03/19/2026
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of our retired Mounted Division horses.
Jennifer, who had Samson from birth, shared a unique and profound bond with him, as he was her first horse. They served together with within the department for eight years. Regrettably, Samson had been battling Cushing's disease for the past five years. Despite a courageous fight, he ultimately succumbed to the illness on March 4th, 2026.
We believe that Jennifer's own words best capture Samson's essence, and with her permission, we have reproduced her tribute from her page.
Samson was my first horse that I officially owner by myself. He was a Paso Fino, bred from a stallion in Pennsylvania from Rick Schaffer just before I moved to Sturgis. He was born in 2005 as a brown c**t, but as years went on, he dappled gray and eventually was all white. I always described his personality to people as curious George and Dennis the Menace. A total boy, that loved being dirty, and was a horse only a mother could love. He loved getting into things and was too smart for his own good. He was my Mounted Division horse for 8 years, and many have seen him "dance" in the parades. His feet moving a mile a minute, but going nowhere fast. His ride was always so smooth it was like I was floating in the saddle. During his 20 years with me we did some mounted shooting, lots of trail rides, some cow sorting, a few local shows and he helped many kids andnadults get their feet wet with riding. He got used in 4H and Equestrian team and did pretty well. Unfortunately he developed EMS (equine metabolic syndrome) and later Cushing's. We battled the Cushing's for about 5 years with medicine but that takes a toll on the body. He would go through periods of really sore feet, but eventually pull through, but this time it just wasn't getting better. I had to make the hardest decision a horse owner has....so I told him he has to know that I love him so much. He has to know that. I always told him I wouldn't give up on him if he didn't give up. But I don't think he would have ever given up. And that means he would be suffering a lot. He still whinnied at me even when in pain and still was "him" right up to the end. 😭 I laid with him and just held him for quite some time hoping the hurt would somehow go away. You will never be forgotten Samson. And the next one has some very big shoes to fill so keep watch over us and tell Thor and CQ hi when you see them. You now get to eat all the green grass you want buddy.
Thank you for pulling through last spring when you're front feet hurt so bad because we had the best summer ever. You will forever be in our wedding pictures because you walked me around the pond to marry the man of my dreams. I love you Sammy.....
End of watch 3.4.26. Rest easy now.