At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games the world watched in horror as competitors in the modern pentathlon demonstrated not only a distinct lack of skill in the horse riding event but also a complete disregard for the welfare of the horses so generously given to them to ride. This petition aims to bring an end to the riding element.

While Saint Boy has been at the heart of this scandal being whipped and punched the other horses suffered too, being repeatedly pulled in the mouth, both intentionally and unintentionally, and jabbed with spurs unbalanced riders were unable to control. If this is what the top competitors in the world are doing what is being allowed at lower levels? All this in the name of creating a spectacle, to use the same word as the UIPM (international governing body of modern pentathlon). 

Modern pentathlon is supposed to test competitors on skills they may need behind enemy lines. Well horses haven’t been used in warfare for some time! This element is outdated and in an age where we know so much about the sentience of animals there is no defence for what we saw in Tokyo. Please sign to show the UIPM that we will not stand for such abuse of animals and they MUST replace the showjumping with something more appropriate.