Key Organizations Sign Historic Commitment to Equestrian Multi-Sport

Edited Press Release from the the Pony Club International Alliance and the International Pentathlon Association

November 13, 2024—The Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) and the International Pentathlon Association (IPA) have signed an agreement to work together to develop, promote, and manage equestrian multi-sport.

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 (horseback riding, swimming, running, and pistol shooting). 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 organizations will work together to embrace the world’s best practices in athlete safety and animal welfare, ensuring that competition logistics are appropriate to the level of ability and training of athletes and horses.

“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,” said Ben Duke (USA), Chairman of the PCIA. “Competition and sport with our equine partners builds 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 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,” said Watson. “To become a competent tetrathlete or pentathlete is a life achievement. IPA is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with PCIA.”

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