The steeplechase, part of the Olympic modern pentathlon, may be replaced by the cycling event. According to a report in the Guardian (opens in new tab), the International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) has decided to eliminate show jumping after a horse was beaten by a coach at the Tokyo Olympics.

Images and video footage show that German coach Kim Reisner punched Saint Boy, a horse that did not jump the fences on the course in the steeplechase event of the modern pentathlon, where Annika Schlew was aiming for gold. Her actions were considered a violation of the UIPM competition rules (Rule 4.6.8).

Reisner was excluded from the rest of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and a review by the UIPM Disciplinary Panel completed in September resulted in an official reprimand and a warning that if her actions were repeated, among other things, her permission to coach in UIPM sanctioned competitions could be revoked.

In addition, a statement issued after the review stated: "The Panel is pleased to announce that the newly empowered UIPM Riding Working Group will be working with the UIPM to protect and ensure the health, safety and humane treatment of animals and athletes in the new competition format for the 2024 Paris Games. We encourage them to work diligently to modify our rules to ensure that the health, safety, and humane treatment of animals and riders is protected in the new competition format for the 2024 Paris Games.

According to an article in The Guardian, the decision to remove horseback riding from the Modern Pentathlon has not been officially announced, but the UIPM is aiming to maintain its position in the Olympics by replacing it with cycling for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, no details have been given as to what type of cycling events will take place.

The modern pentathlon has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912 and was invented by Pierre de Coubertin. It consists of five events: fencing, swimming freestyle, equestrian steeplechase, pistol shooting, and cross-country running.

"As part of the UIPM's commitment to maintaining the strong and dynamic profile of the modern pentathlon, a series of strategic meetings are being held. These meetings include a conference call with national federations scheduled for later this week. The results of these meetings will be detailed in a press release to be issued on November 4.