Sam Watson

Married to Hannah (Sparkles) with two young boys, Archie and Toby.

Sam began his international career when he represented Ireland at the Junior European Championships with Stephen Lanigan O’Keefe’s Demi-Tasse.

His love of eventing was inherited from his father, John, who represented Ireland as both an individual and on Irish teams. Highlights of his career include individual silver medal in the 1978 World Championships in Kentucky.

Sam and Horseware Bushman became an extremely successful combination in eventing circles. However, when he inherited the ride as a 6 year old from his sister, he did not show the promise of the International success that he has now claimed.

Together, they completed one of only four clear rounds at Badminton in 2010 inside the time allowed. The partnership won their first 3* event in 2011 at Hopetoun where they led the class from start to finish.