Stephen Clarke, FEI 5* Dressage Judge, is one of the most highly respected and sought after dressage judges in the world. He was President of the Ground Jury at the London Olympic Games and on the Ground Jury at the Rio Olympics.
Where do you live?
«My base is at Cotton Equestrian Centre in Cheshire UK»
How and when did you meet horses? And where and why dressage?
«Horses have been my life! I have been a show jumper, three day event rider, and it just seemed natural to progress into Grand Prix Dressage. I always trained my jumping horses to be ‘through’ “on the bit” and with great reaction and adjustably within their paces … It was vital if you wanted to win (and not break your neck in the process) »
When did you become a dressage judge?
«I became a National Dressage Judge in my early 20s; I was fascinated by it from the beginning! However, I was maybe rather naive, and had no great ambitions to become an FEI Dressage Judge; it just seemed that one thing led to another. The great judges and riders of the time seemed feel that I had the ability to translate quality and way of going into relevant and fair marking, and they understood that I was not afraid to use the whole range of scores where appropriate! And they also knew that I would use my integrity and would not be acceptant any form of bad horsemanship (from either inside or outside of the competition environment)».
Mr. Clarke, how did you career develop?
«I was lucky to have some very nice horses and the help of some of the great trainers of those times. They were, without exception, extremely generous with their time, help, moral support and advice! ».
In your opinion how should be the relationship amongst judges and other stakeholders? (Riders, Trainers, sponsor, media etc.)
«Each panel of judges must act as real “Team Players”. They must have complete respect for one another and be prepared to discuss and “listen” to the opinions of their colleagues. The day will never come when we all see the exact same picture (particularly from our different perspective around the arena). If our opinions are based on real knowledge and we act with courage and conviction, I truly believe that the riders and trainers will respect that. (Even when we do not always give the exact same scores.) To my mind, the most important thing is we must always have justifiable reasons for the scores we each give and to be confident enough to stand by our beliefs. Also, in addition, sometimes we all make mistakes! (Just as the riders and trainers do…) – When these things happen, we must also be brave and honest enough to admit it».
Mr. Clarke, do you have any worries when you are going to start judging a class?
«Of course, we all have adrenalin running through our veins, just like the riders, we, as judges, only want to do the best job possible».
Your hobbies?
«Gardening, cooking».
Any suggestions to FEI regarding judges?
«Ongoing opportunities for education and communication are vital in these difficult “Corona times”!».
