A SOLUTION has been paved for athletes who want to continue to compete in pentathlon which includes the equestrian element. This follows a “historic agreement” between the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) and the International Pentathlon Association (IPA) who have agreed to work together to develop promote and manage equestrian multi-sport.

The UIPM, the international governing body for modern pentathlon, removed the riding element from the sport after distressing scenes at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. The Paris Games this summer was the last to feature show jumping and, going forward, despite severe backlash from athletes, it will be replaced by obstacle racing for Los Angeles 2028.

In a joint statement, the organisations said: “Equestrian multi-sport combines horse riding with other athletic disciplines such as running and swimming. PCIA has a strong tradition of international participation and competition in Tetrathlon (horse riding, swimming, running and pistol shooting) and IPA has been formed to develop the aspirations of young athletes who wish to participate in Pentathlon (horse riding, swimming, running, pistol shooting and fencing).

“Working together, PCIA and IPA will promote pathways for athletes of all ages and abilities to explore harmonious relationships with horses and athletic performance for fun and fitness in activities and competition across: Aquathon – Run/Swim, Equathon - Run/Swim/Ride, Tetrathlon – Run/Swim/Ride/Shoot, Pentathlon – Run/Swim/Ride/Shoot/Fence.

“Both organisations will work together to embrace world’s best practice in athlete safety and animal welfare ensuring that competition logistics are appropriate to the level of ability and training of athletes and horses.”

Promote

Ben Duke (USA), chairman of the PCIA, commented: “The PCIA mission is to create opportunities to support equine education, friendship, and leadership across the world, and this association with IPA allows us to support and promote multi-sport equestrian activities for our members.

“Competition and sport with our equine partners build character, unique athletic skills, and sportsmanship. Working with IPA will encourage global participation, and we are pleased to collaborate with IPA to further these goals.”

PCIA and IPA will share rules and technical information and combine on national and international competition including a possible international equestrian multi-sport games.

Former pentathlete and triple Olympian, Alex Watson (AUS), who is a Director of IPA, supported Ben Duke’s comments.

“Athletes of all ages and abilities from around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy participation at the local Pony Club level through to regional, national and even international competition in exciting sport testing their horse riding skills and personal athletic ability. To become a competent tetrathlete or pentathlete is a life achievement. IPA is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with PCIA,” Watson commented.

As part of the agreement, the organisations will form an integrated PCIA-IPA Equestrian Multi-Sport Committee to develop, promote and manage competition, technical information and rules.