Help Samson the Brumby Get the Surgery He Deserves

Support Jess Symons’ Healing Herd

Jess Symons never meant to keep Samson.

As an equine therapist, energy worker, and advocate for wild horse welfare, Jess regularly works with brumbies—helping them transition from untouched wildness to trusting connection through gentle, trauma-informed handling. She’s a long-standing contributor to the Brumby Safari clinic program, where selected horses are prepared for rehoming, education, and healing work.

Samson, a young brumby around 2–3 years old, came into Jess’s care with the same purpose. But when the vet discovered he was cryptorchid—a condition where one of his testicles hadn’t descended—the clinic rejected him. The surgery required is far more complex (and expensive) than a standard gelding procedure, and as a result, Samson was suddenly without a future.

Despite every effort to rehome him, no one came forward. At one point, he was even listed for free.

With time running out, the decision was made send him to the doggers.

But at the last moment, Jess took a chance. She brought Samson to the clinic anyway, unsure what would unfold.

What happened next changed everything.

Samson, once wary and misunderstood, opened up in ways no one expected. He walked over tarps, under streamers, up onto massive tyres and back down again—all with quiet confidence and willingness. He mirrored Jess, challenged her, and ultimately trusted her.

Jess describes him as “the most incredible horse I’ve ever met.”

And now? She’s fallen head over heels in love with him.

✨ Why Samson Needs Your Help

Because of his cryptorchid condition, Samson cannot safely join Jess’s children’s programs until he has surgery. And yet, this gentle brumby has the perfect temperament to become a trusted therapy and education horse.

Jess runs two beautiful homeschool-based equine programs on her property in the Noosa Hinterland—Equine Explorers and Sacred Hooves—where children build confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation through deep connection with horses.

Samson would make an ideal partner in this work. But he can’t step into that role until he’s gelded—and the procedure is not only essential, but urgent.

The cost of Samson’s surgery, after consultation and estimates, will be significantly higher than a standard gelding due to the need for abdominal surgery under general anaesthetic.

This fundraiser will cover:

Any surplus funds will be used to support the ongoing care of the brumbies in Jess’s herd—and to help more horses like Samson find healing and purpose.

About Jess Symons

Jess is a Reiki practitioner, equine energy worker, and lifelong horsewoman. Her practice, Jess Symons Equine Therapies, is grounded in the principles of softness, soul-led connection, and honouring the horse as a sentient being and teacher.

She’s worked with brumbies for years—often stepping in when no one else will. Her approach is not about domination or performance, but about partnership, trust, and respect. Horses in her care become part of a deeply held herd, offering healing not just for themselves, but for the humans who meet them.

Samson is one of those horses.

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can—every dollar truly helps

Share Samson’s story to help us reach more hearts

Reach out if you’re interested in rehoming a brumby—Jess can help guide you through

Jess didn’t expect to fall for Samson. But sometimes, the horse chooses you.

Let’s help give this beautiful boy the second chance he deserves—and in doing so, help him become the gentle teacher he’s meant to be.

Thank you for supporting this journey.

— From the herd at Jess Symons Equine Therapies