Sam Watson is 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 an 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.

Sam, along with Horseware Ardagh Highlight, were part of the historic Irish Eventing Team who won team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, gaining Ireland’s team qualifying spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.