What the Agility community should learn from the Annika Schleu case in Tokyo

The case of the modern pentathlete Annika Schleu, the German national trainer Kim Raisner and the horse Saint Boy at the Olympic Games in Tokyo has been the big topic in the media in recent days. Everything about dismay, incomprehension and hatred could be read in the comment columns of various online media. Even the experts were not squeamish about the 31 year old. A certain similarity to the dog sport, especially the Agility sport, cannot be dismissed out of hand. Therefore, we also want to make a comment on the subject of animals in sport. Also, because this is a matter close to the heart of our editorial team. The nonsense that show jumping with horses provided by the organizer and then given randomly to the athletes in a sporting competition does not need to be discussed further. Especially with the background that the pentathletes are usually not professional riders. Not to mention the lack of a bond between humans and animals as a team. I cannot fully assess to what extent the bond between rider and horse looks like with a professional show jumper. I don’t even want to presume that. Nevertheless, I believe that years of training merge and that there is an emotional bond on the part of people and a certain basic trust of the horse. And even if there is no emotional relationship, there is certainly a financial interest. And this presupposes animal welfare.

Shortly after the case in Tokyo, voices piling up which want to ban animals completely from the Olympics. And that’s exactly where we want to hook. It was denounced in the comment columns and also by some columnists and self-proclaimed sports experts that it was against the animal welfare to transport a horse thousands of kilometers by plane around the globe just to satisfy personal needs. A point that cannot be denied. Especially in times of global warming. However, this also happens outside of the Olympics and is definitely not a problem with the Olympics itself. If you want to call it a problem at all. The prize money for Olympic medalist are well below those that can be won at tournaments organized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). For the Olympic victory of the German rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, there were just 20,000 euros in bonus from the German Sports Association. No comparison to the often six to seven-digit sums at international tournaments around the world. Olympia and the question of whether Agility could be a discipline in the future too is a topic in the Agility community from time to time. Not necessarily as an Olympic discipline itself, but more as recognition as a sport by the National Olympic Association. In addition to a certain acceptance, with recognition there is also a benefit from state contributions, which are usually higher than those of the national canine association. And of course, at some point there will also be a desire that Agility should be an Olympic discipline. And then we are back to the question if animals should be allowed to be a part of a sporting event of this size. We say very clearly yes, but taking a few points into account. Because, in addition to the parade disciplines, the Olympics are a great platform for sports that otherwise tend to eke out a shadowy existence.

As I said, I cannot judge whether and how much joy a horse has in completing a show jumping course or in dressage riding. Therefore, I do not want to go into this point any further. But what I think I know is that there is enthusiasm to be seen (and heard) in dogs. So a kind of feedback from the four-legged friend that I am doing the right thing. Sure, the dog isn’t communicating with one and the same language. But I presume to say that he exudes joy and is happy about the activity and variety in life. And also that, despite the increased risk of injury and physical exhaustion, he has a more fulfilling life than many of his kind. But on the one hand, joy does not apply to all dogs. There are dogs that don’t benefit if you force them over a course full of obstacles at all costs. And even dogs who enjoy it cannot know that this may be an important tournament. If so, then only indirectly through the increased tension of the handler. But actually the dog doesn’t care, because he always brings the maximum performance to please us and have fun with us. For me it is always fascinating what the four-legged friend does together with us. I am all the more disappointed and angry when dog handlers do not look at the dog after a perhaps not so successfully run. And unfortunately that is everyday life and the bitter reality on the dog courts of the world. Suddenly the oh-so-perfect picture on Instagram no longer really corresponds to reality.

Assuming I see Agility for the first time on television as part of the Olympic Games, then my opinion about dog sports or animals in sports in general is quickly formed. An absolute no-go for me. Although it is not physical violence, it is psychological. And it doesn’t matter whether this happens at the Olympics or at a field and meadow event. It is also questionable how and whether the money factor, which only plays a subordinate role in today’s Agility, would have an influence on development. It is well known that money leads to rash reactions and actions. But that is a completely separate topic. Agility is and will remain a team sport that doesn’t work without the help of the dog. And luckily something that is difficult to enforce. And as closer you can work together as a team, the better the bond, the more successful the collaboration. The bond is not primarily built on, but built next to the dog place in everyday life. For me, everyday life is also a reason why Agility has definitely earned a place at the Olympics in the distant future, as long as we learn to respect the dog as a partner and not as a thing to reach our personal goals. Because the dog is not like the horse in the modern pentathlete Instead it is a togetherness. A togetherness in sport and a togetherness in life. Personally, but also on behalf of agilitynow.eu, I strongly condemn the reaction of Annika Schleu and German national coach Kim Raisner. Not only have both managed to make themselves even less popular in every interview they have given since the incident, they also gave me a reason to doubt sports with animals. Because one thing is certain: Annika Schleu and Kim Raisner are certainly not the only ones who value success above animal welfare. That is week after week, even if you can see it in a weakened form on our dog courts. Hence an appeal that we show the dogs the necessary respect and that we do not have to read similar headlines in a few years about our sport.