Matthew Sampson: From Pony Club to top level Showjumping

Currently ranked 38th in the world, British show jumper Matthew Sampson has carved out an impressive career in the equestrian world. From his humble beginnings riding ponies at local shows to claiming victories on some of the most prestigious international stages, Matthew’s journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and love for the sport.

Early Days: A Childhood with Horses

Matthew’s passion for horses began early, growing up in a family surrounded by them. “I was lucky to grow up with horses around, and that gave me the idea that I wanted to ride and be a rider,” he recalls. Starting out in Pony Club, he explored all disciplines, including dressage, jumping, and hunting. “But as I got older, I was drawn more and more toward jumping. From the first time I started going to shows on ponies, I realized this is what I wanted to do, even from a young age.”

Eager to gain experience, Matthew would ride as many horses as possible, often taking on catch rides at shows. “We’d go to shows with a couple of ponies and try to get in the ring as much as we could,” he shares. “It was all about taking every opportunity to learn and improve.” Matthew explains,  “ I have an older brother and sister that don’t ride, we had many horses at home so mom and dad pushed  me quite a lot.” He laghs and goes on telling us that he has alwa’s been uôbsessed with riding.

Working  with Duncan Inglis in West Sussex

After finishing his time on ponies, Matthew took a significant step by working with  Duncan Inglis in West Sussex. “Training with Duncan was agreat opportunity for me, I worked there for a couple of years ” he explains. “He showed me a more professional side of things , giving me a good ground on  how to run a professional yard, produce horses, and prepare for the next level.”

Working with Duncan not only honed Matthew’s riding skills but also provided insights into the demands of professional show jumping. “Duncan showed me how to take my training and my horses to the next level. It was a fantastic learning experience that shaped how I approach my career today,” Matthew adds.

Achieving a Childhood Dream at Spruce Meadows

One of Matthew’s standout moments came in 2022 when he claimed his first five-star Grand Prix win with Fabrice DN at the prestigious Spruce Meadows. For Matthew, competing at Spruce Meadows was more than just another show—it was a childhood dream come true.

“As a kid, I’d watch Spruce Meadows on TV with my parents,” he reminisces. “We’d sit together and dream about what it would be like to ride there one day. It was one of those places that seemed almost magical.”

Winning the five-star Grand Prix with Fabrice DN was a defining moment. “To not only compete there but to win—it was incredible. It showed me that all the hard work had paid off and that it’s possible to achieve what you dream about,” he says.

In the same year, Matthew also won the Pan-Am Cup Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows with Daniel. “Daniel was fantastic that day,” he says. “To have two major wins at such an iconic venue in one year was something I’ll always be proud of.”

Building Strong Partnerships with Horses

Matthew has partnered with many remarkable horses throughout his career, each contributing to his success. “Fabrice DN, Daniel, and Ebolensky have all been fantastic for me in the past few years,” he says. “They’ve helped me compete at bigger shows and really take my career to the next level.”

He also finds great satisfaction in working with horses that start with challenges and develop into stars. “Some horses are tough at the beginning, but when you see them turn into Grand Prix horses, it’s incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “That process of building trust and confidence is one of the best parts of what I do.”

Prioritizing Safety in the Sport

Safety is a top priority for Matthew, both for himself and his horses. “Whether it’s training, competing, or just hacking out, safety is critical,” he emphasizes. “We have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our horses at all times.”

Matthew is a proud ambassador for KEP Italia helmets, which he praises for their superior safety and comfort. “I’ve been wearing KEP helmets for a while now, and I feel super safe with them,” he says. “They tick every box—they’re safe, comfortable, and stylish, which is important when you’re spending all day riding.”

He’s also encouraged by the strides being made in equestrian sports to enhance horse welfare. “Shows are doing a lot to prioritize safety for horses, from improving travel logistics to stricter competition protocols,” he notes. “It’s reassuring to see the sport evolving in ways that ensure the well-being of both riders and horses.”

Looking Ahead: Big Goals and Maple Park Farm

Matthew’s ambitions are clear: to continue building a team of world-class horses and represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games. “I have some really exciting young horses coming up, and I’m working hard to develop them into top-level competitors,” he says.

Beyond his competitive goals, Matthew and his girlfriend, Kara Chad, run Maple Park Farm, a boutique business focused on producing and selling high-quality horses. “We started Maple Park Farm with the idea of matching the right horses with the right riders,” he explains. “It’s been fantastic working with Kara—we both share the same passion for horses and have built something we’re really proud of.”

Their business emphasizes quality over quantity, and they’ve seen great success in producing horses that go on to excel at higher levels. “It works amazing,” Matthew shares. “We get to spend a lot of time together, doing what we love—training and competing with horses. That’s something really special.”

Closing Reflections

As Matthew looks to the future, his passion for the sport remains unwavering. “I’ve always been obsessed with riding, and the more I do it, the more obsessed I get,” he says with a smile. “The hard work, the incredible horses, and the chance to compete at the best shows—it’s what I’ve always dreamed of, and I feel so lucky to be living that dream.”

Photo Helen Cruden (c) | Text Valentina Sozzi || HSJ.tv

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