Samantha McIntosh is joining Cian O'Connor's team at Karlswood Stables in Ireland, Equestrian Sports New Zealand reported on Wednesday. McIntosh is one of New Zealand's most experienced riders, and has competed at the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games as well as the World Cup Finals. 

“The opportunity for the job presented itself and when I weighed up the odds, I thought it was a good chance to progress,” McIntosh told Equestrian Sports New Zealand. “It was an easy connection as I know him and it probably took just a couple of days backwards and forwards to work out the finer details. I think we are both what the other is looking for in the role.”

On his official Facebook account, O'Connor wrote: “Looking forward to welcome top rider Samantha McIntosh to Karlswood."