Meet Samson: A Brumby Who Stole My Heart (and Could Steal Yours, Too)

I never expected him to stay.

Samson was supposed to be passing through—one of the many wild brumbies I’ve worked with, destined for a brighter future with someone else. He came to me as part of my contract to supply brumbies for a brumby safari clinic. Normally, these horses find homes or move on to other roles after gentling and training.

But Samson’s path took an unexpected turn.

When the vet arrived to geld him, we discovered he’s a cryptorchid—meaning one of his testicles hadn’t descended. It’s not uncommon, but it makes the surgery more invasive and expensive. Suddenly, the brumby safari rejected him; the cost was too high, the risk too great.

Great things come in small chestnut packages ❤

With limited options, I tried everything to rehome him. He was even listed for free at one point. But no one came forward. No one wanted the little chestnut brumby with the extra surgical bill attached to his name.

And so, a date was made for Samson to go to the doggers.

---

💔

I wasn’t planning to attend the clinic this year, but something in me couldn’t let go. I decided to bring Samson anyway, holding onto a shred of hope that maybe, just maybe, someone would see in him what I hadn’t yet discovered myself.

And then everything changed.

We didn’t get along at first. He tested me, pushed me, mirrored parts of myself I didn’t want to see. I lost almost a whole day of training because my attitude needed to change. It wasn’t Samson who was resistant—it was me.

But the moment I let go of control and truly listened to him, something beautiful unfolded.

Samson shifted. I shifted.

And suddenly… we were partners.

He followed me willingly over tarps and under streamers.

He climbed giant tyres, trusting me to guide him up and back down again.

He looked at me with complete trust—a trust I hadn’t earned until that moment.

This wild little brumby, once destined for the slaughterhouse, had become one of the most incredible horses I’ve ever met. He’s soft, intelligent, kind… a big teddy bear of a horse who just needed someone to believe in him.

And now? I can’t imagine my life without him.

A New Chapter: Samson’s Purpose in the Herd

Brumbies like Samson aren’t just wild horses—they’re teachers, healers, mirrors of the human soul. And Samson has already begun showing me exactly how powerful his presence will be.

He has a gentle way of holding space, and I see this being especially powerful for those who are timid or uncertain. Samson is only around 2 to 3 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. He’s curious, intelligent, and emotionally present—the kind of horse who can form deep, healing connections.

I’d love nothing more than to integrate him into my Equine Explorers and Sacred Hooves programs, helping children learn confidence, empathy, and calm through horse connection.

But until he’s gelded, he can’t safely or ethically join these group settings, especially when working closely with children and other horses. His surgery is not optional—it’s essential for his wellbeing and his ability to become a safe, grounded member of the herd.

This is where your support means the world.

Every dollar donated gets us one step closer to not only ensuring Samson’s long, healthy life—but to enabling him to fulfil the beautiful role he’s meant for. He has the heart of a teacher, and the trust we’ve built is just the beginning of the work he could do in this lifetime.

If Samson’s story has touched your heart, please consider supporting his journey.

And if his story has inspired you to consider homing a brumby of your own, I’d be happy to connect you with trusted contacts—there are so many horses just like Samson waiting for their second chance.

Why His Story Matters (and How You Can Help)

Brumbies like Samson are often caught in the middle of Australia’s wild horse management debates. Thousands are culled each year in regions like the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park—often through aerial shooting or mass roundups.

It’s a divisive issue: some see them as pests, others as icons of Australian heritage. But what’s often forgotten are the individual stories behind these herds.

Samson isn’t “just another brumby.” He’s a life, a spirit, a being with so much to give.

Unfortunately, because of his cryptorchid condition, Samson needs a specialised surgery to ensure his health and wellbeing. This procedure is much more expensive than a standard gelding—and right now, I’m asking for help to make it happen.

If you’ve been moved by his story, would you consider contributing to Samson’s surgery fund? Every dollar goes directly towards giving him a safe, healthy, and happy future.

Every contribution counts.

You can donate via our GoFundMe page or reach out to me directly if you’d like to know more.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing his story is another powerful way to help. The more people who know about Samson, the better chance we have to change the narrative around brumbies like him.

A Hope for All Brumbies

Samson’s journey reminds me that no horse is beyond hope. Sometimes, the most unlikely connections are the ones that change us forever.

There are better ways forward than culling and disposal. With compassion, patience, and the right resources, brumbies can be gentled, guided, and integrated into meaningful lives alongside humans.

Samson has proven that—and now I want to give him the life he deserves.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me give this beautiful boy a second chance.

With love,

Jess 🐴