I'd like for you to meet Samson.
Samson belongs to Doc, a good friend of ours. He used to be a carriage horse in Bricktown (OKC).
Once upon a time I worked for Doc. He is one of my favorite people, and the one I am always making my No Bake Cookies for. Anyway, Doc introduced McD to the life of a Teamster. We bought one of his teams of draft horses, and he taught McD to drive them, work with them, etc. He has one of the softest hearts of anyone I know.
When Doc saw Samson he knew he needed a new home. He bought Samson, a harness, and a wagon. Samson has to look like a completely different horse now, because Doc said he has gained around 300 pounds since he has had him. He was kept in a dry lot, and walked on asphalt all night long. Now, he is kept in a pasture, walks on grass unless he is in a parade, and is spoiled rotten.
When we got to Doc's house we drove straight to the barn. He was getting Samson out of one pasture and was leading him to the barn. I was so excited that I had my camera with me. I will have to get the photo of Doc on here next time. He was so proud to smile at the camera. It is a really good Kodak moment, but not the best photo. I will post it anyway, just because.
Anyway, Samson is a Belgian horse, and is approximately 19 hands. Can you say HUGE?!?!?
McD is being the Horse Whisperer here.
Samson was walking around the barn, trying to figure out what I had stuck to my face (the camera) and waiting for some hay. He didn't have a lead rope on him or anything, he just followed us around like a dog. A very LARGE dog. :) Doc is trying to get him used to sleigh bells. This Christmas they will be taking some folks Christmas caroling, and Sam will be pulling the carolers in a very nice wagon. But he will be wearing bells as he makes his way around to the different neighborhoods, and he needs to be used to that sound before they load the wagon. :) They don't need a runaway that is for sure.
This is one of my favorite shots. Look how big Samson's head is. I think his name is fitting.
Awww... he's so cute. He's huge but cute.
Posted by: Amy J in SC | November 04, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Wow Julie - he is GORGEOUS. (And the horse ain't bad either.)
:-)
BB
PS Adore that last photo...
Posted by: Bush Babe | November 04, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Re: [Another Chance Ranch] Amy J in SC submitted a comment to 'Samson'.
Thanks Amy! He is so cute, and sweet too. In a way I wish he were mine, but I wouldnât want his feed bill. :)
Posted by: Julie | November 04, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Re: [Another Chance Ranch] Bush Babe submitted a comment to 'Samson'.
BB â you crack me up! I love it. That last photo is my favorite of McD and Samson together. I will find the one with Doc, McD, and Samson and post it tomorrow. It is just too cute. Have a great day my friend!
Posted by: Julie | November 04, 2009 at 10:49 PM
He is beautiful for sure. I'd like to put my face in his mane and snuggle.
we have some friends up in the Blues (mtns) that have one of these.. I took some photos of her a few years ago and her sidekick the donkey.
Posted by: Pamela | November 04, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Re: [Another Chance Ranch] Pamela submitted a comment to 'Samson'.
Oh Pamela you just made me think of something. When we first met Doc he had a miniature donkey named Chico. He was a cutie, and when Shrek came out he became âDonkeyâ to me. He passed on several years ago, but he is buried here on the ranch and we will never forget him. :) I am sure I have photos of him somewhere.
Posted by: Julie | November 04, 2009 at 11:02 PM
What a beautiful horse! I'm so glad your friend found and bought him. He looks like he is well cared for and loving his new life.
Posted by: Jenni in KS | November 05, 2009 at 06:59 AM
What a sweety!
I raise Miniature horses, imagine my 27" mare beside him???? That would be a cute photo. Of course to get him all in, you'd have to stand back so far you wouldn't be able to see the little one!!
Posted by: Mary Stewart | November 05, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Aww! I love draft horses they are gentle giants. I love the photos you took. Good luck to Sampson with the sleigh bells.
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
Posted by: Spruce Hill | November 05, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Samson is incredible. I cannot begin to imagine what he looked like when Doc got him if he's gained 300 pounds(!) since.
WOW. Samson is seriously gorgeous. Looks like he has a great home now.
Good luck with the sleigh balls. That ride will be a treat for the carolers.
Posted by: ArkansasCyndi | November 05, 2009 at 02:14 PM
What a gorgeous animal! THANK YOU to Doc for rescuing him and giving him a more normal life.
Posted by: leslie | November 05, 2009 at 03:44 PM
He is beautiful, Julie! I love draft horses.
Posted by: Robin | November 07, 2009 at 04:59 PM