09/08/2026
Yesterday, Thorberchon Farm said goodbye to a legend….Sampson, our beloved 26-year-old Percheron, passed away peacefully. 💔
Sam came to Thorberchon Farm in 2019, when Steve found him in Florida and purchased him for Dede. And from the very beginning, he was so much more than just a horse. He was a gentle giant, a teacher, a trail companion, a dressage superstar, a beach horse, a carriage horse—and a friend to just about everyone he met.
He came when Dede called him… well, most of the time. 😉 And once he decided you were his person, you had a friend for life.
Sam was nearly unflappable as a lesson horse. He carried riders from just 4 years old to well over 80, always taking care of the person on his back. He could navigate a dressage test, take a rider down the trail, walk along the beach, or hitch up to a carriage. He seemed to know exactly what was being asked of him and, more importantly, exactly what his rider needed.
His only true kryptonite? Balloons and kites. 🎈🪁 Those were apparently completely unacceptable.
And then there were the kisses. Sam was affectionately known by those closest to him as “The Gorilla” for his enormous, unmistakable lippy kisses. If Sam decided you deserved a kiss, you were getting one—whether you were ready for it or not. ❤️
Sam was good with every horse, but his bond with Max was something especially special. Max found his best friend and his safe place in Sam. Wherever Sam was, Max wanted to be nearby. Their friendship was one of those quiet, beautiful things that you never forget.
Sam stood out in a crowd—not just because he was a massive Percheron, but because of the enormous presence he carried with him. He was steady. Kind. Patient. Dependable. He made people feel safe.
He gave countless riders their first rides, their best rides, their adventures, their confidence, and their memories. He taught lessons far beyond what could ever be written in a lesson plan.
Steve found a special horse in Florida in 2019 and brought him home for Dede. None of us could have known just how much Sam would come to mean to Thorberchon Farm and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sampson wasn’t just a horse. He was and will always be a legend.
A gentle giant with a giant heart.
Thank you, Sam, for every ride, every trail, every beach adventure, every carriage ride, every lesson, every lippy kiss, and every person and horse you made feel safe.
Run free, Sam. You will be missed more than words can say. ❤️🐴
**Kellie started a google album of Sam. Please feel free to enjoy the photos and add more.**
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