What happened to.....

[CDE Driver]

Sam?

Her Father used to post here quite frequently about her exploits and dreams of making the pony team. I was just thinking about her the other day and was wondering what Team Sam was up to.

[Ashemont]

I'm not sure anyone knows outside of her family. I do know that she has given up on making the team and has not been competing. We were very sad about this development because Sammi is such a talented driver.

We hope all is well with the family and that Sammi will be back out there again - even if she does have to compete as an adult I'm sure she can handle it :)

[CDE Driver]

Oh no! I truly hope everything is okay.

I just realized that I had not seen her name in a while and that the ponies are qualifying now.

I wish her the best.

[goodhors]

I thought I saw her name on one of the Florida events early this year, among the list of competitors.

Can't remember any other thing about it, just her name. It was nice to know she was still competing.

Maintaining National status is very time consuming, along with being very expensive, even with a single animal. Perhaps she has turned to other goals, which are taking her time now.

Hope the whole family is doing well.

[Ashemont]

I thought I saw her name on one of the Florida events early this year, among the list of competitors.

Laurel was 'gatoring for her and she went to FL to train regularly. I think they did two of the earlier competitions but nothing since then. AJ, Sammi's Haflinger, had recovered from surgery and was doing well and I heard she was also doing well with Brondo, her other pony.

However, as mentioned, competing at the top levels is expensive and time consuming. Sammi needs to concentrate on her college education and I'm thinking that maybe it was all just too much. I do hope they'll at least make it to The National Drive this year :)

[whoopdeedo]

In the April 2009 Issue of Behind the Dash, the Florida Whips Newsletter
Judy Martino wrote the following:

"Live Oak Another Perspective
First of all be sure to check www.drivingresults.us for full results. And note that of 41 FEI drivers, only two went double clean in cones, and one of them was our Sammi Orem!"

I have missed following her too.

[LostFarmer]

Sammi is a smart girl with a very supportive set of parents. I am sure that a weakened market has thrown cold water on some of their plans cooling the dreams. I am sure that we have not heard the last of Sammi and her driving. I sincerely wish her the best as well and Don and Rose. GO team GO. LF

[Yip]

I've missed Don's posts on the haffie board too. I thought something might be up but was afraid to ask.

The economy is not cooperating for *needs* much less *wants* for an alarming percentage of families right now. If that is the case, I understand and greatly sympathize.

Sam is so talented, I'm betting she'll be back as soon as the time is right. She's an intelligent and caring young lady. She will excel in everything she undertakes.

(((((((Don, Rose, Sam)))))))

Wendy

[horseyfolks]

First of all I would like to apologize to those who have called and e-mailed as to how we have been. Things have been a bit tough both physically as well as emotionally for all of us. I have had some health problems and all in all, the last few months have not been good ones.

As y'all know Sam is no longer involved with the Pony Team in any way. I am not going to attempt a detailed explanation here... it will suffice to say that there were extenuating circumstances which led Sam as well as Rose and I to make the decisions we made.

As far as Sam getting back into competitive driving... as of this point in time I don't see it happening. She has seen a different side to this sport and the people involved in it at the highest level that she never suspected was there.

She is starting college in 2 weeks, with her major in Business.

Sam is trying to sell Boo (Brondo) and her harnesses so she can return money to those who stepped up to help her buy him originally. He is an aggressive Intermediate Level CDE pony and so far has been to much pony for the folks interested in him.

One more thing.... not that it means anything to anyone but us.... but just to set the record straight. Regardless of what was reported by the Florida Whips or anywhere else, At Live Oak this year, out of 41 of the best FEI Drivers in the world, there was only one driver, not two, that ran a double clean cones run. That was Sam. Larry Poulin had no balls down but he had almost 6 time penalty points.

Sam was the only FEI Advanced Driver to drive double clean at Live Oak.

Don

[Yip]

Don, thank you for checking in. I pray everything is settling down with everything that's been going on.

I am so sorry Sam was disillusioned by *people* in the sport. I was into showing collies and quit pretty quickly for the same reason. Sometimes the world can be an ugly place because of people.

I'm really happy to hear that Sam is starting college now. And maybe she'll finally find time for a social life. There is more to life than horses! Best wishes to all of you!

(((((((((((Sam, Don, Rose)))))))))

Wendy
NC

[friesian4me]

We wish you and your family the best in your future endeavors.

[Cartfall]

Miss you guys.

Understand what you are saying.

Good luck in school Sami.

give Rose a hug for us, Don. And you, big guy, take care of your self.

Sue

[Dreag823]

I hope everyone is recovering from their health problems, what a bummer.

I'm glad Sammi is doing O.K. Where is she going to college?

I certainly had a lot of fun riding on the back of the carriage with her up at Dick's place. I would have hit some trees for certain!

We need to try to get up to Wanda's again to goof around with the equines. Danny is HUGE but still a little goofy. He's at least as tall as Luke, maybe a hair bigger.

[lorilu]

Dreag823, You know Danny?? I have his full sister, Evelia. She's GORGEOUS, just 2, 15.1. I'm thinking of starting her as a driving horse......

If you see Wanda or Roberta, say Hi for me from Ocala.
L

[kathy14727]

Don, So sorry to hear about your health and Sami, I've been out of the loop, my youngest has been away in Marine Corps boot camp and I have been a mess, but he graduated Friday so I'm better for now. I was hoping to see you all around when I started Trouble. Tell Sami I said good luck in college and give her a hug from me. Kathy

[Paint Pony]

It can be hoped that Sammi one day returns to driving for the love of it, the fun of it.