutely amazing. I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m so pleased.”

His team-mates Jamie Cooke and Sam Curry finished 18th and 23rd respectively. Nineteen-year-old Sam was also contesting his first modern pentathlon World Cup.

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB’s performance director, praised the British team. “The whole team performed above expectations… Hopefully this isn’t the last success these boys have,” said Jan.

Joe studies sport performance at the University of Bath, where the Pentathlon GB high performance centre is based. He trains with Whitchurch Wasps for swimming, and has lessons with BHS instructor and eventer Sarah Warner to keep his riding at a high standard.

Joe already has his sights set on the next year’s World Cup. “Now I’m going to do more hard training in Bath and I’ll wait to see if I get selected for the next World Cup in Rio,” he explains.

Modern pentathlon is a sports competition that consists of five events: fencing, swimming, showjumping, running and pistol shooting. Running and shooting can sometimes be combined and is known as the “run-and-shoot”. Competitors ride randomly selected horses and have just 20mins and three practise jumps before going into the arena. This Olympic event used to take place over five days, but it is now a one-day event.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders who lent their horses for the showjumping phase of the Olympic modern pentathlon (11-12 August) have questioned the standard of riding, which led to unedifying scenes at Greenwich.

Images of Shearwater Oscar rearing and falling on South Korean athlete Hwang Woojin and Mexico’s Tamara Vega jumping the final part of the triple underneath her horse’s neck also prompted violent criticism on the H&H forum.

One user described the showjumping as a “car crash”, while another called it “a disgraceful and disgusting exhibition“.

Organisers spent more than two years looking for suitable mounts, after farcical scenes in Beijing where overfaced horses refused to jump.

But in London, the horses did not appear to be the problem. Many pentathletes seemed to have had little experience jumping the 1.20m tracks found at the Olympics.

Nigel Morland’s mare, Trinidad, was used in the men’s competition (11 August).

She gave Hungarian Adam Marosi a clear round – which helped him to the bronze medal – but Mr Morland said he was not sure he would lend her again.

“I am slightly ambivalent, having seen the standard of riding,” he said.

The horse which reared and fell over backwards, Shearwater Oscar, was one of a number of horses provided by Dorset-based producer Jabeena Maslin.

She told H&H that officials had ignored her request to use him for the ladies’ jumping.

“I didn’t want a man on him and I saw it [the fall] coming before he went in the ring – he nearly pulled him over in the warm-up,” she added.

But Joel Bouzou, secretary general of pentathlon’s governing body, the UIPM, said the standard of riding had improved.

“We started a programme with the International Olympic Committee two years ago to improve the standard of riding – and it has worked,” he said.

But Mr Bouzou said the issue of whether the fences should be lower than 1.20m will be debated at the sport’s annual conference, in October.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (23 August 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British athlete Samantha Murray – who learned to ride her grandmother’s horses as a child – won an Olympic silver medal in the modern pentathlon (12 August).

The 22-year-old from Clitheroe, Lancs, was in third after the fencing and swimming phases as she headed into the showjumping. Riding Glen Gold, Samantha had two fences down and a time-penalty and started the run/shoot finale in fourth place.

“Four years ago, I was doing my A levels,” said Samantha. “I’d started pentathlon, but I was by no means performing on an international level.”

The gold medal was won by Laura Asadauskaite from Lithuania, while the bronze went to Brazil’s Yane Marques.

This news story was first published in our Olympic souvenir issue of Horse & Hound (16 August, 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The horses competing in the London 2012 modern pentathlon (11-12 August) will have undergone a demanding selection process, say organisers.

After the farcical scenes in Beijing 2008 – in which the horses refused dozens of times and several riders fell – British officials have tried to ensure this year’s showjumping will go as smoothly as possible.

Peter Hart, who is competition manager for modern pentathlon, began the selection process for suitable mounts more than two-and-a-half years ago.

“We contacted British Showjumping, put adverts in newspapers and went to our normal suppliers,” he told H&H.

“The key criterion for me was we didn’t want anything that would put in a nasty stop if the rider ‘missed’.

“We had an extremely positive reaction and I’m reall y pleased with the standard of horse we’ve got.”

Fifty-five horses were selected from a longlist of 90 at three trial days around the country earlier this year.

Polly Bursby of Chessington Equestrian Centre in Surrey is sending three, including Charlotte Steel’s Loughnatousa Romeo (pictured above).

“They are quite forgiving, as they are used to different people riding them – they all hunt with the Surrey Union and showjump in the summer,” said Ms Bursby.

The showjumping phase of modern pentathlon involves a 1.20m course. Athletes have a warm-up of just 20min and five practice jumps.

Jabeena Maslin, who runs a showjumping yard in Beaminster, Dorset, told H&H that all 18 horses she was sending were genuine and reliable schoolmasters.

“They’ve got to be,” she said. “Some athletes are very good, but some of the other nations – well, some can barely do rising trot!

“These are horses that can cope with being missed and stood off.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (10 August 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The four modern pentathletes chosen for the London 2012 Olympic team have been announced.

Mhairi Spence and Samantha Murray will both make their Olympic debuts in the women’s competitions on 12 August.

And world number five Nick Woodbridge and Sam Weale will both take part in their second Olympics when they line up on 11 August.

Eight athletes qualified for London – including Heather Fell who claimed the silver medal in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games – but only four can go.

The modern pentathlon consists of fencing and swimming at the Olympic Park in Stratford, followed by a showjumping round and combined run and shoot, in Greenwich Park.

Mhairi Spence and Nick Woodbridge are former Pony Club members – Inverness-shire and Albrighton Hunt respectively – coming up through the organisation’s tetrathlon teams.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

China’s modern pentathlon team will be based at Bishop Burton College in the run up to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The team — which includes current world champion, Qian Chen — will use the training grounds at the college, near Hull, next year.

Since H&H reported that none of the official Pre Games Training Camps had been booked (news, 11 August), eventer Alex Hua Tian — China’s first Olympic rider — announced plans to to relocate to Shardeloes, Bucks.

Venues have had more luck with para dressage, with Canada booking Hartpury College, Glos, and Israel going to the Quainton Stud, Bucks.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (15 September, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

How do you find 55 horses that can all jump 1.20m after just a few minutes familiarisation with a rider?

That’s the conundrum facing modern pentathlon competition manager for the Olympics and last weekend’s test event Peter Hart, particularly after the jumping phase proved controversial at the last Olympics.

Seventy-two athletes from 20 nations did battle in Greenwich Park (for running, riding and shooting) and Crystal Palace (for fencing and swimming) at the Modern Pentathlon UIPM World Cup Final (9-10 July) as a test event for next year’s Olympics.

In a new initiative, British Showjumping (BS) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are for the first time collaborating with Pentathlon GB.

Unlike Olympic equestrian competitions, pentathletes do not ride their own horses.

Mr Hart said: “It’s quite a challenge. They have just 15 minutes to get the measure of their horse then they jump a 1.20m course.”

Horses to be leased

Among other things, BS and the BEF have helped LOCOG (the organisers of the Olympic Games) and Pentathlon GB to identify showjumping yards and dealers that could source horses of the appropriate quality.

LOCOG is leasing the horses, which have been selected through a tendering process, and has vetted both the horses and providers.

Some of the potential horses for the Olympics were used this weekend and others will be used at the European Modern Pentathlon Championships in Medway Park, Kent (28 July -1 August).

Permanent assistance

Unlike the 2008 Olympic equestrian competitions, which took place in Hong Kong, pentathlon was held in Beijing on China-based horses, and riders and spectators were shocked by the standard of horses, facilities and the riding.

BEF chief executive Andrew Finding said they have been in discussions with Pentathlon GB for 18 months and hope to continue the relationship.

“We have made a permanent offer of assistance to them on any aspect of the equestrian part of their discipline,” he said.

There have also been discussions between the FEI and UIPM (the two international federations) but so far no agreement to work together, said an FEI spokesman.

But Iain Graham, chief executive of BS, said: “It would be a very good idea. It seems strange that the FEI is not involved in the only other Olympic sport that uses horses.”

Tickets for the test event were allocated to pentathlon personnel and local residents.

For more on this news story, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (7 July, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Great Britain will field the full complement of women at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final in London (9-10 July) after Mhairi Spence, Freyja Prentice and Heather Fell all secured places.

Qualification for the final, which takes place at Crystal Palace and Greenwich Park, is based on World Cup standings.

The British trio all finished in the top five. The final, which is the Olympic test event, provides the first chance for athletes to qualify for London 2012, though just one spot is available.

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB performance director, said: “I expected us to qualify three women given the depth of the British team. They now need to stay healthy and get ready to compete. It would be fantastic if one of them could win and qualify for the Games, but the top athletes in the world will be competing so nothing is set in stone.”

Twenty-five-year-old Mhairi Spence finished second in the World Cup standings and is looking forward to the event.

“It will be hard to qualify for the Olympics, but it’s an opportunity,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity to practise competing in front of a home crowd.”

A maximum of two athletes per gender per country can compete in modern pentathlon at London 2012. The British Olympic Association will select the GB team.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horse has been put down at the Asian Games in China.

D252 ridden by Kazakhstani athlete Galina Dolgushina was euthanased following an accident during the modern pentathlon event yesterday (23 November).

The horse reportedly crashed through a jump during the women’s showjumping competition and broke its neck.

Ms Dolgushina, 29, was knocked unconcious and taken to hospital where she is reported to be in a stable condition.

Kazakhstan secured team bronze behind China, with Korea in silver.

Chinese pentathlete Mihao Yihau won individual gold.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Budding pentathletes can get training from Olympic coaches at the Bath 5 pentathlon club’s training weekend, on 4-5 December.

Bath 5 is inviting Pony Club members from across the country, who may already take part in tetrathlons, to learn more about the Olympic discipline.

Pony Club tetrathlons involve riding, shooting, swimming and running — one fewer element than modern pentathlon, which adds fencing.

Former Olympic pentathlete Kate Allenby and other Olympic coaches will provide training in the four non-riding elements of the sport.

“We want to provide more opportunities for young people,” said Kate, who is a member of Bath 5.

“This may be their first introduction to fencing.”

Further training sessions will be held next year.

Last year’s training was attended by more than 60 young people.

Training on 4 December is only for riders who have already competed in the Pony Club’s regional or national tetrathlon competitions, but the Sunday is open to all Pony Club members.

Bath 5 trains at the University of Bath’s campus. For more information go to www.bath5.co.uk.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ten British athletes will be heading to Hungary next month to take part in the 2010 Modern Pentathlon European Championships (14-20 July).

Four senior athletes — Heather Fell, Mhairi Spence, Katy Livingston and Louise Helyer — have been selected to compete in the women’s individual competition.

And juniors Samantha Murray, Katy Burke and Freyja Prentice will represent Great Britain in the team relay.

All seven women are currently in the top-32 in the world rankings.

Olympians Sam Weale and Nick Woodbridge will contest the men’s individual competition and will be joined for the team relay by 19-year-old Jamie Cooke.

British athletes are currently doing well in the sport and last weekend Kate French finished second at the German Open Championships in Berlin, pushing her up to 55th in the world rankings.

Jamie Cooke was the highest place British finisher in the men’s competition, coming seventh.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Great Britain took home team silver at last weekend’s women’s modern pentathlon world championships.

Katy Livingston, Heather Fell and Mhairi Spence repeated their performance at last year’s world championships in Budapest to collect team silver at the event in Crystal Palace on Sunday (16 August).

The German team of Lena Schoneborn, Eva Trautmann and Janine Kohlmann took gold. The Hungarian team came third.

Modern penthathlon includes five phases — shooting, fencing, swimming, show jumping and running.

“The whole set up here has been brilliant — all the officials and the way it’s been run,” said Heather Fell. “I think Britain should be proud of the way they’ve run the competition.”

Qian Chen became China’s first woman pentathlon world champion, winning individual gold.

“I’m very excited, I didn’t believe I could win today,” she said.

Lithuania’s Laura Asadauskaite picked up silver while Germany’s Lena Schoneborn — current Olympic champion — took bronze.

Heather Fell came ninth individually and Mhairi Spence finished 14th.

“I was surprised when we got team silver, I thought we might have dropped down to bronze,” said Mhairi. “It’s always nice to win a medal and get on the podium.”

Olympic pentathlete Katy Livingston finished 23rd after falling in the riding phase.

Katy had won 29 out of 35 bouts of fencing and posted the fifth fastest time in the pool, and went into the riding in the lead.

She had gone clear until an alarm sounded to halt the round after judges noticed a pole had come out of one of the fences.

This distracted her horse who baulked at a jump and she fell, amassing 268 penalties.

“The horse lost its confidence in me and I lost confidence in it,” said Katy. “My fencing was my personal best, and my swim was almost a personal best, and I felt I was riding really well so I thought it couldn’t get any better.”

In the men’s championships (15 August) it was a clean sweep for Hungary who won the team and individual gold.

Adam Marosi took his first individual world championship.

“This year I have had the perfect season,” he said. “I have medalled in three out of three World cups, the European Championship and now this, the best, the World Championships. We are 100 per cent a strong nation for modern penthathlon — our secret is lots of training and hard work.”

David Svoboda from the Czech Republic took silver and Dmytro Kirpulyanskyy won bronze.

The British team of Nick Woodbridge, Sam Weale and Steven Mason finished ninth. Nick finished 13th and Sam 29th in the individuals.

“It was an honour to represent my country on home soil and we had fantastic support,” Sam Weale

www.pentathlongb.org/mpwc

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Britain’s modern pentathlon team continued their victory streak by winning gold at last weekend’s European Championships in Leipzig, Germany.

Olympic silver medallist Heather Fell individual European silver to her collection, helping to nudge her team — Katy Livingston and Mhairi Spence — into first place.

Heather, 26, was the only rider to go clear in the show jumping, but pipped to individual gold by world champion Amelie Caze of France, by just nine seconds.

“I had my best swim of the year, a good ride and the combined event was probably my best one,” said Heather.

Heather and Team GB now have their sights set firmly on the World Championships at Crystal Palace from 13-17 August.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

BRITISH pentathlete Heather Fell won an Olympic silver medal in Beijing.

Heather, 25, a former member of the Spooners & West Dartmoor branch of the Pony Club, started well in Beijing on 22 August, scoring 185 from a possible 200 in shooting, the first of five disciplines.

After a strong fencing round and swim, Heather rode 11th on an eight-year-old gelding in the show jumping, lowering the penultimate and the final fences. She started and finished the 3km run second to Germany’s Lena Schoneborn.

“It was great fun and I’ve had a brilliant time,” said Heather, of her first Olympics.

Britain’s Kate Livingston finished seventh in the same competition.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Modern Pentathletes Sam Weale and Nick Woodbridge have been selected to compete in the men’s event for the 2008 Olympic Games

The pair join Heather Fell and Katy Livingston in Team GBR, meaning Great Britain will have the maximum complement of four pentathletes at the Olympics.

Nick — who came up through the Pony Club — and Sam already have several medals between them for junior events and are hoping to add to this tally in Beijing.

Sam said: “It’s every young athlete’s dream to compete at an Olympic Games.

“The nature of the sport is that it’s open and anything can happen. There are three medals up for grab and probably any one of 30 men could have a chance of winning one. I consider I’m one of those athletes.”

Nick added: “I’m excited to be selected, not just after a year of intense qualification competitions, but also a lifetime of training and dedication. I’m now set for two months of the hardest training of my career and who knows what can happen under the Olympic pressure.

“I saw Beijing as an experience for London, but now I have my eyes on a podium finish. There is nothing more special to me than the Olympic Games and having the chance to compete is a lifetime ambition.”

By competing in Beijing the pair will become the first British male modern pentathletes to compete at an Olympic Games since Richard Phelps in Atlanta in 1996.

Dominic Mahony, Team GBR Modern Pentathlon Team Leader for the Beijing 2008 Olympics said: “Sam and Nick are both talented young athletes. They have worked hard to qualify for Beijing and both thoroughly deserve their places on the team.

“We go there with the intention of seriously challenging for medals.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Modern pentathletes Heather Fell and Katy Livingston have been selected as members of Team GB to compete at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Heather and Katy, who are currently ranked fourth and fifth in the world respectively, are excited about the prospect of representing Britain.

Heather said: “Beijing could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I’m going to try to get everything right and produce the performance of a lifetime.

“I’m going to prepare everything 100 per cent to make the most of the opportunity.”

Katy, 23, won the individual bronze medal at last month’s modern pentathlon World Championships in Budapest as well as winning gold in the first World Cup event of 2008 in Cairo.

While Heather, 24, won silver at last year’s European Championships in Latvia, before winning the World Cup in Millfield, Somerset in March.

And both are headed to the Olympics with medals at the forefront of their minds.

Katy said: “I proved by medalling at the World Championships recently and winning a World Cup competition earlier this year that I can get on the podium in big competitions and I definitely think I can be on the podium in Beijing. Myself and Heather will go there and do our best.”

Heather added: “If I can get everything right on the day I know I have a chance of a medal, and that’s what I’m going to be completely focused on.”

Dominic Mahony, Team GB Modern Pentathlon Team Leader for the Beijing 2008 Olympics said: “Katy and Heather have proven with their performances both this and last year that they are outstanding athletes in a very strong pool of talented British women. They thoroughly deserve their selection.”

Mhairi Spence, 22, will travel to Beijing as reserve.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Britain’s Georgina Harland is the new European Modern Pentathlon Champion and has qualified for the Athens Olympics alongside team-mate Kate Allenby, who took bronze at the Syndey Olympics.

Georgina, 25, took her first major international individual title at the competition in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. She was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in 2000 and won individual bronze in 2001 and 2002.

The sport of modern pentathlon encompasses five disciplines: shooting, fencing, riding, swimming and running.

In the riding phase, competitors are required to jump a course of 12 fences using a borrowed horse, on which they are allowed just 20min warm-up. Penalties are deducted from their overall score for knockdowns and refusals.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” she says. “I’ve been close before but it all came together for me today. I’ve worked hard for this and am really pleased with the result.”

Britain has a strong record in the sport at top level. Dr Stephanie Cook, who has now retired from the sport to concentrate on medicine, was Olympic Champion in Sydney.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now