My Horse Journey | 10 Years... Scared to Confident

[@RideMyWay]

super cool to see someone who didn’t grow up in a horse family, cause I definitely relate to that! you such an inspiration and I love listening to your journey! 💓

[@bailey5926]

Same here ❤️✨🌈

[@ameliaquinn6541]

Same

[@juliagruba9666]

I started when I was 10

[@ameliaquinn6541]

@@juliagruba9666 I started when I was 7

[@juliagruba9666]

@@ameliaquinn6541 ok

[@shannandesh]

I loved hearing your story. I started riding two years ago as a 44 year old. I have never ridden horses and don’t come from a horse family and I just felt like YOLO. Since I”m new in my riding career, I always come from a place of worried that I’m not good enough becasue I haven’t been riding my whole life. But I feel inspired by your story and I’m going to continue to “figuring it out”. I love riding.

[@SmM33380]

Yes! I'm 41 and being with horses is a lifelong dream. I don't have much experience but I was a feeder at a therapeutic equestrian center for a year, in my 20s but they didn't allow me to ride. They laid me off and changed all the staff when it was switched to a different owner, it was devastating. Been wanting to get back into horses since. Her story is inspiring but so is yours! Its easy to feel like hope for it is lost at my age but perhaps its not!

[@littlebettyscrafts556]

Just keep going !!! It’s a tough world “kinda” because I have lived that bullying, and not feeling good about myself. I’m 49, have been injured terribly several times, and I’m just now going back out to the barn !! Never too old or too late Keep up the positive energy Best Wishes ❤️🐴

[@PatriseHenkel]

love the dark hair! on a more sober note, THANK YOU for talking about bullying at barns... the reason I didn't continue as an equestrian was the sucky barn where I was kind of stuck. I had no idea what I was missing, never had any contact with trainers, competition, or showing. Everything I learned came from the few lessons I'd had in a big city stable and what I read in books. The woman who ran the barn was surly and critical. She smacked my horse in the face once in front of me. She shamed me for being a chubby kid. I had an incredible time as a feral child riding my horse around an island with lots of open fields and farms and nature preserve - that was amazing. But I really grieve for that depressed teenager, pressured to give up my horse, and really lacking any good guidance in the horse world.

[@SamVanFleet]

I'm so sorry you experienced that. I hope you still have horses in your life now! They're special and they're healers!

[@simpliikeq]

I’m sorry 😞 bullying is the worst- I’ve found though that more laid back stables are less prone to bullying and more high end stables are more pushy and snobby sometimes (not all people but most)

[@barefootrealist246]

Yes, this spoke to me. I started riding later and my Mom had ridden jumpers, so the barn I started at was all Dressage and Hunter jumper riders. It was only the older ladies who were kind to me. One of them owned the only Spanish Barb there and the other had a Paso Fino and they were seen as odd balls also. The rest looked down on me. Snotty spoiled girls and their Moms or trainers with mostly thoroughbreds who would jump and run the hell out of their horses and throw them back in their stalls. The barn staff could be heard complaining about them and that's the only thing that kept me going back. Especially because I leased my horse as I was a city kid from a non horse family. In a hilarious turn, when I bought my first horse, we boarded her at a "cowgirl" barn and all the barrel races treated us like crap because I was a lower level event rider and it was "sissy riding." LOL. It sucks. It's an issue. The most fun I ever had was when I worked at a camp one summer with horses. It was just me and 3 young guys as guides. It was a chill and fun summer where we just played with the horses off work days.

[@lisaleilich8236]

You are an amazing young woman and a fantastic role model for women young and not so young!

[@SamVanFleet]

That’s very kind, thank you!

[@lydia535]

You are amazing, never doubt yourself. Not everyone needs college to be successful. What a life working with horses!❤️

[@janetrodriguez914]

I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now. I just came across this one right now. I really enjoyed watching your horse journey. I was the first person in my family to ever get into horses as well. I’m so glad that you persevered and kept going. Very proud of you and your work ethic. Love Lynx, happy to see you’ve kept him as your business partner. Keep going and God bless you. People who bully others are usually jealous, unhappy individuals. They somehow find satisfaction in putting down a person they secretly admire. Glad you rose above!

[@annie-jadebourgeois1004]

I never usually watch videos that long, most of the time I only watch the five first minutes, but your story is so inspiring and amazing, I watched the whole thing. I started riding when I was 15, I’m 18 now, I really want to work with horses but I keep telling myself I’m not good enough. My family are not horse people either and watching your video just gave me a boost of confidence that maybe I can make it out there, thank you💗 (I don’t usually leave comments either😅)

[@sidilicious11]

That was fascinating. What a seasoned person and trainer at a young age. She followed her passion and developed her vocation. And blossomed.

[@ellaequestriantiktoks8238]

THIS NEEDS TO BE A MOVIEEEE

[@Polopony20.]

Well i wasnt expecting to cry over this lol I have always felt 'similar' to you, but I thought it was just the "Ooo mustang, wait whats a mustang?" start you had, but hearing about your anxiety when Im finally accepting mine choked me up. Not many people talk about their struggles, especially not on a platform as big as yours, but its so helpful to hear that your idols share similar struggles.

[@SamVanFleet]

Absolutely! Anxiety basically ruled and determined my life for so long… Just in the past couple years I have gotten more confident!

[@emk7132]

Fantastic. You don’t know but you significantly impacted my life! Because of your KZbin videos, I got up the nerve to find and buy a horse again as an adult after raising my kids and pursuing career. To this day, my horse and the horse people I have met, mean so much to me. So thank you for being you and sharing yourself and all you do with us!!

[@SamVanFleet]

I love this! ❤️

[@debbiecurtis4146]

Your story is a lot like mine - except I don't think there were Mustang opportunities back in the '60's and '70's when I was growing up - with a $150 pony. He ran away with me all the time, LOL, because I didn't know enough to adjust the bit up into the corner of his mouth. But I never told anyone he ran away, I was afraid my parents would sell him! Learned a lot from that little guy and every one since. I hung on by sheer athletic ability, and was a tiny thing like you. I, too, was very shy, and my youth horse (that lived to be 38 and is buried in my yard), got me travelling and showing a lot, winning a lot, and gave me confidence. I've slept in tack stalls, in the trailer, in the truck, too! Horses are an integral part of my soul. I haven't shown since the '90's, but just adopted a Standardbred. Wow - there was a breed that I had no idea was so wonderful. I've mostly had PHBA/AQHA horses, but at my age, with a new knee, I'm opting for really safe sane rides. KZbin has exposed me to Liberty training and many varied ground work methods - while I wait for mud to go away here in New York so I can get him going under saddle! Thank you a million for helping me learn new training methods at my age!

[@SamVanFleet]

Thank you for sharing! That is so cool! ❤️

[@annjohnson8437]

WOW! I just found your channel, and I am blown away! Your life journey with horses is amazing (and you are still so young). I definitely clicked "subscribe." ❤

[@NYMusic89563]

I had no idea you had a magazine. I’ll be checking that out ! My almost 6 year old is starting horse back riding lessons this month and I really hope we get someone as kind as you! What a beautiful story.

[@glenjeffs6182]

I'm glad you had positive changes in your life, it seamed like it wasn't an easy journey for you. With that said, you turned out to be a wonderful person, beautiful and accomplished and comfortable, love that you found your calling. You go girl. Love from canada.

[@pattiyoung576]

I loved hearing your story, and so grateful we were able to have you here on our farm for a clinic. You are an inspiration,

[@Dazed_Rodeo]

I loved this story. You have always been my biggest idol and you will continue to be. I slowly fell out of the idea of doing a Mustang makeover or gentling a Mustang after I started in barrel racing and on non-competitive eventing. But I’ve loved Liberty, and mustangs, and gentling and all of it a lot longer than I have anything else. This woke me up and is inspiring me to sign up for the next Texas Mustang makeover or get a BLM Mustang. Thank you Sam 🥰

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

Wow! Amazing story Sam! I remember seeing you and Malibu in the MA makeover. I had no idea you didn’t grow up with horses…it’s amazing to hear how far you’ve come and how you’ve made something from nothing. so inspiring!👏👏

[@devinepickins984]

Sam, I just want to tell you that you are amazing!! I am 47 yrs old & have just started my horse training journey thanks to my 7 yr old granddaughter who is determined to be a rodeo queen 👸 🤣. We watch your videos step by step. It is amazing to have this experience with my granddaughter & I thank you for all the wonderful videos you create to show us not only the ins & outs of training but also that love & respect is the most important part ❣️

[@aniwobbe9977]

Watched the whole thing without pausing once. It’s so amazing and inspirational to see what you have accomplished. I just started my journey two years ago to be a dog trainer and am definitely struggling with teaching people. I can train the dogs but the people is another story. Lol. It’s a work in progress.

[@gmariet1391]

Totally enjoyed listening! I think you made a good choice not going to college! You're living your dream and your life ,and it is beautiful ❣️🌿

[@amyrsh9067]

I started following you shortly before Ru. I had no idea of your insecurities. I have always seen you as confident and brave while being very compassionate and introspective. You are an incredible person with a great work ethic and talent. I'm getting a bit choked up thinking about how far you have come. You should be incredibly proud of yourself! I had a similar experience getting thru school, but thankfully the horses were always there for me as well. I wish only the best that life can offer!

[@audreygregis8721]

Thank you for telling your story. I've always wondered how you got to be where you are...a very talented young lady. Your video could have been 2 hrs and I would have watched. Beautifully done. You have a God given talent and followed your dream. This is your journey, your purpose in life. College is overrated. I've been to many of those barns in my lifetime, and I'm 68. Trust me, it's rare to find a good barn without drama, as well as one with owners you can trust. Just keep being you, keep speaking truth, and keep showing people how very special horses are...especially the "wild" ones.

[@annc2965]

Awesome story. Your resilience and hard work amaze me. You are a very talented young lady and an entrepreneur. I love horses, but I have never owned one. And I don't have the land or resources to own one. I have enjoyed learning and discovering the horse world and training through your videos. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@suzanneyorkville]

Sam, we will never meet, but when you share your heart with us, my eyes get all watery. I took your trick training course last year. I started a five her old Spanish mare who had not been handled much before I saddled her. The course was exactly what we needed and perfect for summer as it is too hot to ride in the south of Spain. I have so much respect and admiration for you. You remind me of my granddaughter, also a Sam (27,) who worked so hard to be where she is at in life, and has had to overcome many of the things you talk about. God bless you Sam. And I am looking forward to your adventures this year. and your video was not long at all. You have a lot to teach us and we want to learn xo

[@franksantos4680]

For a guy who is scared to get next or side by side to a horse first time I sat down and watched a Very interesting story and I really enjoyed it..!! Your an Awesome Woman..!! Thank you for sharing 💯😍💐🙏🏽❣️

[@janjones9558]

Hi Sam, I was just watching your video and what a journey you have been on. I am so glad you stayed with the horses for all those years with many to come I envisage. Like yourself, I was a little,thrown into riding a the age of five when my sister nagged my dad for a horse. We grew up in Melbourne Victoria in Australia. About 20 minutes from the city center. We were driven by my mum to lesson in Hallam, which in those days was country, but know suburbia. I trained with a Garry Owen trainer, keeping in mind I was only five. Our first pony 12hh, Flicka, was two years old, just broken in and bucked my sister off every lesson. By the time I got my lesson, she was so tired from playing up, she was great for me. My trainer Mrs Godfrey, visioned me riding her 16 hh chestnut, fully trained warm blood. She put me on him, and I just fell in love. My legs barely went past the saddle flap, but my god I hung on for life and enjoyed riding, and jumping him. Sadly my dad had a heart attack and our life changed dramatically. Though we still had flicka, we were growing, and she was only 12hh. That's when we went to the horse auction, saving horses from the sales. We would bring them home and work on them, and sell them to young new riders, offering lessons, to assist them in learning the art. I worked in riding school, holiday farms, anything I could get to work around horses. I just loved my life. Like yourself, I lived breathed and slept horses. This was only to get the income to buy that special horse. I bought a three year old Arab Daneka. I worked and worked with him till five years old, to the point he just slept in my lap, when we returned from riding, You just cannot break the bond between a horse and its owner. The love, dedication melted my heart. We rode for many years, but then, as you mentioned life started, college, boys and the horse lifewas slipping away. Family were telling me to grow up, get a good job, get married etc Yuck. I sold Daneka and cried for months. I got a call one day from the young girl who bought him, her father was threatening to sell him as she could not ride him. I offered to help, so for the next few months every weekend, I went to her adjistment to assist her with lesson. It turned out that her dad was a cowboy, and when he rode Daneka, who was english trained so was so confused he just kept throwing him. He was ajisted in a five acre paddock, they could not catch him, he would run away. I had trained this horse on a twenty acre paddock, that when I whistled, he would come up to the stables. I never had to go chase him. When I got to the paddock the dad said this will be funning you will not be able to catch him, I laughed and said why would I chase him. One whistle, his head rose and up he came. Well that dad was so astonished. I went to saddle and bridle him. He said you would not reach him as he through his head. I had spent time teaching this horse to lower its head as I am not that tall, so I could put a bridle on him. Then he said this will be funning, go on mount the horse lets see you ride him. Long story short after he watched me in the menage ring he realised the horse was not the problem, it was him and his daughter lack of riding skills. I miss those days as you can see. I ended up getting golden staff from the horses, and had to give up riding as the bug settled into my hip joint and ate it away. I did not know they carried this bug, but as you know you get so close to your horses and the last I thought I would have got such a desease that stop me riding all together. This all seams like a long time ago. I would love to meet up with you. Do you ever come down to Australia, have you ever been invited? If you do I would love to come and meet you. Thank you for your lovely story, your life is the dream of many young girls. I hope you inspire them to follow their dreams. They could be the next olympian, who knows. All my luv and best wishes Jan from Brisbane Australia.

[@tgrizz13]

Thank you for sharing your story! I have a similar story to yours. I came from a non-horse family and grew up in the "suburbs of Boston". My parents split up when I was 16. My dad's GF had a friend that had a horse so I went to the barn and that's where my horse life began at 16. I became what I call the "barn rat"; I practically lived at the barn. Several years later, I've worked for a couple trainers, and several boarding facilities, and now have a couple of my own horses and have many people asking us (my "horse raised" husband and I) to train their horses and give lessons. Horses saved me when I was going thru my parents split up and the awkward teen years. I've always been the "weird kid" and a bit of a loner. I admit I've been a bit envious of your horses and training but your story has actually given me more ambition to move forward with the "unknown" in the horse world. I'm used to reschooling and conditioning horses, not training from the ground up and have often times just wung it and somehow made things work 🤷‍♀️

[@nadiaseymour65]

Your journey is so inspiring to me because you didn’t grow up with horses. But you made this life happen for yourself!!

[@SamVanFleet]

You're pretty awesome yourself!

[@nadiaseymour65]

@@SamVanFleet thank you so much Sam!! If you can do it, so can I! Keep up the amazing work 💜

[@nbt3663]

@@nadiaseymour65 there's a saying, "make them tell you no." But I say, just never tell yourself, "no." Chin up, back straight and get going. Never let them see you cry, though you will. And never let them see you quit, though you'll want to.

[@Ddreemz111]

Great video/Journey story... Keep up the good work... I miss horses in my life and complete horsemanship of 20+ yrs.

[@Sniff_K9_Coach]

What a beautiful story. 💛

[@ngrnmck]

You have the sweetest heart. I’m sure horses respond to that big time. God bless you and keep you.

[@InaStanley83]

I'm so glad I took the time to watch this whole thing, Sam. The early part of your horse journey sounds a bit like mine, except that I'm starting much later in life. I didn't grow up in a horse family either, and I'd be the first im the family to do this as well. But I've felt such a calling to work with them that I've starting figuring out how to integrate them into my life. I'm now volunteering at a ranch that offers equine-assisted therapy, lessons, and trail rides. And tbh I feel a lot like you did working with the draft horses...getting thrown in the deep end and having to learn a LOT as I go. I'm short, so working with the one Percheron and the dozen or so OTTBs can be intimidating. But just the little bit I'm getting to do right now is so challenging and rewarding that I can see myself doing this for a long time. I've also wanted to work with mustangs for quite a while now, so I'm starting to slowly set things up to be able to. We're super fortunate to be able to buy a decent amount of acreage which we're closing on this coming Friday and even though it's supposed to be a full farm, my favorite part of the planning has been designing the layout for my round pen, arena, barn, and a few woodland trails that'll be fun to eventually explore with future horses! You put me on to something in this video that I didn't realize. I had no idea that there's such drama with boarding! 😳 I eventually want to offer boarding, so it's good to know this. My boarding operation won't be large, so not sure if I'll see much of that side of things. But it helps confirm for me that I need to focus on an atmosphere that's inclusive and encouraging for everyone, regardless of age, breed of horse, experience level, or anything else. I'd want folks to feel welcomed and comfortable working their horses at our place. You've really done some amazing things and I can guarantee there are better things coming! Seriously, thank you for sharing your journey with us. It gives me some hope that wanting to do this isn't crazy or impossible.

[@sandraobenchain8274]

Wonderful to watch your video and to see your horse journey !!

[@kymberlysteiger8125]

This was incredible to watch! I didn’t grow up with horse parents either but mine didn’t support me. I had to babysit, collect cans and newspapers to lease my first horse. She was sold without my knowledge after our first show, I was devastated! But after working at private house stables for a few years, I found my heart horse! We grew up together and a year after she passed of natural causes (30) I was permanently disabled and haven’t ridden since. That’s why I love your channel so much. I get my horse fix and you remind me of me at that age! You have such a beautiful story and life. I can’t wait to watch the next chapter!

[@natequine4977]

Your story is really inspiring 💙 i started riding at 14, i also dont have a horse family and im not very confident but im excited to improve :))

[@SamVanFleet]

You've got this!

[@eyesea123]

You are an incredibly beautiful soul. Your story is awesome. Really admire you and what you've mastered.

[@LadydogC]

You ARE doing it so you must be good enough! Remember that. Sacrifice makes a grand life. Keep going young lady, you sure remember alot, wish I could just remember what day it is. LOL

[@readytogo6569]

You are amazing and I can’t even imagine how much you have influenced and motivated other young people who started off introverted and found more confidence and learned how to respect themselves just from hearing your story and/or learning from you. Much respect to you❣️

[@llott319]

So happy for you and all the wonderful work you do. You are awesome girl and don't you forget it! You were made to do this! Remember to take time for you as well. I wish I could do what you do. Thank you for sharing your story. Loved it! God bless you Sam.💕😊

[@jessicashaw1796]

Sorry about all the stuff you went through at the boarding barns. For adults to act like that towards a kid is awful. Your time at Blue star looked so incredible though! It would be my dream to work somewhere like that. I've just started taking weekly riding lessons at a local stable and it has literally been one of the best decisions ever! I'm so grateful to my parents for making it happen. I haven't grown up with horses either so it's all very new for me. I'm so excited to start this chapter of my life and learn so much!

[@namastenicholas]

I love this video. I've been a fan of your channel for a couple of years now and it's nice to know a little about your background. I've been a big fan actually. I turned 75 yesterday and as I listened to your story my life flashed before my eyes as I had an ulcer at 13 and suffered from acute anxiety. Best wishes for your future.

[@Bianka_Taylor]

Your story with horses sounds a little bit like mine. I have always been shy and have moved barns too many time because of bullying. While I am still a a barn with bullying for the owner herself I have grown a lot and I came out of my shell when I got back into horses. I am still shy and nervous but not as much as I used to be. I enjoyed hearing about your journey with horses and it gave me comfort knowing I am not the only one who was super shy and couldn’t talk to people to save my life. Well done to you.

[@lilyth3932]

Sam, this is CRAZY. Watching this and realizing that we have a lot in common, but also that I've been following you for OVER 3 year snow. Crazy. It's strange to say when I know a lot about you and your horses and you have no idea who I am, but (!!!) you feel like a friend who I have watched grow up. I adore your channel, your story and your horses. I'm excited to see what the future brings. I'll stick around if you do xx

[@myaccount6784]

Thanks, Sam. That’s generous of you to share your story.

[@SamVanFleet]

Thanks for watching!

[@sandywaves2202]

I loved this video. I have been around horses most of my life but I am only 12 so I am always underestimated but then this Christmas I went to my cousins farm and they introduced me to a mustang named Valkyrie. At this point I had never even known you can own a mustang and barely knew what one was. They let me go in and showed me how to mirror her steps and eventually tap her nose. She was abused in the past before she was ever broken making her SUPER skittish. I went home and looked for trainers and that’s when I found you. I watched you videos all day every day and then realized I had watched you when I was 10 and absolutely loved your videos. Anyways, after I was taught the first few steps I was pretty much self taught and used your techniques for pretty much everything. She is now able to be touched on most parts of her face and slowly but surely making her way to the finish line. I really love this experience because I am one of the people she trusts most and I am no longer looked down on by anybody since I have reached so many milestones with her and showed everyone that I CAN do it. I still watch you videos and I just wanted to say thank you so much for helping me find my passion and live the life I never dared to even dream of. 🥹

[@hadleyeventing7932]

I have an unbroken horse and 2 very green broke horses right now. I didn’t have much motivation to start training them more but this gave me so much motivation. You are such an inspiration and I want to be just like you!

[@chezlbeau9769]

I can relate . I still have people paranoia, but I have my horses and they make me. So good to hear your story. Loved every second of it. You remind me of me when I was young. Only you have so much strength of mind and the courage of your convictions. 👌 beautiful . Keep on keeping on .

[@sherryhart6073]

Oh Sam this was such a fun video to watch and it made me cry tears of happiness. I am so blessed that Rue brought us together and we are part of each other’s life journey. Looking forward to many more years and horses together!

[@SamVanFleet]

Yes!! ❤️ one of my favorite ponies and favorite people! So cool how it all works out

[@carolzupkas6421]

I’ve followed you off and on for a few years; don’t own a horse, but would love to! I really liked your video. The pace was perfect, a good balance between you and your horses. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration!

[@ole9186]

Amazing story of you! Thank you for sharing this Sam. You are a POWERHOUSE! Oftentimes powerhouses freak less capable people out. Takes one to know one. Extraordinary gumption.

[@kimtyndall876]

I'm so happy I found your channel your so smart and I hope to learn a lot from you.

[@patrickmartin6682]

Thanks for sharing part of your story, I appreciate your honesty. A story of overcoming, and finding your true self.

[@ceciliarytterhamn6242]

Hi Sam. I have been watching your videos since Boo and loving it. I was born and raised in a horse family but you really opened my eyes. You are a natural and you taught me very much so i want to thank you for that. I think my horses agrees as well! Greetings from Sweden.

[@johnhawks5035]

Congratulations. Your success is well deserved, hard-earned, and just beginning. All the best.

[@catetemple311]

I have never heard of people so terrible when they were at a boarding barn. I am so sorry you had to deal with all of that, and I am so sorry for what it did to you. You, as a friggin child, should’ve been met with help and kindness, nor snark and bullying as you have explained. It is amazing what you have accomplished despite that, good job!

[@warmbloods8260]

I backed my horse entirely from studying your roulette series, it was incredibly helpful, and needless to say over a year on he's been almost impeccable, thank you ❤️

[@sshepard5222]

Thankyou for sharing such a beautiful and vulnerable video with us all, I've always admired how grounded and genuine you are. You're such an inspiration

[@abimay7029]

off topic but caliope is STUNNING

[@claire848]

Wow, this was the most inspirational video on KZbin for me! You talking so in detail about your horses was so enjoyable, and it is so cool to see your journey! Your great Sam!! Thank you for all you do!

[@CharlesBlowers]

You are so amazing! I was hooked on your techniques from the first video I watched. God bless your "horse heart".

[@jessicarance9485]

Hey Sam, I have been following your journey for a few years now and I just wanna say thank you for doing what you do. I think the first video I ever saw of you was one where you and Lynx were doing liberty and I just remember falling in love with the idea of doing something like that, much to the annoyance of the retired mare I was looking after. But I just want to say that you really inspired me and thank you.

[@lcaryfrog]

You are so fortunate to have a family offer so much support for your gift with horses🙂

[@SamVanFleet]

They were skeptical at first but then realized that I was a pretty strong headed independent girl and I was going to do it with or without them cheering from the sidelines 😂

[@erikafreebird6449]

Thank you for sharing your story...very cool and you are truly a horse whisperer. God bless you and all your Babies.❤️🐴

[@jill8347]

You life sounds incredibly busy, but in a good way. Just want to thank you for taking the time to make this video for us, about your lifes story with horses. You are such a gifted horse trainer. I feel lucky to be able to watch your journey, so thank you.

[@LeslieNikulka]

Bravo! Your journey and the work you do are admirable. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤🐎

[@rofiahcrawford3250]

Wow Sam, great video on your horse journey thus far. A lot of relatable experiences. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@barefootrealist246]

Love this. Thank you for sharing. Persistence, creative thinking, hard work and dreams. All the best to you Sam.

[@nikolettdurgo979]

Thank you so much for your words❤️! Such an inspiration… the World needs more people like you!

[@ayannashallow1459]

You are so inspiring and you have grown up to do such a magical thing from starting at such a young age. Never listen to judgement people. Look where you are now! Its amazing and I wish I had the life you have worked so hard to get too. ❤

[@zoedj]

I have loved watching your mustang make over videos. I always knew, you were simply amazing. Today, showed me just how strong and courageous you really are. This video, was healing for you, and I enjoyed listening to your growth. Namasta young lady

[@flamingomtn]

What a wonderful video. I found it fascinating to learn your background and hear about all the things you've done. Good for you, Woman!!!

[@brentherndon8095]

Loved your story.

[@MBHacres]

I absolutely loved hearing your life journey and look forward to following along on all your adventures. You are an amazing young lady.

[@jamesmarkle5580]

Great story of your journey. Congratulations on all your sucesses. Can't believe anyone would bully a child for being passionate about working with horses. Sorry to hear you went through that.

[@GHOST___wastaken]

I really enjoyed watching this and related to the anxiety part my anxiety got me kicked out of my jumping class for a bit because I was afraid of cantering and my asthma acting up but I am back in my class and I am cantering with out as much anxiety :)

[@shadyrocks6316]

I’m 16 and about to get my first mustang. You are one of my biggest role models, thank you for sharing you journey and making the training videos!

[@Startledmayo]

I found you at rou, this is so amazing to see how far you’ve come and it was all YOU♥️

[@sarahhansen3444]

I love this story. I myself don't come from a horse family. My mom is scared of horses, but she tries really tried. In 2021 i lost a horse i loved and anyone could see it, but i came to a breadingfarm and meet my hearthorse Honeymoon.😁 She was scared of people, but she was the sweetest with me. In 2022 i stopped at the farm and 1 month later i came over too her, and she remembered the trick i learned her.😊 5 month later i found out she was born the same day my grandfather died. She really was my star after losing the other horse 🥰 This story inspired me to find horses like Honeymoon

[@klarusschodspat]

Hey. So, iam new on your channel and i think your story is really inspiring. Iam 12 and after three weeks from now on iam about to go on a horse day. I come from a non horse riding family and only my aunt was ever riding horses, I also come from a big city and, before i told my parents i wanna go on a big horse riding journey, I was a bit scared....but i still told them. And so i will be mostly probably practicing riding horses and that, that is my big dream. The reason iam writing this is that, I wanted to tell you, you really inspired me and got mě into the horse world even more, thank you so much. I believe a that i will be someone like you when i will be older.....so again, thanks for this such a cool inspiring story

[@arrow21OG]

You have inspired me so much! I've been here for a while and I've loved seeing your journey! You helped me teach my horses liberty and showed me the benefit of natural horsemanship. Watching your videos with Roulette gave me hope that I could make a break through to my own "aggressive" horse. And a year later I have! He is the most amazing horse, and I can do anything with him. He just needed to trust me, and I needed to trust him ❤

[@lisabibby3222]

I left my livery yard at the beginning of this year. My friend and I now rent a yard of our own and honestly it’s so much nicer! Yards come with so much drama and like you’d said bullying and all the rest (not saying all yards are like this!) but honestly being on our own is so much easier! Great video!

[@swisstoniqgeneva]

You’re totally inspirational, I’m so impressed with you. Bravo. I’ve been breeding, training my horses and competing in mainly Showjumping (in Europe) upto 140cm level, some International shows so I know my stuff. I’ve also been through hard times and am very determined and resilient so can resonate with you. I came across your videos this week while seeking solutions/help with a newly backed problem 4 year old I have. Anyway I just ended up watching your entire life story video. You are an incredible woman and can be extremely proud of your determination, your path and success. Keep it up, believe in yourself totally…. you’ll go really far. You’re also more talented than you realise btw! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Warm regards Fiona Nicholls

[@SamVanFleet]

Thank you!!

[@johnbrown9623]

Best horse vid I've ever seen, & I was raised on a ranch. Follow your heart, Lol and your gut. God bless all that you do young lady.

[@Freedom_Aint_Comfort]

God bless you Sam. Love your story. Thanks for sharing.

[@shiatsuequino1121]

Thank you for sharing your lovely journey. The Equine community needs more young motivated (especially for the horse) trainers. This video was interesting, motivating and certainly not to long !! Cheers to you, and keep up the good work 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻😘

[@miriammilne2973]

Sam, you are an inspiring, amazing young person. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, from not being from a 'horse' family, to the bullying and social anxiety. I have a 12 year old daughter and we want to adopt a Brumby each (yes we are in Australia) and just seeing how your horses and you have learnt from each other fills me with confidence that it can be done simply by being open to the lessons around you.

[@mackenzieviup6669]

Love love your story Sam!! You are really awesome and incredible, you have had a lot of ups and downs and you are such an amazing person! Keep rocking and being you! Bless you and yours horses!

[@carrierussell956]

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing and it certainly wasn’t too long, the time flew by listening. Best of luck on your future adventures 😊

[@marcymcpherson3667]

Your story is amazing! It's every little girl's dream becoming reality. Thank you for being you!

[@Lotsofluv_22]

I love this story, as I can definitely relate. Im still really young (13, soon to be 14) I haven’t had these wonderful chances like this. I ride once a week every weekend. I think you have had wonderful privileges to have these chances.

[@aranara_song]

I've rewatched this video a thousand times. It really inspires me. If teenager you could do it, then so can I. I'm tired of limiting myself because I don't have money so I've decided that this will work somehow. I don't know how or when but I will make my way back into horses, money or not.

[@Birddog1227Blogspot]

You’re such a Winner! Thanks for sharing~ I have enjoyed learning from you and your horses.

[@tammiekanters6496]

Hi Sam, thank you for taking the time to make this wonderful video, I can't imagine how long it would have taken but I appreciate it. Like your work with horses, it was amazing to watch. They could make a movie about you. You have come so far and you should be so proud, you inspire me to be brave.

[@eloceventing]

I loved this story! I was actually kinda surprised when you said you didn't grow up with horses! I also didn't grow up with horses and started riding 2 years ago when I was 14. It's always hard to see all the equestrians around me that have been riding since they were born and I tend to compare my riding to theirs.. But in only 10 months of riding, I got my first horse! She was a 3 year old OTTB mare that i was going to restart. I still have her today and couldn't be more thankful for her. We still aren't in the show ring just yet but I'm hoping to get there this year. I loved your story and could relate to it so so much!

[@lauraalbertson7821]

You are pretty pretty incredible Sam ! I too love hearing other people’s story’s . It was cool for me to see you started out with Draft Horses . I have a 9 month old Gypsy Vanner Cross . Such a calm but fun little Boy . Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I believe you have been gifted in so many ways . You are able to lead not just Amazing Horses, but People. Keep showing up in life . You are great at it 💞. p.s. Your video teaching at Liberty was so easy to fallow . Loved it . God is with You 😇 Laura 💜 Bear 💜🐴 California 🇺🇸

[@rennienestor6132]

This video was def not too long. You are very inspiring and prove that college isn't always the correct path. What you have learned in life could never be taught in a classroom. You keep doing you!

[@KingsMom831]

Look how gorgeous your hair is!! 💛 I’ve hoped you’d make a video like this!😊

[@ccindyskip]

Loved the opportunity to get to hear about your background and your horses 🥰

[@ToriMcDivitt]

Sam you are an amazing trainer. I enjoyed learning your story. Hope to see you next time you come to Arizona.