Q&A

STEPHEN CLARKE

FEI 5* Olympic dressage judge Stephen Clarke was president of the ground jury at London 2012 and a member of the ground jury at the Rio Olympics four years later. He has officiated at a host of major championships and was recipient of the Queen’s Award for services to British equestrianism in 2011. Stephen competed at international level for many years and was reserve rider for the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

TRAINING THE STARS

MANY years ago, I had a wonderful young stallion called Hermes. This horse had natural balance and a charming, if slightly laid-back, personality. He learnt most of the exercises very easily, with the exception of the flying change to the left. He was always obedient to the aid, but was often slightly late to change behind. However, as he developed his physical strength and collection, his flying changes became one of his best features.