On April 7, 2022 we said goodbye to Samson. We estimate that he lived to be 27 years of age – a good age for a horse of his size and history. Samson came to us on March 7, 2013. We purchased him from a woman near Barrie who had picked him up at auction. We were told that Samson had previously worked on an Amish farm and that he was in his late teens. When he could no longer keep up with the pace that was expected of him – his former humans sent him to auction.
Samson was a very large, very powerful horse with a massive heart of gold and a gentle spirit. When he arrived at the farm, his mane had been shaved off and his tail was chopped short. His nose would bleed if he was excited and ran with the herd. He was cautious around people. He had skin issues that required treatment. He simply needed time to recover and heal from a life of hard work.
Once he settled, Samson became a herd favourite. He bonded with his herd members and was particularly fond of Raven and Blue, two Clydesdale mares that call the farm home. When Raven arrived as a yearling with another older Clydesdale, Samson took them both under his wing. When Blue’s mom passed away a few years ago, Samson stepped in to keep Blue company.
Samson would hold his ground with other herd members but did not need to be the leader. However he was a natural leader. The herd looked out for him just as he looked out for them.
Samson supported countless clients on their healing journey. Some found his presence comforting when they too were grieving a loss. Samson had big shoulders to lean on. On April 21, 2022 as part of a group from the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, we honoured the grief we were all experiencing with the loss of Samson. In circle we offered tobacco, words of gratitude and prayer and drummed for him and his spirit. When asked what they would remember from our time together, one of the participants wrote: “That pain is temporary; love is forever.” We will love you forever Samson. So much gratitude for your years of service at The Mane Intent.
About the Author
Jennifer Garland is the founder of The Mane Intent Inc. offering individual and group equine-assisted psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and equine-assisted learning programs including Health and Wellness Workshops, Individual and Team Effectiveness Coaching and Leadership Development. Jennifer provides coaching, counsel and support to individuals and groups from all walks of life to create opportunities to build productive relationships, facilitate learning and to embrace change. Learn more about Jennifer’s professional experience, lectures, awards and publications here.
For more information or to book a private virtual session with Jennifer, please call 705-295-6618 or email jgarland@themaneintent.ca
