ONE of the most highly respected dressage judges in the world has died.
Stephen Clarke died over the weekend after a long battle with cancer.
The Vice President of British Dressage was brought up in Glan Conwy, where his father was the village policeman, and was a member of Llandudno Riders Club as a child and teenager.
His lifelong love of horses began as a boy when a neighbouring farmer’s ponies first captured his imagination. He went on to enjoy early success in his equestrian career as a showjumper and eventer before his love of training horses ultimately led him to dressage.
Judith Phillips, who served as secretary of Llandudno and District Riders Club for several years, sometimes referred to as Llandudno Riding Club, explained how Stephen never forgot his North Wales roots.
Judith said: "Stephen owed his distinguished career as an event and dressage rider, and and later as an international dressage judge and trainer, to the Jones family of Bodafon Farm, Llandudno, who gave him the opportunity to ride their home bred horses.
"Llandudno and District Riders Club sadly folded about 10 years ago, but over the years Stephen would visit to give lessons to members and was the VIP guest at the club's 60th anniversary celebration.
"He was a lovely man. Very modest and an inspiration to others."
Stephen went on to become one of the most highly respected dressage judges in the world, dedicating decades of his life to the development of judging and the growth of dressage internationally.
MORE NEWS
- Old Colwyn high school to close on Tuesday after major water leak
- North Wales Coast Line to close for FOUR WEEKS for unprecedented planned works
- New direct evening rail service being trialled from Manchester Airport to Abergele
Paying tribute to Stephen, British Dressage said: "He contributed greatly to the reputation and profile of dressage as a sport."
They added: "As a 5* FEI judge he officiated at countless international championships, including as President of the Ground Jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games and on the judging panel at the Rio Games in 2016. Stephen also sat on the FEI Dressage Committee for several years and was instrumental in putting together the FEI judge’s handbook – now considered the bible of modern judging.
"He was elected FEI Dressage Judge General in 2013 and had a significant influence on the training and education of judges both nationally and internationally.
"Stephen’s unrivalled knowledge, combined with his positivity, generosity, warmth, and kindness, was renowned in our sport and he will be greatly missed by the whole dressage community.
"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Stephen's family and friends at this time."
Jill Day, British Dressage Chair and a close friend of Stephen’s, said: “There are so many things I could say about Stephen. I often thought of him as a National Treasure, and there is no one more deserving of that title. When you consider the legacy he has left behind - wow, what a legacy that is.
"However, when I think of Stephen, none of those things are the first things that spring to mind. I just see that twinkle in his eye and that infectious giggle. I see an amazing friend, always there if you needed him and always with very honest and straightforward advice. There will never be another that has done so much for our sport and stayed so humble.
“His last words to me were 'please, don't be sad'. This will be the first time I have not been able to follow his advice. RIP dear friend.”
The International Dressage Officials Club said in tribute: “Stephen was, quite simply, one of the greatest gifts the sport of dressage has ever received. His passing leaves a stillness in our world that will take a long time to fill – and yet, if we listen carefully, we can still hear his voice: warm, measured, often wonderfully witty, and always pointing us toward what is right and good in this sport we all love.”
Share