For the first time since the dispute over selling WEG champion La Biosthetique Sam started in October, Sabine Kreuter has voiced her side of the story. Ms. Kreuter has written a letter to visitors on her website in which she disagrees with many of the claims by the Jungs, the German Federation, and the German media. Some of her arguments (in translation):
–The German Federation never offered 600,000 Euros for her 60% share of Sam
–There have been no other offers from a German sponsor or the Jung family
–She would consider selling Sam to the German Federation
–That the legal battle after she took Sam from Michael’s stable cost her 25,000 Euros in a losing effort
–The Jungs’ 40% ownership of Sam was a “gift” five years ago
–The Jungs have kept the prize money won on Sam and Michael has benefited from sponsorship and advertising dollars as a result of riding Sam[www.blutundbuschpferde.de via LD]
As with all disputes, it’s no surprise to be getting different versions of the story from each side and the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Throughout the past few months, it has seemed like there was a difference between what the Jung side has offered and rumored offers from other prospective buyers. Ms. Kreuter was restricted from selling Sam until an agreement between her and the Jungs expired on December 31st. So, unless the Jungs can find more money to offer, it looks like Ms. Kreuter is now free to sell Sam to the highest bidder, assuming a higher bidder exists.
This is just the latest development in a long series of recent high profile disputes between owners and riders. From the Totilas sale, to the Henny mess, to the Sam situation, it seems like the pressures of high horse values and weak or nonexistent contracts are crushing some relationships between owners and riders. Similar public disputes are reaching into the ranks of non-WEG advanced horses, including the recent Coal Creek thread on the Chronicle Forums. All of these situations are and should be terrifying for owners and riders alike, but hopefully this fear will necessitate improvement in communication and contracts between owners and riders. #FreeHenny
