Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Whispers about the future of Michael Jung’s super horse La Biosthetique Sam FBW have been swirling following a remark he made at a press conference in the lead up to Stuttgart German Masters. Michael clarified to Horse & Hound that his 17-year-old partner will continue competing, with an eye on Badminton 2018 and without the demands of team competition.
The double Olympic champion was meant to conclude his season at Pau CCI4* following a surprise late entry last month, but Michael elected to withdraw Sam before dressage when he wasn’t quite right before their test.
Michael also retired Sam on course at Burghley after the horse incurred the first jumping penalties of his illustrious international career. Forgoing championships means Sam can still compete at the highest level “so he doesn’t have the pressure” of needing to complete for the team, Michael explained. Click here to read his full comments on Horse & Hound.
Sam was meant to take a step back from competing at championships last season, but a late injury to fischerTakinou saw Michael once again look to his longtime partner for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. At 16 years old, Sam received the call up to defend his Olympic title and delivered, finishing on his dressage score to win individual gold for the second time in his career.
In addition to his two individual Olympic gold medals, Sam also won individual gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. He also has Olympic team gold and silver medals, won individual and team gold at the 2009 European Championships, and finished as the 7-year-old Reserve World Champion at Le Lion d’Angers in 2007.
We look forward to continue cheering for Sam at the biggest competitions in the world.
[Michael Jung on his superstar’s future: ‘If Sam feels well, he’ll do Badminton 2018’]
