UIPM Disciplinary Panel: Kim Raisner and Annika Schleu (GER)
A UIPM Disciplinary Panel has completed its review of events that occurred during the Women’s Modern Pentathlon Riding competition at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on August 6, 2021.
The outcome of the proceedings is as follows:
- The Panel found that Kim Raisner, representing Germany as a coach, violated the UIPM competition rules (Rule 4.6.8*) by striking a horse and encouraging her athlete to do the same.
- The Panel upheld the decision of the UIPM Executive Board on August 7 to exclude Ms Raisner from the remainder of the Olympic Games competition.
- The Panel issued an official reprimand to Ms Raisner and a warning that any repeat of her behaviour could result in the removal of her UIPM Coaches Certification Programme (CCP) credentials and permission to coach at UIPM-sanctioned competitions.
- The Panel ordered Ms Raisner to attend a coach education seminar at the appropriate level containing a Humane Treatment of Animals module at the earliest opportunity and prior to her participation in any UIPM-sanctioned competition.
- Annika Schleu, representing Germany as an athlete, was found not guilty of excessive use of the whip and spurs and no action will be taken.
The UIPM Disciplinary Panel stated: “The Panel recognizes Ms Raisner’s personal contributions over many years to the sport of Modern Pentathlon, both as an elite level athlete and national coach. Her athletic and professional record is one of exemplary behaviour, making the events of August 6 stand out as an anomaly.
“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 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.”
The UIPM Disciplinary Panel was comprised of Chair Rob Stull (NORCECA Modern Pentathlon Confederation President), Martin Dawe (UIPM Executive Board Member for Marketing) and Dr Viacheslav Malishev (UIPM Executive Board Member for Development).
* Rule 4.6.8. Disqualification (as per UIPM 2018 Competition Rules)
A pentathlete or team is disqualified for:
- unsportsmanlike conduct or contempt of officials;
- rapping or beating a horse and all other cases of cruelty and/or ill treatment of a horse;
- using an unauthorised whip or spurs or hat after the control in the arena, warm-up arena or elsewhere in the proximity of the arena.