Sacred Samurai, most often called Sam, has also been given the nickname “Clifford” because his roll in the barn as The Big Red Dog is an adored one! As a young, green horse, they just don’t come better than this. Sam lives out 24/7 and is a super easy keeper who gets along with everybody in the herd but truly loves to be in a stall where passers by cannot help but snuggle his adorably large head and feed him cookies. Personality aside, he is a big beautiful presence wherever he goes, and is always turning heads.
Sam came to OTS in July of 2022 to rehab a tendon injury for his racing connections, with a full recovery and return to racing expected. With the realization of a lengthy rehab time ahead of them, his connections then opted to retire him and OTS was lucky and VERY excited to take over ownership of such a well bred, handsome and good minded off track prospect!
After a careful and thorough rehab Sam started his transition to off track life in early 2023. He has approached every day since with a great attitude and curiosity about what he’s learning. He is smart and quick to pick up on everything. Sam brought home all of the blue ribbons at his first show (dressage) in March of 2023, where he acted like a complete professional and put in two fantastic intro level tests. He also had a great experience at his first Mini Trial in May of that year where he navigated the XC like a seasoned pro after very little preparation!
In August of 2023 Sam started to show subtle signs of soreness behind and after lengthy exploration with little explanation, was turned out with what is presumed to have been a strain in a large gluteal muscle. After the prescribed time off, Sam continued to wait in que for a training spot to come available. With more than enough rehab time he finally came back to training in early spring of 2024.
Returning slowly and carefully to training, Sam is sound and without limitations He has since dabbled in all of the things! He’s had lots of thoughtful flat work, XC schooling with a Junior rider and more show experience visiting big venues! He has brought home multiple ribbons in HUGE open 2’ beginner horse divisions at WEC in June and placed 2nd in the 2’6” TB Hunters at KHJA Fall Classic at the KHP, Sam has been learning the hunter job, and doing it well, to add to his many hats and continues to bring home impressive ribbons as judges everywhere just cannot seems to resist him! He has yet to experience the hunt field but has the brain for it and will likely be a star at that too!
Sam is a straight forward ride and has even been a good horse for students to learn on. Although he is an absolute gem, he is still young and green and extremely athletic with a big jump so he would not be suitable for a timid rider. He has been xc schooled and competed by an experienced 11 yr old rider. He is an all around good egg who could be anybody you want him to be! Eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers or fox hunter. There’s truly nothing he’s not good at or wouldn’t be happy to do for his rider. He is inquisitive but brave and never says no to anything. He’s still living in the back field, without a stall and thriving with somewhat intermittent training, but would love to become someone’s full time unicorn and be doted on daily.
