Michael Jung has been named the youngest “Master of Horses” of all time.
Pic Arnd Bronkhorst
The German event rider smiled modestly at the crowd and savoured the applause of the 8,000 spectators in the sold-out Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle as he was awarded the honour during the 32nd International Stuttgart German Masters Horse Show on Wednesday.
The honorary title is awarded by the “Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung” (FN – the German Equestrian Association) “for exceptional performances in the saddle, many years of exceptional results as a trainer of top riders and horses and an exemplary commitment for equestrianism”. The multiple eventing Olympic, World and European Champion finds himself in an illustrious circle – present riding masters are for example the Olympic Champion Ingrid Klimke, Derby winner Achaz von Buchwaldt or the former dressage champion Klaus Balkenhol.
“It means a lot to me to be awarded the title here,” said a visibly pleased “Gold Jung” who added: “I’ve waited a year so that the ceremony can take place in Stuttgart.