Biography
Australian rider Sammi Birch is based near Cirencester and first competed at Badminton in 1999 attaining 7th place on her debut (Hunter Red). She last competed here in 2007 (Enchanted) and has waited a long time for this return!
Sammi grew up around horses and started eventing on her father’s homebreds – mostly thoroughbreds that didn’t make the grade on the track. Her Badminton debut at 21 years old was a fairytale after finishing 7th on her fathers homebred.
In 2000 Sammi represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez attaining 15th place (Frederick Hunter). In 2003 she was placed 3rd at the Australian 4 Star Adelaide and the following year placed 2nd (Black Odyssey). In the same year she was Olympic reserve (Enchanted).
In 2005 she made the big move to the UK to pursue her career. In 2016 she was the travelling reserve for the Olympics in Rio (Hunter Valley).
Sammi married Englishman Edward in 2014 (Ed is her most ardent supporter) and the couple have a much adored son, six-year-old Charlie. When not riding Sammi enjoys sunny beaches and going home to Australia, and……sleeping! She trains with Alex Franklin and her long time, loyal groom is Helen Tagg who has been with Sammi for over 20 years.
Finduss FPB (Loopy Louis) owned by Parkfield Breeding, is a 12-year-old Dutch-bred KWPN registered gelding. He is by the Hanoverian stallion Saffier out of a mare by Sarantos. He was originally piloted by Holly Woodhead, who produced him through the levels, representing GB at the World Young Horse Championships in Le Lion D’Angers, before progressing him up to 4 Star. He then enjoyed a stint with Laura Collett before Sammi took the ride.
Since taking over the ride in 2019, Sammi has built a special bond with the striking chestnut gelding, alongside her super groom Hels. Their most notable results include a top ten finish in the 4*L at Barroca d’Alva in 2020, and an 11th place finish in the Bicton 5* in 2021.
Entries
Finduss PFB
KWPN,
Netherlands,
2010
17.0hh , chestnut , gelding
Sire Saffier
Dam Belle Miranda (Sarantos)
Breeder W.a.m Wesselink
Owner(s): Parkfield Breeding