Welcome to Sam and Zena

Samantha (a.k.a Sam) and Zena (a.k.a Beanie, Beanie Bop, Beanstinator)

My horses name is Redwood Danger Mouse, but we call her Zena. She is a 12 year old, Clydesdale/ThoroughbredX mare, all the way from New Zealand! I've had her for the last 4 years. I don't really know much about her past but I think the lady we bought her off named her after Xena the warrior princess but didn't know how to spell it!!
The thing my horse likes about me most would probably be the fact that I give her lots of cuddles (and food!). If my horse was in a band, it would be a Punk Rock band because her mane stands on end like a mohawk. My first memory of Zena was seeing her in the yard and thinking she was really ugly!
My horse is happiest when she's eating lots and not in work! The coolest thing we have done together would be getting on the Pony Club Champs Team back in New Zealand. If my horse were a Disney character she would be a cross between Eeyore and Grumpy! The last time I fell off was, I would love to say never but it was actually last year when I was trialing for Showjumping Champs, Mum and Dad have it on tape so I can't lie, they have proof!

The trip to the USA from New Zealand was an experience for both me and my horse. My family and I actually brought over our dog, Tess and our two horses, Zena (mine) and Shoney (mums). They got put in a three horse container, which was then put on the 747 cargo plane. It was a 12 hour flight and their first time on a plane!!! They handled it very well. There was only a 48 hour quarantine for the horses because we have hardly any diseases in New Zealand. So when they arrived they were horse pin cushions because they got ennoculated for everything. Also you guys might be interested to know we don't have any snakes or poisonous spiders (except for one!) in New Zealand. So it is definitely a learning experience. But we absolutely love it over here! We have just bought a property in Groveland and are really busy setting up a new Riding School. But I am looking forward to being able to get out and join in the pony club activities.