Sturdy Sammy turned 42 Jan 1, 2000. At San Francisco's Golden Gate Park Stables since 1972 Sammy patiently taught thousands of kids to ride, groom and muck up after him. Gentle with kids, he never tossed or rubbed anyone off. He walked, trotted and cantered thousands of laps around the ring. He stood patiently as new riders fumbled with brushes, curry combs and hoof picks. He bloated his belly as the saddle came out and obliged when clumsy hands pushed a cold snaffle bit into his mouth. He stood as riders big and small pulled themselves up into the English saddle, kicking his belly and pulling on his mouth often at the same time. Retired from teaching, Sammy soaks up sun and attention from fans sharing Sammy lore. He's so handsome and smart. What a smooth trot and canter, how he loved kids. Clip-clopping along the pavement he's slow but steady. He turns like a wide load but picks up pace on the straightaway.
No one knows Sammy's parents or birthplace. Part quarter horse, he spent his early years ranching. Doing no fancy moves, he's a steady, reliable blue-collar horse. His favorite caper was to break free from the corral and lead other horses to the park for fast romps, pursued by frantic stable hands. Senior citizen Sammy doesn't have a sway back. His once-black nose is dusted white. Fed hay at 5 a m, noon and 5 p m along with rice bran and rolled barley mixed with sugar beets soaked overnight, his eyes are sharp from carrots he chomps with his own teeth. Every 6 weeks he sees a farrier who works with older horses afflicted with founder, inflammation of the feet. Like most elders Sammy relies on pills: Thyro-L for hypothyroid, Isoxsuprine and Permax for founder, aspirin for pain, antibiotics for broken molars, and vitamin supplements. His longevity is attributed to good care and feeding and being turned out each day with his equine amour Cadbury. They groom each other, frolic and rest, sometimes standing there goofy in love, resting their necks on each other. If one is turned out without the other the one stands at the fence staring.