From Penny Austin - "It is with sadness that I report the passing of the best horse ever - Bourbon Sambuca - or Sam as he was affectionately known to all who loved him.  He belonged to my dear friend Lindsay and her daughter Brooke.  Sam was just shy of the 30 year mark - and had dealt with Cushings for at least the last decade or more, and had foundered once.

      Sam taught more kids (big and small - young and old) to ride than I can probably count - myself being one of them at the tender age of 50.  Up until about the last 6 months or so, Sam was actively still teaching kids to ride.

      I rode this little Arab on our trail ride in East Fork TN a couple of years ago - 15 miles of straight up and straight down - Sam never took a mistep and  was trotting happily even at the end.

I've only been in two horse shows - both times, I rode Sam.  The first show was at the MORAB Nationals a couple of years ago - a walk trot class (Sam was still working on teaching me to Canter).  This veteran of the show ring knew a split second BEFORE the announcer called for the trot - and those who were watching said they saw me laughing at him as he picked up the trot (he knew it was coming) before it was called for.  We took a third place - I'll treasure that ribbon forever.

     The second show I rode Sam in was a fun show where most of the entries were these wild, so-so broke racking horses.  Folks came down out of the hills, I think on their horses.  There was Sam - this little Arabian, and I.  Mane and tail braided, boots and hooves polished.  All appropriate Engish riding attire and gear.  It was a walk and "favorite gait" class to accommodate those racking horses.  And it was a HUGE class - so there we were trotting and trotting and trotting - Sam would just roll his eyes and snort in disgust as the racking horses passed him on both sides.  When it came time to reverse - Sam, in his infinite wisdom, headed for the inside of the arena - smart boy - shorter distance :)  As we stood there lined up before the judges at the end.  The folks sitting in the stands in front of us - started laughing and pointing at him.  Sam, apparently, disgusted with the whole racking horse display was evidently making faces at the horses on either side of him.

     Sam's ribbons and trophies over the years would probably fill up a good size tack room.  THe hearts and lives he touched over the years - well there's no space big enough to hold all of those memories.

Fly with the angels - sweet Sam -arching your neck and blowing like the king of Araby racing across the sands of my memory.  I will miss you - I will remember you forever."

Penny pictured above with Sam at the Pioneer Horse Show in Harrodsburg KY

Sam pictured with his National Champion rider, Michealina Livolsi

A letter written by Lindsay Hunter to Sam's former owner, Allison Ball - "Please don't grieve over Sam, although he will be sorely missed around here, we will have nothing but great memories and stories to share about our experiences riding him, caring for him and loving him, and he was a smart little horse with a big heart that gave so much pleasure to everyone that came into contact with him over the years, and the span of years was many. I was surprised to learn that Ann Bowdan , his almost first owner, is now 39, she  and Sam came to me when he was 3 turning 4 and Ann was 11, and it was Ann and her dedication that started him down a path strewn with blues, reds, yellows and tri-colors.Part of this period he was under Harold Rainwater's supervision at PleasantView Farm, which evolved later into the Asbury Equine Program.
        Then it made me feel old to learn that you are now 29, as is Bianca, so the two of you , along with quite a few Silverstone students from 2 to 20, also rode Sam during that period, earning yet more horse show blues and wonderful memories. Then for years, Brooke (now 22) showed him on the local and Regional Arabian shows, and he added to his coffers of trophies, ribbons and wonderful anecdotes. Since then, he has been a grand horse to everyone of his riders, whether it was on a trail in Tennessee, hugging the rail at Pioneer Saddle Club where he was well known for 25 years, winning a National Championship in 10 and under with tiny 45 lb Michaelina Livolsi, just 7, or Penny, debuting at her first ever show and trusting Sam to carry her thru , which of course he did.
      So, the reverse question mark and three distinctive white socks are now at rest, but his memory will live on through all of his fans.I plan to write down a bit more extensive account of his numerous stories that we will put up on my website and other meaningful places, and a photo collage (photo's, anyone?) that will be framed."

Sam with Nicholas Demond at Pioneer 2007 - Nicholas' first horse he ever rode

From long-time rider, Kim Ammeter

"So sorry to hear about Sam, he was one in million.
 
Sam was a wonderful, almost magical horse.   I have so many fond memories of him.   He always tried to make his rider look good no matter what their level of expertise.  I always enjoyed my lessons on Sam, he gave me and his other riders such a sense of confidence and accomplishment.   I remember a couple of times when he had young, inexperienced riders – who had not yet developed their seat and had no contact with him – and at a trot or canter totally lost their seat and just fell off.   Sam would never panic, but instead would come to an abrupt halt.   He just stopped in his tracks, then look at you with his big eyes as if to say “I was not responsible for that mishap!”  
 
I remember his birthday party and how much he simply enjoyed being the center of attention – knowing how good he looked and that everyone was there just for him.   He was such a sweet horse with a HUGE fan club.  He may have resembled Secretariat in appearance – but in disposition, ability, showing, and in our hearts, he surpassed Secretariat.  Not to mention the fact that he was a cute little Arabian!" 

Sam at 28 years old, still with a little devil in him!

Above photos by Michael Yarberry 2008

From rider Diana Staab

"Reading all the glowing reminiscences on the website helped me get to know all about Sam, while sitting by a box of tissues.  Since I only knew Sam toward the end of his life, I feel like such a newcomer to his world.  It was clear to me just how special he was by the way Lindsey spoke of him.   My reasons for coming to love him are not much different than all the other riders who knew Sam. 
 
This cute Arab gelding carried my grandsons for a short ride this past summer & was the horse upon whom I first cantered after 30+ years out of the saddle.  My only lesson with Sam lasted about an hour.  I had been riding for some months, building back strength, balance on Brite Eyes, a lovely blue-eyed mare.   Lindsey wanted me to ride Sam for my first canter because even though I had made good progress, Sam knew how to keep me safe in his gentle & smooth canter.  And did he ever,  WOW!  It was like being in wrapped in silk.  Poetry in motion.  He was that smooth.  No wonder all sorts of kids and adults rode to blue ribbons on his back!  Am I jealous?  You bet! 
 
How could one little ol’ lesson on Sam be so memorable?  Well, first and foremost, I didn’t fall off!  Actually, I didn’t’ even feel as though that event was a possibility that is just how smooth that lovely Arab cantered.   But more than anything, he helped me remember why I loved cantering all those years ago in my youth.   His expertise in the canter allowed me to feel the proper position for my body while cantering.   Amazing that at nearly 30 years old, he was the still consummate teacher taking good care of his student.  Was this feisty Arab born to teach?  You bet!
 
There is something about Sam which I failed to realize this past summer.   Even though I knew he was in the thick of Lexington, KY horse shows for umpteen years, carrying many students, was the heights to which he soared!  Reading the tributes to Sam reinforce my feelings about this wonderful creature.  My solace is in my good fortune to have known him at all.  God Bless you, Sam.   You and Brite Eyes have earned your wings. "
 

Sam and Meredith Aker ready for Costume

The news of Sam's passing brought back many old friends. 

Here is what they had to say:

"So sorry to hear that, he had a good life though.We have great memories of him being Nicholas' first catch ride!" - Mari-Het and Thomas Demond

"He had a great life!" - Former rider Rachel Haggin

"The best horse I ever shod!" - Tony Rankin, Sam's farrier for many years