Aston showjumper riding high

SHOWJUMPER Matt Sampson was quite literally jumping for joy after riding to the Horse of the Year crown at a prestigious event.

Matt (27), of Aston, rode Dutch horse Ebolensky to victory at the Foxhunter Championships in Birmingham last week.

The decorated rider fought off competition from more than 120 others to take the Horse of the Year for 2017.

“It’s probably one of the biggest titles I have won because of the history behind the competition,” he said.

“It’s something that everyone wants to win so I was delighted to take the victory. She really is a special horse.”

Matt thanked Ebolensky’s owner Rachel Evison and grooms Andy Sinclair and Chloe Pinegar for their support.

He and Ebolensky will travel to Spain later this month to compete in the Oliva Nova Championships.

The former Aston Comprehensive School pupil now lives in Sussex and competes in competitions across Europe.

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