Stats Sam Watson at Tryon WEG 2018

Samantha Clark put Ireland's Sam Watson, co-founder of the equestrian stats ratings company Equi-Ratings, on the other end of the camera for a change to find out how he rated his chances

Ireland’s Sam Watson is competing at his third FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon on board Horseware Ardagh Highlight

“I think it’s very good for any rider to look at themselves analytically” says Sam “When it’s the off season, it’s all about marginal gains and I get pretty tough on myself then but right now it’s all about strengths”

One of those strengths is his support team on the ground at Tryon, especially Sam’s wonderful wife Sparkles (Hannah)

“Sparkles is the most amazing person; she is why I can do two jobs and be a dad all at the same time”

Sam and Horseware Ardagh Highlight were one of the early competitors at Tryon today, producing a score of 35.5 but cross country is their forte and Sam is looking forward to some mud and rain for his Irish horse!