Haley Cuoco was disgusted by the incident with the horse and the German team at the Tokyo Games. Image: Instagram / Getty
Actor Kaley Cuoco made a stunning offer to buy the horse at the center of an Olympics controversy that left viewers and animal rights activists in disgust.
German modern pentathlon Coach Kim Raisner sparked global outrage after pictures of her hitting a horse at the Tokyo Games.
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In a dramatic equestrian section of the modern pentathlon, the German participant Annika Schleu, who was in the lead before the horse show, fell completely out of the race when her horse Saint Boy absolutely refused to cooperate.
Schleu, who finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ran into tears when her horse refused to overcome any of the obstacles on the route.
The chaotic scenes caused the German trainer to hit the horse with her fist while urging Schleu to “really hit” the horse if it refused to jump.
The Association of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) disqualified raisers for their actions after consulting with officials from Germany.
Germany’s modern pentathlon coach Kim Raisner (right) will not take part in the men’s modern pentathlon after a controversial incident at the Olympic Games on Saturday. (Image: Twitter)
Germany’s Olympic team boss Alfons Hörmann confirmed the resignation of the trainer and demanded urgent rule changes from the international association.
“We all agreed that the coach won’t be at the tournament on Saturday,” said Hörmann.
“We also believe that an urgent review of the incident, particularly with regard to animal welfare, is necessary and the national and international associations are drawing their conclusions.”
After the shocking controversy, American actor Cuoco – a former star on popular TV show The Big Bang Theory – offered to buy the horse at the center of the incident.
Cuoco’s husband, Karl Cook, is a horse trainer and the couple met an equestrian event in which the actress herself attends.
The story goes on
Kaley Cuoco offers to buy a horse
Her Instagram page is filled with photos of her with horses and the steed would undoubtedly find a lovely home at Cuoco if her generous offer were accepted.
“I feel it is my duty and my heart to comment on this shame,” Cuoco wrote. “This is not an Olympic show jumping event. This is a disgusting, classless, abusive portrayal of our sport in many ways. This team should be ashamed.
“You and your team have made neither your country nor this sport proud. You make us look bad Ashamed of yourself and good luck to every animal that comes in contact with you.
“Pure classless behavior here. Disgusting on all levels. This is not our sport. This does not represent our sport.
“This rider and her ‘trainer’ are a shame. I will buy the horse right away and show it the life it should have. Name your price. “
Haley Cuoco has offered to buy the horse at the center of the Olympic Games controversy. Image: Instagram
There were signs of problems ahead when Schleus’s horse Saint Boy bucked and misbehaved while warming up and refused to jump shortly afterwards.
A frustrated and tearful Schleu repeatedly used her whip on horseback when Raisner encouraged her to “beat” her during live coverage.
The International Modern Pentathlon Union said footage then showed Raisner “appearing to hit the horse … with his fist,” which resulted in the coach being kicked out of the Olympics.
Schleu ended up in 31st place, well outside the medals, with Brit Kate French winning the gold medal.
The participants of the modern pentathlon draw their horses at random.
The German Animal Welfare Association criticized Schleu for having “beaten the frightened roughly several times and overwhelmed the horse”.
Raisner is accused of having asked the athlete to “commit this cruelty to animals”.
“Of course, an athlete fixated on Olympic gold is under enormous stress at this moment, but that is no excuse for cruelty to animals,” said Thomas Schroeder, president of the club.
with agencies
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