FLAIR® Featured Equestrian

 

Sam Griffiths

International Event Rider

In 1995, Sam made the decision to leave his home in Australia and make a career for himself in the UK as an International Event Rider. He trained and worked as a back up rider for double Olympic gold medallist, Matt Ryan for three years where he had the opportunity to train and compete all levels of event horses.

After leaving Matt Ryan's base, Sam established his own team of horses, and in 2004 Sam was reserve for the Australian team for the Athens Olympics. Since then Sam has ridden several horses to top 10 placings at Badminton, Burghley and Blenheim. This season Sam has up to 15 horse to event, ranging from Novices through to 3 and 4 star horses and, following a successful Badminton on Connigar Bay, and a win at Saumur CCI*** on Happy Times, Sam has earned a place on the Australian Elite Squad.

As well as still receiving help and advice from Matt Ryan at the world class competitions, Sam is currently trained by Olympic dressage rider, Jennie Loriston-Clarke and her daughter Lizzie Murray. For jumping, Sam is trained by International show jumper, Andy Austin. Sam and his wife, Lucy, run the eventing team from Hoplands Equestrian Centre in Hampshire.

Major Results

1st Saumur CCI*** 2008
11th Burghley CCI**** 2007
12th British Open Championships, Gatcombe 2007
8th Burghley CCI**** 2006
9th Blenheim CCI*** 2006
15th Burghley CCI**** 2005
6th Badminton CCI**** 2004
Team Gold and Individual Silver Medallist - Asia/Pacific Championships 2003

Photo above is Sam Griffiths competing at Samur. Photograph by Dominique Gautier.