The Scoop was saddened to hear of the passing of Sam I Am Jose. On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the World and World Grand Champion passed away from sepsis after undergoing emergency colic surgery. The incredibly talented stallion was entered to contend for more World Championship honors in the Four-Year-Old Stallions division at this year’s Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
At the time of his passing, Sam I Am Jose had captured 18 blues and was undefeated his Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old years of competition. In 2021, the beautiful black stallion and Dr. Ann Rea won a World Grand Championship in the Amateur Two Year Old Stallions division. The following year, Alex Rea took the reins and won World Championship and World Grand Championship honors in the Amateur Three Year Old Stallions division. For his entire career, “Sam” was trained and cared for by Tanner Burks of Victory Farm. Because Victory Farm was the only home “Sam” ever knew, it appropriately became his final resting place where his memory will live on forever. The Scoop sends our condolences to the Rea Family and his Victory Farm barn family.