Germany calls for changes to modern pentathlon rules after horse-punching incident – video | sport

German modern pentathlon coach Kim Raisner will not compete in Saturday’s men’s individual competition at the Tokyo Olympics. Raisner hit a horse with his fist and urged rider Annika Schleu to “really hit” the horse when he refused to jump in Friday’s women’s event.

Alfons Hoermann, president of the German Olympic Committee, confirmed the news and called for an overhaul of the rules of modern pentathlon. Competitors are currently awarded horses for the equestrian stage of the event in a draw shortly before its start.

“We all agreed that the coach will not be competing on Saturday,” Hoermann said. “We also consider that an urgent review of the incident is necessary, especially in terms of animal protection, and that the national and international federations draw their conclusions.”