Biography

Samantha Cesnik AUS

It will be a first Badminton for Australian rider Samantha Cesnik (39) who is currently based near Beaminster in Dorset. With Badminton entry Graftango Samantha completed her first 5* at Pau at last autumn.

Samantha also competes in dressage and has previously trained in dressage in Europe and has groomed at CCI5* level including the World Equestrian Games, Burghley 3DE and Adelaide 3DE. Samantha teaches dressage and cross country from Spring Creek near Melbourne where she and her partner are based and manage the venue – including the schooling and rehabilitation side of the business.

Currently Samantha and her partner Chris Height will be splitting their time between Australia and the UK. Samantha trains with Briana Burgess and Sam Griffiths. Outside of horses she enjoys Skiing, cooking and gardening.

Graftango is an Australian-bred 14-year-old mare. Bred by Laura Hedberg she is a by the leading sire Grafenstolz out of mare by Contango. She was acquired in 2020 as a 1* horse from the breeder’s daughter who didn’t get on with her. Graftango is described by Samantha as a strong-willed  mare who loves to go cross country.