1st Equitation class 1965 and then 40 years later

                      thrilled always to ride show jumpers!!

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   1.40 meter showjumping

Den Bosch, The Netherlands

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Years studying great riders like Rich Fellers, George Morris, Bertalan de Némethy, Bill Steinkraus, and several other world class riders....

Clay is pictured above riding "Lola" a smaller Hanoverian owned then by Heather Oleson mat "Whip n Spur" stables, where Rich Fellers was based for so many years. Clay brought this horse along from the Dressage ring to the jumper ring and then sold it to Megan Jordan-Gass, who renamed her "Lolita".

One of several high performance horses developed through Clay, "Lolita" became the leading Grand Prix horses in the Northwest two years in a row!

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Schooling an imported Dutch Warmblood stallion, a son of Concorde,  at the old Indio Showgrounds.

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      A Young Dutch Warmblood gelding, another son of     

 Concorde in a 1.10m class in The Netherlands.

 

 "I believe to be a horseman you have to not only love the sporting aspect, but also to have such empathy for the horse, that you are required to hold the their best welfare and your own continued education to the highest standard.  As a trainer, integrity is everything and let no one dissuade your commitment to it!" 

Clayton A. Jackson         

Clay Jackson grew up on a working Quarter Horse ranch in New Almaden in the South bay area of California. Both his parents were avid competitors and breeders, this background brought about an education and desire to ride and compete at a very young age.

Since his first show in 1965, in Danville California, Clay has become a solid trainer and competitor. It was in his thrill seeking 20's, that Clay rode a half sister to a Hunter/Jumper stallion "Truck Driving Man". It took no more than a few winning rounds and the future was set, supported by his strong equitation background, hunters and jumpers became his top, life long passion as well as sailing a 51' Ketch on the waters of the San Fransisco bay and Pacific ocean reaches when away from the stable.  

Clay qualified as a United States Hunter Jumper Association Certified Trainer. Having spent several decades working with horses,  he is always empathetic, and uses techniques to gain their confidence and build trust while constantly seeking to teach the horse, as well as when coaching riders, to perform at their highest level and gets results! Well known for his love of horses, anybody that spends little time with him can see the lifelong bond to the equestrian life.

Continuing his family history, Clay ran his own breeding operation for several years producing first quality Quarter Horses and later fell in love with Thoroughbreds. Owning at one time two (G1) graded stakes winning stallions! For over twenty years he worked closely with McFadden Family owned "Pleasure Acres" Thoroughbred farm (est. 1916), This well respected family had produced no less than 3 horses to "run for the roses" in the Kentucky Derby! Clay had the job in developing many young horses each year and later producing hunters and jumpers from the ranks of the non-racing horses. You will still frequently find him starting young horses or re-claiming a "difficult" horse as it has always been a strong part of his career.  Many of the horse he started and developed or re-schooled have gone on to be great athletes for amateur and professional riders in multiple disciplines.

Clay traveled to Europe and attended various shows, sales and KWPN stallion selection trials, he was asked to spend time training in The Netherlands. Working with many young horses there as well as "hands on" experience with such great stallions as. "Heartbreaker", "Larino", "Lord Z" and Olympic "Concorde", it was a great experience, and the Nijoff family were great hosts.

Clay has now written a few articles for several equestrian publications. In 2012, Clay was asked and later appointed to the position as "Ride director", for the equestrian portion of the 2013 USA Olympic affiliated UIP "World Cup" in Palm Springs, California, With international athletes from around the world, representing over 25 countries attending. 

Clay Jackson is a strong advocate of continuing education and has attended many clinics and has trained under or schooled with top show jumping riders and trainers such as:

Mr. George Morris, chef d’ equipe (ret.) Coach of the United States Equestrian Team (Show Jumping )  for many years, Olympian and International competitor, and International clinician.

Mr. Rich Fellers,  2012 World Cup Champion, 2012 USET rider London Olympics (9th individual) Silver medalist Pan American games, multiple international showjumping winner.

Susan Hutchison, Multiple Intl. G.P. winner, Nations Cup rider, World Cup rider, AGA Rider of the year, and more...

Mrs. Claudia Cojacar, International jumping clinician and technical adviser to 'Jump Canada'

Mr. Joe Fargis, Gold medalist 1984 Olympics, Showjumping

Mr. Greg Best, Silver medalist 1988 Olympics, Silver medalist Pan American games multiple international G.P. winner and a international clinician.

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 and with such accomplished dressage trainers as:

Marina Genn

Dietrich Von Hopfgarten 

Claus Bergener 

Working with these and other equestrian professionals, from veterinarians to farriers,  Clay Jackson continues his education and skills. You can find many of his horses competing from amateur levels to Grand Prix, in Showjumping, Hunters, Equitation and Three Day Eventing. 

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