It’s always inspiring to see celebrities step up to help animals. These compassionate stars use their influence to rescue animals and set a good example for their fans.
Now, one major sitcom star is making an effort to adopt an abused horse who was recently the subject of an Olympics controversy.
People around the world watched the Tokyo Olympics this month, but one moment went viral not for the impressive athleticism on display but an apparent abuse of a horse named Saint Boy.
According to Reuters, Germany modern pentatholon coach Kim Raisner repeatedly punched a horse, and encouraged rider Annika Schleu to “really hit” the horse if it refused to jump.
The punching, caught on television cameras, was met with immediate controversy and backlash, both from viewers and officials.
The Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) disqualified Raisner from the men’s individual competition and the remainder of the Olympic games.
“Her actions were deemed to be in violation of the UIPM Competition Rules, which are applied to all recognized Modern Pentathlon competitions including the Olympic Games,” they wrote in a statement.
Alfons Hoermann, Germany’s Olympic team chief, agreed it was unacceptable.
“We were all in agreement that the coach will not be at the competition on Saturday,” Hoermann said, according to Reuters. “We also consider that an urgent review of the incident is necessary, especially in terms of animal protection, and that the national and international federations draw their conclusions.”
But while the coach faced consequences for being so harsh on the horse, some animal lovers want to see the Saint Boy taken out of their hands altogether — and one celebrity has offered to make a deal.
Actress Kaley Cuoco is best known as one of the stars of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory. She also currently stars on HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, for which she is nominated for an Emmy Award.
What you might not know is that Cuoco is an avid horseback rider. She is married to equestrian Karl Cook, and the two care for a number of horses.
“I have six horses, and they have been the biggest blessing in my life,” she said in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. “Horseback riding is why I’m so centered, especially in this business. I wouldn’t have my career without it.”
And as an equestrian and horse lover, she was outraged by the treatment of Saint Boy by the Olympic coach, and expressed her feelings on Instagram.
“I feel it’s my duty and heart to comment on this disgrace… This is not Olympic show jumping,” Cuoco wrote in her Instagram stories, according to 7News. “This is a disgusting, classless, abusive representation of our sport in so many ways. This team should be ashamed of themselves.”
“You and your team did not do your county proud, or this sport. You make us look bad. Shame on you and godspeed to any animal that comes in contact with you.”
But Cuoco went even further: she offered to buy the horse.
“I’ll buy that horse outright and show it the life it should have. Name your price,” Cuoco wrote.
It’s very clear that Cuoco loves horses and knows how to care for them. If anyone is fit to give this horse a better home, it’s her.
It’s not clear if the German team is considering Cuoco’s offer, but it’s inspiring that she is stepping up to try and make a difference. Whatever happens, we hope this horse gets treated better.
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