Every Equestrian Has Opinions About Pentathlon
The first time I watched Modern Pentathlon live was in Southwest Florida. Somehow sport officials got together and decided that a venue outfitted for world championship rowing events could also lend itself to other niche sports. So after some negotiation, Modern Pentathlon proceeded to host Olympic qualifier events in my backyard for a few years in a row. As a reporter working for the local newspaper, and the only person on staff with equestrian experience, I was tapped to cover this sport I knew nothing about. These athletes compete in five different phases: fencing, swimming, shooting, running and show jumping, to emulate the skills of a “solider”.
I can’t really comment on what it takes to fence or to shoot, but it became clear – fast – that these competitors were better at running and swimming than they were at horseback riding. Local pony club chapters donated their horses to be used for the events. Sorta like IEA and IHSA, competitors must ride a horse they don’t know over a course up to 3’9″ in height. But by any true equestrian standards, some of these people hardly seem equipped to make it over a tadpole course.
The display at the Tokyo Games was much of the same I saw those years ago back in Florida – inconsistent riders on stressed out horses, with poles flying and some really scary distances and jump attempts. These are the best athletes in the world in this sport – and one balled her eyes out in the ring when her drawn horse finally said ‘no’. (That rider’s coach was also kicked out). These athletes can’t show up at the Olympics of all places without having taken some riding lessons before. But like clockwork, every four years the highlight reels of questionable riding (and even worse horsemanship) make the rounds on social media from the Pentathlon events.
At least the turmoil of the Olympics spurred some action. This week, representatives of the international sport of Pentathlon are set to remove horseback riding and replace it with cycling going forward.
IMO. This is good news. The way Pentathlon has been allowed to operate has not been a good look – for any of us. Without context, viewers who aren’t familiar with equestrian sports don’t know the difference between McLain Ward or some Pentathlete. That by far is the biggest problem. Equestrian sports put the horse first and foremost – we saw that happen in the lead up to Tokyo with several withdraws over minor injuries across disciplines. But the same can’t be said for Pentathlon. Animal welfare should be the top priority always, especially on a stage as big as the Olympics, with so many people tuning in. By allowing Modern Pentathlon to showcase subpar riding skills and horsemanship, it’s hurting all of us who care about horses and the future of our sport.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark in August 2021. It was updated to reflect current news and events. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.