Showjumper Matt Sampson
The 27-year-old showjumper on his Hickstead triumph and acting ambitions
Looking back…
I was competing at a show and got through to the jump-off. When it was my turn, I went as fast as I could and got the fastest time, which I thought had won me the class. I celebrated by punching my fist in the air and galloped a lap of honour, only to realise all double clears were equal first — there were 22 others. I felt a tad stupid.
Getting away from it all…
We try to go on a family holiday once every couple of years. There are about 20 of us — aunties, uncles, siblings and cousins. I also go on a skiing holiday with my friends at the start of the year.
Listening to…
I listen to any upbeat or country music. [Matt has been known to write songs, one of which he serenaded Bolesworth organiser Nina Barbour with this summer.]
Most memorable win…
The British Speed Derby at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting in June. That is my best win so far and it felt amazing. Because I jumped so early in the class, there was a huge build-up waiting for everyone else to go, which made it even more intense.
First pony…
My first pony was called Honey and only died recently, aged 38. She was a 12hh bay mare who I did a bit of everything with, including hunting and jumping. She was the perfect first pony. We sold her to another family when I’d outgrown her and they kept her until the end of her days.
Earliest equestrian memory…
We decided to affiliate with British Showjumping when I was about nine and thought that because my ponies were 128cm, we had to jump in the 128cm classes. We went to Arena UK, straight into the 128cm grand prix. I had three ponies — I got eliminated at the first fence on two and the second fence on the third.
‘We thought that because my ponies were 128cm, we had to jump in the 128cm classes’
Favourite shows…
Hickstead and Olympia — Olympia has a great atmosphere and I love the history of Hickstead.
Visiting my favourite city…
I’ve been to a couple of shows in Paris and it is a stunning city for sightseeing.
Best tip for warming up…
Give yourself plenty of time and don’t jump too big in order to keep the horse’s confidence up. We have a leaf blower and it saves so much sweeping time.
My secret weapon…
My phone. I lost it for a week and had about 5,000 messages when I got it back. I felt terrible without it.