Showjumping couple Matt Sampson and Kara Chad have established their first permanent base in West Sussex ahead of the 2026 season. The pair invited Horse & Hound for a visit, sharing seven lesser-known facts about their lives and approach to the sport. Their new setup at Maplepark Farms reflects their combined backgrounds.
Matt Sampson and Kara Chad, described as showjumping's latest power couple, recently moved into a permanent base in West Sussex, UK, preparing for the 2026 season. This marks their first fixed location on UK soil, where they operate Maplepark Farms—a name blending Kara's Canadian roots (evoked by 'Maple') with Matt's upbringing at Parklands Equestrian Centre near Sheffield.
Matt's standout horse is Ebolensky, nicknamed Lennie, a 17-year-old grey mare who secured the London International grand prix in 2022. She has produced two six-year-old daughters via embryo transfer with I’m Special De Muze, named Specialensky and Extralensky. “They both have a super mentality and jump really well,” Matt says. “Lennie might have more foals – she took to it really well.”
Known for his skill as a catch rider, Matt began riding James Davenport’s 18-year-old stallion Daniel a couple of years ago ahead of Hickstead training. “I didn’t have a horse for the bigger classes, so James said would I like to take Daniel,” he recalls. “I’d always loved that horse. So I jumped him over 1m20, then took him to the show and went on to ride him in all the big classes at places like Spruce Meadows and London with some fantastic results.” He continues riding Daniel only at shows. Additionally, Matt won the Snowball Stakes at the 2025 London International on HMF Equestrian’s Balento CS, a horse he had ridden just once or twice before. “I just borrowed him for the show,” he said. “He’s just a good horse, and good horses do special things.”
The couple prioritize turning out their horses, with Matt's top ride Fabrice Dn spending his entire winter break in the field. “He lives out as much as possible,” Matt explains. “And at the end of the year he goes out for the winter. He loves it.” At home, they rarely practice jumping exercises, limiting heights to 1m 30 or below. “We might use poles in front of a fence, but we don’t use specific exercises – I’ll barely ever use a grid exercise,” Matt says. “We start out with horses with a good technique and build up through good flatwork and strengthening. Sometimes I’ll build a course on the ground and practise pace, adjustability and stride patterns.”
Matt left school at age 12 to ride 17 ponies daily, having always been pony-mad. “I’ve always been pony-mad; it’s all I’ve ever done,” he says. “I used to play ice hockey, roller hockey and rugby as well and one time when I broke my arm the only thing I really missed was riding, so Mum and Dad realised it was my thing so it’s been that ever since.” The couple shares two dogs: Harry, a Spanish rescue picked up during Matt's time on the Sunshine Tour, and Maple, a French Bulldog who rules the household.
One horse to watch is Kara's Chicago, bred by John Whitaker. “We think he’s one of the best horses we’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Matt says, hinting at potential for the LA28 Olympics.
