La Biosthetique Sam FWB
La Biosthetique Sam FBW and Michael Jung
La Biosthetique Sam FBW is the first and only horse ever to hold World, European and Olympic titles simultaneously.
He is undoubtedly the greatest Eventing horse of a generation and possibly the greatest horse ever.
The Legendary Journey of Eventing Superstar Sam
In the annals of eventing, few names resonate as powerfully as that of La Biosthetique-Sam FBW and his rider, Michael Jung. Their partnership, marked by unparalleled achievements and a deep bond, set new standards in the sport and captivated audiences worldwide.
The Dynamic Duo
Sam and Jung first partnered in the early 2000s, building an impressive record of victories before Sam retired at the age of 18 in 2018. Their dominance was particularly evident around the time of their double gold triumph at the 2012 London Olympics, where they proved themselves unbeatable.
Sam’s Early Life
Born in 2000 to broodmare Halla and Irish Thoroughbred Stan The Man in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Sam's early life hinted at his future greatness. Despite being rejected by the stallion licensing committee in Marbach for lacking quality, Sam was purchased at auction by Sabina Kreuter for $10,000. Kreuter later recommended him to the young German eventing talent Michael Jung.
Sam’s potential began to shine through when he and Jung clinched the world championship for six-year-olds at Lion d’Angers in 2006.
La Biosthetique Sam FBW
Sam,
Sam FBW
Major Achievements
The partnership between Sam and Jung spanned over a decade, marked by numerous accolades. They secured three Olympic gold medals and a silver at the 2012 and 2016 Games, including the Team and Individual double in London and Individual gold and Team silver in Rio. They also made history by becoming the first pair to hold all three major titles simultaneously: gold at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, the 2011 FEI European Championships in Luhmühlen, and the 2012 Olympics.
Competing in 10 four-star events, they won four, placed second twice, and finished third three times. Highlights of Sam’s career include victories at Burghley in 2015 and Badminton in 2016, where they set a record for the event’s lowest-ever winning score.
La Biosthetique Sam FBW Pedigree Chart by SporthorseData
La Biosthetique Sam FBW Pedigree Chart by SporthorseData
Sam’s Unique Personality
Sam was known for his remarkable energy and intelligence. Described as “absolutely special and awesome” by Sabrina Zetsche, a groom at Jung’s stables, Sam’s vigor was particularly evident at the Rio 2016 medal ceremony, where he was so energetic that his groom had to lunge him in the arena while other horses were exhausted.
William Fox-Pitt, a frequent competitor against Jung and Sam, noted that while Sam might have seemed ordinary in all phases, his ability to consistently perform flawlessly made him unbeatable. Jung’s dedication to training and deep understanding of Sam’s abilities were key to their success.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite their success, Sam faced challenges, particularly with his feet, which kept him out of much of the 2013 season and the 2014 WEG. Former German team trainer Chris Bartle revealed that Sam was not the most fluent into water and would often hesitate or hang a leg. A rigorous training regime combining cross-country schooling with flatwork ensured that Sam responded to Jung’s body language effortlessly.
Their achievements culminated in the Rolex Grand Slam at Badminton in 2016, following a Burghley win in 2015. Despite some nerve-wracking moments, Jung’s skill and Sam’s reliability shone through, earning high praise from commentators and judges alike.
Reflections on Sam’s Legacy
Sam’s final performance took place at Badminton in May 2018, where he and Jung finished 10th. His retirement was officially announced in October of that year. Reflecting on Sam’s career, Jung recalled the stallion licensing committee’s initial assessment: “He is non-descript, his head is too big, he has no presence and a funny jumping technique!” Jung’s response: “Didn’t he do well?! For me, the greatest.”
Jung also remarked: "He is a special personality and a very good friend to me. I think no horse is better than him.” Chris Bartle attributed Sam’s success to his courage and energy rather than natural talent, stating, “It’s 75 percent Michael and 25 percent Sam’s heart. But Sam’s heart counts for a lot.”
Judges and course designers alike have praised the duo. American judge Marilyn Payne, who first judged them at the 2010 Kentucky WEG, was impressed by their harmony and accuracy. Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith noted how they grew in confidence over time.
In summary, the partnership between Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW is a testament to the power of synergy, dedication, and exceptional training. Their legacy in the world of eventing is unparalleled, and their story will continue to inspire future generations of riders and horses.
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14/Jul/2024
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