Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

As a Canadian rider, what does the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament mean to you?

I grew up in Calgary, Alberta with Spruce Meadows on my doorstep. Since my childhood I have aspired to compete at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. I feel incredibly grateful to have done so for several years now.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is exceptional. As a Canadian and a Calgarian, I am very proud of the show and what the organizers have put on, and the community that has been created over the years. This incredible event has hosted the very best international show jumping horses and riders. The calibre of the this competition is very special for me, my family, and many Calgarians.

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is one of the leading shows in the world and has maintained its prestigious status for many years and to compete there is phenomenal. I look forward to it every year and plan my year around it. I love the ‘Masters’ Tournament, it is my favourite show!

The arena at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is highly unique; do you have to ride differently there compared to other arenas?

I think Spruce Meadows is making great strides in modernising its facilities, from the course designs to the materials they use; they keep up with the show jumping trends. The International Ring is a big grass arena and requires riders to gallop and make sure their horses are responsive and confident.

The jump-offs during the competitions are some of the best in the world. Riders can really get their horses going forward and galloping around the course. When competing at this level, your horse must trust you, be brave, and feel comfortable performing in such fantastic atmosphere.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?

Eric Lamaze has had a big influence on my career. Working with him for several years provided me with invaluable experience on a variety of horses, which is crucial for developing as a young rider. Additionally, I had the privilege of attending some of the world's best shows, which was an incredible opportunity. This experience allowed me to manage my own horses and gain a comprehensive understanding the sport of show jumping, from the business aspects to horsemanship and competition. Working for Eric was a key eye-opener, and I am very grateful for the opportunities I got while doing so.

As well, my family has been a huge influence on my career, allowing me to follow my dreams and compete whilst supporting me throughout. My boyfriend, Matthew Sampson, has also been a major influence. We've been together for five and a half years and run a business together. Matt [Matthew] is incredibly talented, and I continue to learn from him every day. He is my biggest supporter and provides constant emotional support. I love that we are able to compete together and against each other, and then at the end of the day have a debrief and plan for future competitions. While many more people have inspired me, Eric, my family, and Matt are my top three influences.

Can you tell us about how important your team is to your success?

We have an incredible team behind us with great staff who work extremely hard, as well as co-owners and owners. There are so many in the equestrian community that have helped get both Matt and to where we are today. We would not be here without our team’s hard work, dedication, and love for the horses. It sounds cliché but when things go well, it is not just mine or Matt’s success, it is our whole team’s.

What qualities do you think a horse and rider need to have to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

There are only four Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors a year, so to win one takes a lot of planning and you rarely see a new partnership win one. Horse and rider combinations have to have spent enough time together at the highest level of the sport before they are able to win a competition as prestigious as a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

A rider needs to understand their horse completely and the wider team needs to be on board with the plan and the preparations for the Major. Even when you feel you have the best plan; we are working with live animals, so anything can happen. Regardless of all your hard work and dedication, it sometimes takes a bit of luck to win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major.

Our sport is a lifetime sport and there is a reason for that – it takes a long time to put things together and develop horses so that they reach their best ability. There is so much involved in our sport, so I think that winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major should be celebrated because it does not happen often during a rider’s career.

Can you tell us about your current string of horses, and do you think any are capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major?

I have a great group of horses at the moment. I'm still developing quite a few, including some younger ones in Europe that we believe have great potential. My best horse right now is Igor GPH, and we have been together for about two years. We've competed in some five-star Grands Prix and achieved good results and have won a few three-star Grands Prix as well.

You never truly know if your horse is capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major title until you are in the moment, but Igor GPH definitely has huge potential and I think he would rise to the occasion.

My other horse, Quidamo F, is a bit older. I have had him since he was seven years old, we've been together for about seven years now. We've competed in the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament twice before, placing in one and unfortunately having a fault in the other. He is definitely capable of winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major but nowadays due to his age, we are selective about which competitions we enter him for. Spruce Meadows suits him perfectly, and he has had incredible results there, so I always plan to jump him at the venue.

I believe both horses can win a Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major but I also have to be on my game, riding my best and giving them the support they need.  We hope that our younger horses will one day reach this level too. It's an exciting time, and I feel lucky to have not only the horses I have now, but also the ones coming up for the future.

Your boyfriend, Matt Sampson, is also a top-level show jumper – what have you learnt from each other?

We learn something from each other every day! Matt is a fierce competitor and incredibly talented, I could not wish for a better partner. He knows horses so well and is a gifted horseman. We bounce ideas off each other all the time, which is extremely beneficial. It's wonderful to have a committed partner by your side, going through all the ups and downs with you and someone who understands everything without needing words to explain.

said, it's not always easy to have your partner compete against you! I might have an excellent weekend while Matt doesn't, or vice versa, which can be tough. Despite this, we have an incredible relationship and I’m fortunate to have Matt as a partner in life and in this sport. At times it can be very emotional, and having him to talk to is invaluable.

The course at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament is often considered one of the toughest in the sport. How do you prepare yourself and your horse for the challenge?

I believe preparation comes from experience in the ring. Spruce Meadows hosts a summer circuit, and those who compete there over the summer tend to do well at the ‘Masters’ Tournament because their horses are familiar with the arena and the fences. If riders can participate in those events, it serves as excellent preparation. Competing at other Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors such as the CHIO Aachen, or at other big grass venues, provides great preparation for competing at Spruce Meadows. 

The course built for the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, is one of the most challenging that combinations face all year. Even though the Grand Prix isn’t until the afternoon, the course is usually set up in the morning. It's quite interesting to watch riders walk it four or five times, analysing the best plan for themselves and their horse – it is something you don’t see often. Walking the course creates a really cool atmosphere with all the riders trying to approach it together, uncertain of what's to come. It is super exciting!

Show Jumping is one of the only sports in the world where men and women compete against each other – how special is this?

Having been in this sport for so long, it's easy to forget that it's unusual for men and women to compete against each other. I believe we give the men a real run for their money. Women riders getting stronger each year and are given more opportunities to advance. I'm incredibly proud to be a female athlete in show jumping and hope to inspire other female riders to do the same. In this sport, when working with horses, we are on an equal playing field which is great.

What does the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping mean to you, and how important do you think it has been for the sport?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an extremely import circuit in our sport and winning a Rolex Grand Slam Major is akin to winning an Olympic medal. It doesn't happen often, and when it does, riders should recognize what they have accomplished. I hope to win not just one, but many. Fortunately, both Matt and I have time to reach this goal, as many riders in their sixties are still competing at the top level -- so time is on our side!