Samourai du Thot goes into early retirement
One of the most successful eventing horses "Samourai du Thot" has to retire early at the beginning of April 2021. Together with his rider Julia Krajewski they could already win the CCI5*-L of Luhmühlen, among others.
Full of sadness, Julia Krajewski announces on Instagram: "He has often shown me what a fighter he is," writes the junior national coach. "But to have witnessed how he never gave up during this bad time for him, forces me even more admiration for my little Pocket Rocket."
The 15-year-old Selle Francais gelding had a severe infection in his eye. To save his life, his eye had to be completely removed. This meant the sporting end for the Olympic participant.
The gelding, known as "Sam" in the stable, is one of the most successful eventing horses in Germany. Thus, the two could twice become German champions (2018, 2019).
But in the life of the pair also showed not so rosy times.
This certainly includes the European Championships in Strzegom 2017. First, the two had a refusal in the cross-country test.
Then came the shock!
In the doping control, a non-permitted agent was found in the blood of Sam. Through this, the German team was deprived of the silver medal.
Also at the Olympic Games it went for the pair not one hundred percent. In the cross-country there was again a refusal and the German team finished "only" 2nd.
Nevertheless, Samourai du Thot and Julia Krajewski won a total of 18 out of 56 starts and placed among the top 5 40 times.
Also the team of EQUILEC wishes Sam all the best for his retirement!
