The Adventures of Lariat Sam aired as a segment in the popular children’s show Captain Kangaroo, starting in 1962. It recounted the exploits of Sam, an idealistic cowboy and his horse, Tippytoes.

Sam wasn’t just any ol’ cowboy. He insisted on seeing the good in people and never carried a gun, relying instead on his lariat to subdue evildoers. Sam was trustworthy, true and had a wicked way with the rope, proving that guns were not needed in the pursuit of law and order. His horse, Tippytoes, was as extraordinary the cowboy. Tippytoes wore a smart derby hat and was fond of reciting poetry whenever the mood struck. The mood struck quite often as it turns out. Lariat Sam referred to Tippytoes as a ‘Wonder Horse’ and indeed he was. Sam and Tippytoes worked well together, outsmarting any outlaw that crossed their path. One of those outlaws was Badlands Meeny, an ornery cuss who just wouldn’t learn his lesson. Dayton Allen, a very talented voice actor, breathed life into most of the characters, including Lariat Sam, Tippytoes and Meeny.

Each of the thirteen Lariat Sam stories consisted of three 5-minute chapters and ran on Captain Kangaroo for three years. After 1965, it entered syndication where Lariat Sam kept up his fight for truth and justice for many years to come.