Exclusive: “Avoid the Mistreatment”: Equestrian Community Receives Humble Request From Olympian Joe Choong Amidst Katie Prudent Controversy

Joe Choong, a prominent figure in the modern pentathlon, catapulted into the spotlight during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when he voiced his strong opposition to the UIPM’s plan to replace horse riding with obstacle racing for the 2028 Games. Pentathlon United sought IOC intervention, citing athlete dissatisfaction in an April survey, with over 95% expressing unhappiness and 77% considering leaving if equestrianism was removed. He emphasized the sport’s essence tied to horse riding, calling for a shake-up in the UIPM board and highlighting concerns about athlete and animal welfare.

In equestrian sports, a critical issue that demands focus is the welfare of our equine companions. A recent EssentiallySports Exclusive interview conducted by host Atharv Phadke with Joe Choong navigates through the intricate web of controversies surrounding horseback riding. This insightful discussion delves into the repercussions of the mistreatment incident that unfolded during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, shedding light on the aftermath and bringing attention to the lesser-known Katie Prudent Clinic Case.

Joe’s perspective on Tokyo Olympics equestrian controversy

The host delved into the controversy surrounding equestrian events at the Tokyo Olympics, explicitly highlighting the mistreatment of a horse in Tokyo 2020, prompting a subsequent rule change. In response to whether the mistreatment issue should persist and if canceling the entire event was warranted, Joe engaged in the conversation.

Joe reflected on the controversy and suggested implementing safety rules in Pentathlon to “avoid the mistreatment of animals” and to encourage rider education. Joe pointed out a crucial issue in the Olympic qualification process, where riders could qualify by jumping relatively small courses, leading to a significant jump disparity at the Games. This difference in skill level and horse quality could pose challenges for athletes on the big stage. He advocated for nurturing riding skills from a young age, starting under 19 or under 21, to ensure proficiency as a senior athlete. Despite his belief, Joe expressed disappointment in the decisions made by the IOC and UIPM, which did not align with the proposed changes.

Controversial Katie Prudent Clinic Soundbites

When further asked about another controversy surrounding the Katie Prudent Clinic, the discussion unfolded, shedding light on actions taken by the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) in response to concerns raised. The controversy stemmed from a 2.5-minute video compilation featuring soundbites from Katie Prudent’s lessons during a USEF Horsemastership Training Series clinic, which garnered widespread attention on social media.

Read More: Equestrian Governing Body Addresses Controversy Surrounding Katie Prudent Clinic Case

The USEF, acknowledging the concerns but clarifying that there were no complaints from the directly involved parties, responded by removing “problematic clips” from the archived video, aiming to align with their values. Amid this discussion, Joe expressed interest, prompting Atharv to explain that the controversy involved an unconventional training method where some riders claimed that horses needed a “good backing year.”

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