It is not surprising that Mark Samuel chose a life path dedicated to horses and equestrian sport. As the son of Ernie Samuel, who began the Sam-Son Farm thoroughbred breeding and racing operation in 1972 in Milton, ON, he witnessed many champions in the winners’ circle wearing the stables’ red-and-gold silks. Mark became prominent on the hunter-jumper scene as a teen and was a frequent champion in both rings. His talent did not go unnoticed and he was named to his first Nations’ Cup team in 1999 and represented Canada at the 2003 Pan Am Games aboard Darios V.

As a supporter of the Canadian horse industry, he became a director of the Ontario Equestrian Federation and the Canadian Equestrian Federation (now Equestrian Canada); was a co-founder of the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association; Jump Canada co-founder, past chair and committee member; and chair of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.

In 2012, Mark was elected FEI Group IV chair, representing Canada, the US, and eight Caribbean nations and promoting and coordinating the development of equestrian sport activities there. In 2016, he was tasked with chairing the FEI Working Group on FEI Officials. In 2017, he was elected as second vice-president of the FEI at the General Assembly, a position he currently holds.

In 2018, Mark was assigned as FEI Board liaison on the Endurance Temporary Committee charged with a full review of the discipline’s issues and rules in order return it to its original roots with horse welfare and horsemanship at its core. He also spearheaded the Caribbean Equine Relief Fund – a joint fundraising and equine relief effort to help horses impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria. As board member of the North American Riders Group (NARG) he continues to be the voice for riders, owners, trainers and horses to improve competitive show jumping at a continental and global level.

Foreseeable Future

“To continue the search for work/life balance … and to return to the show ring in earnest!”

Mission Possible

“[In the future I see myself] still answering the call to help when asked … and when I feel that I can contribute my time and experience to achieve positive outcomes. Probably still striving to achieve my 2020 goals as well!”