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".... (read more) 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.
Clay is 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 quality Quarter Horses and later Thoroughbreds. Owning at one time two graded stakes winning stallions! For over twenty years he worked closely with McFadden Family owned "Pleasure Acres" (est. 1916), starting many dozens of colts 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 "problem" horse as it has always been a strong part of his career. Many of his started or re-schooled horses have gone on to be great athletes for amateur and professional riders in multiple disciplines. Clay has written a few articles and has current equestrian publications seeking his material.
Clay Jackson is a strong advocate of continuing education and attends many clinics every year, schooling and training 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, Silver medalist Pan American games, multiple international showjumping winner. Training with Rich from 1999-2007 and still follow his lead!
Susan Hutchison, Multiple Intl. G.P. winner, Nations Cup rider, World Cup rider, AGA Rider of the year, and more...
Mr.Kevin Freeman, Silver Medalist Olympics 1968 & 1972 , Eventing Hall of Fame
Mr. Jeff Campf, World Cup and Olympic qualified rider and multiple international Grand Prix winner
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.