Event rider Sam Griffiths is currently ranked 24th in the world and 15th in the UK. He was part of the Australian team at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010, and finished fourth at last year's Badminton. With an exciting team of horses, Sam has his sights firmly fixed on being a part of the Australian team at London 2012.

What would you do if you didn’t work with horses?

I did consider trying to study law, but I think deep down I am an outdoors person, so I think it would be some job outside.

Why did you decide to go into eventing?

Going through Pony Club, I was fairly typical and I did everything with my pony. But I always loved the thrill of the cross-country, and eventing in Australia was very popular, so I was drawn into it.

What is your funniest horse moment?

Jumping over my great friend Nigel Thomson, who lay under a show jump. Looking back it was a bit crazy as the horse I was riding was a notorious stopper!

How often do you have lessons and who trains you?

I have had a lot of lessons over the years. Currently I am having dressage lessons from Charlotte Dujardin, when she is available. I have also received help from our Australian national coach Prue Barrett, and hopefully I will go to Germany just prior to the start of the season to get some help from Gilbert Bockmann, who is our national jumping coach.

Who has the best yard you’ve visited?

When I first came to the UK I groomed for Blyth Tait and his yard was immaculately kept and extremely professionally run; that has left a lasting impression on me. But in terms of beauty, I visited Wallaby Hills, south of Sydney that was beautifully done - everything was stunning - even the xc jumps had agapanthus planted around them! I was also lucky enough to have a look around Laura Bechtolsteimer's yard last year - that's incredible.

What was the last thing you did that scared you?

Well, disagreeing with my wife is pretty daunting! But, just recently, I was at a sightseeing place and I looked over a cliff edge that had no railings. There was about a 500m drop. I didn't think that I suffered from vertigo, but I did then. I practically crawled back from the edge.

Who is the person who inspires you the most and why?

I have had a few inspiration people. Having worked for both Blyth Tait and Matt Ryan, I have always looked up to them with my riding.

Whose horse would you like to own?

There are some really beautiful horses on the circuit at the moment, but the horse that I have always loved (and is now long retired) is Vaughan jefferies horse Bounce, that I thought had everything that you wanted in an eventer. He was a beautiful mover, brave and careful jumper and very fast across the country. I have also been known to spend time browsing the event horses on HorseQuest and there are a few on there I would like to own!

What goes through your mind when you’re in the start box?

I try to think of the course ahead of me, and there are times when I have to make myself aggressive so I come out of the start box fast.

When did you last kick yourself?

I am still kicking myself from the way I rode the last show jump at Burghley and had it down. It was a real loss of concentration and a mistake I shouldn't have made.

How do you relax?

I love to relax either by watching cricket, because I am cricket mad, or by gardening, which is so different to the eventing and I can find a good use for all the horse poo!

Who is the one to watch in 2012?

I have two very good riders in my yard. Fellow Aussie Chris Burton is a super rider who, if things goes his way, will win some big events. Also my wife has two lovely horses that will step out into international classes this season, and I expect that they will go really well. We are also just back from a trip to Australia were we visited family and did some work with my sponsors HorseQuest at the Adelaide Three Day Event, and we got to see some great Aussie riders, so look out for the Australian team next year!

What is your greatest achievement to date?
I have had lots of good achievements that I am proud of, but perhaps coming third at Badminton and Burghley in the same season was thrilling and being awarded my Armada dish for five Badminton completions.

What is your top tip for H&C visitors?
Horse riding has lots of ups and downs. Enjoy it when things goes well, and stick with it when things aren't so great.

If you want to find out more about Sam, you can visit his website: http://www.samgriffithseventing.co.uk/