Beyond riding...
Olympian Samantha Albert inspires Jamaica’s next generation of equestrians
Published:Wednesday | July 2, 2025 | 12:08 AMNyoka Manning/Gleaner Writer -
“Equestrianism is not just about riding,” equestrian Samantha Albert told Lifestyle. “It’s about building a partnership between rider and horse, and that requires physical strength, mental sharpness, and emotional control.”
Albert, who made history as the island’s only equestrian Olympian, representing the black, green, and gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, is now channelling her decades of international experience into developing Jamaica’s equestrian talent, not only as athletes but as well-rounded individuals.
“In this sport, you’re not working with one athlete but two. Both horse and rider need to be in-sync, and that takes discipline, fitness, and patience. Riders must be mentally resilient, emotionally calm, and physically strong,” she emphasised.
At just three years old, Samantha Albert fell in love, not with a toy or a fairy tale, but with a horse. Born to Jamaican mother Liz Brooks, and English father Nick Majendie, Albert’s fascination with equestrian sport began in early childhood and was nurtured by both parents.
While living on the island, she trained under respected coaches Yvonne Melville and Lesley Ann Fung-Yee, and was introduced to eventing, a demanding, multi-discipline form of riding, through Jamaica’s former annual international competitions, which brought top riders from the UK and the USA to local shores. That exposure ignited her competitive drive and revealed what might be possible.
After completing school, Albert made the pivotal decision to move to the United Kingdom, widely regarded as the global hub for eventing. With competitions held almost weekly, it offered the structure and opportunity she needed to hone her craft. Her determination and discipline eventually led her to the Olympic Games, where she represented Jamaica in two consecutive editions.
“The Olympics were a lifetime goal for me,” she reflected. “It was a huge honour to compete and represent Jamaica. As in all sports, the journey involved a great deal of sacrifice, and the road was rocky. But once I got there, the experience was incredible,” she explained.
Competing at the elite level as a Caribbean rider was challenging, but Albert was encouraged by the strong sense of camaraderie within the sport.
“The eventing community is like an extended family,” she said. “I always had support from fellow athletes – whether they were from the UK, Germany, New Zealand or the USA.”
LEGACY-BUILDING
Today, Albert’s focus has shifted from competing to legacy-building. Her goal is to elevate Jamaica’s equestrian landscape through exposure, education, and wellness. Albert returns regularly to Jamaica to assist in building capacity, coaching, and developing infrastructure within the local equestrian scene.
Partnering with the Kingston Polo Club and The Pony Club of Jamaica, and supported by international Olympians William Fox-Pitt of the UK and Brazil’s Carlos Parro, Albert created a platform to inspire young Jamaican athletes to dream big.
This mission came to life on Sunday at Caymanas Estate during A Night Under the Stars, a VIP showcase that brought together riders, coaches, international professionals, and community supporters for a night combining Olympic-calibre eventing demonstrations with a thrilling arena-style polo match between India’s Jaipur team and Jamaica.
The event was designed to entertain and elevate, offering young riders a rare opportunity to experience the dedication, precision, and artistry that define elite equestrian sport.
“The aim is to show these riders what’s possible,” she said. “With proper coaching, consistency, and a united equestrian community, we can develop riders who are capable of competing internationally and doing so with wellness at the centre.”
Her approach places equal emphasis on physical and mental conditioning. During her own Olympic campaigns, Albert’s daily routine involved running and strength training to maintain peak performance. “[The] rider’s fitness is just as important as the horse’s [fitness],” she said. “Mental wellness, too, plays a crucial role, this sport brings many highs and lows, and staying grounded is key.”
MENTORSHIP
This holistic philosophy informs how she mentors young Jamaican riders. One of her major breakthroughs, she said, has been fostering respect for coaching and structure.
“We’re gradually seeing a shift,” she noted, adding, “Riders are learning the importance of showing up prepared and training with intention.”
While access to well-trained horses remains a challenge, Albert sees progress.
“Horsepower has always been an issue, but we’re slowly building up a better pool,” she said. “It’s just as important to cultivate discipline and commitment among the riders.”
In her view, the impact of equestrian sport reaches far beyond medals or technical achievement. It teaches life skills, discipline, patience, perseverance.
“It is incredibly important to me to see Jamaican youth represented on global stages,” she said. “Their passion for the sport and their drive to compete at the highest level are undeniable.”
What Albert hopes to pass on is not simply her expertise, but belief in the sport, in the country’s potential, and in the young riders who dare to dream. “Dream big, and don’t give up on those dreams,” she encourages.