THE SIDELINES : Horsemen Duck Cruelty Queries
Two members of the West German show jumping team today ducked questions about their involvement in alleged cruelty to horses.
German champion Otto Becker said he “was not allowed to comment” on the allegations against his employer, Paul Schockemohle, because of the police investigation into whether the three-time European champion had violated animal protection laws.
Becker arrived in Stockholm for the Show Jumping World Championships that open Tuesday.
The organizing Swedish Equestrian Federation has called for the withdrawal of Schockemohle as coach plus three nominated team members, including Becker. The move was triggered by the release this month in the German magazine, Stern, of a videotape showing Schockemohle hitting young horses legs’ with a wooden stick over jumps. The method is banned in international competition and some countries, while allowed in others.
After the footage was shown on German television, Schockemohle was reported to police for cruelty to animals and an investigation begun.
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