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California Riding Magazine • July, 2010 Snowden Clarke and by Paige Hill |
Josephine Cassens with Snowden Clarke. It is a daunting task to find the right trainer, especially one that will teach the responsibility of horse ownership and provide a positive learning environment, all while competing at the top level. Snowden Clarke of Rock Ridge Farm does just that for his students. Located at the Paddock Riding Club in Los Angeles, Rock Ridge Farm is a place where quality outweighs quantity. Although Snowden has only been in California for three years, he is no stranger to success in the hunter/jumper world and he is now handing down his expertise to a new generation. He is turning his small fleet into a force to be reckoned with and into a group of responsible horsemen that put their horses’ and ponies’ needs first. Rock Ridge Farm is erasing the “little barn” stereotype. Snowden is creating a mini community where fun, safety and support come first.
Pre-show prep with Josephine. Each fall Clarke takes clients to Virginia where they go foxhunting, catch the steeplechase races and polo matches and watch Fargis train in his huge indoor arena. Clarke turns the trip into an opportunity for his riders to have fun outside the arena. “The first few days we hack up and down the hills to get them used to riding out in the open. Throughout the trip they take care of the ponies they ride. Even when they are home I have them wrap their pony’s legs and tack them up. Kids also take out braids, help clean tack and help each other.” Responsibility for one’s mount is paramount at Rock Ridge. “Never forget the horse,” is Clarke’s motto. The trainer’s hands-on approach is translating into lots of ribbons this season. Racking up championships left and right, Rock Ridge Farm is teeming with human and equine talent. One of Clarke’s top pony riders, Josephine Cassens and her pony Cardiff Private Affair, were year-end Champion Children’s Pony Hunter at the Gold Coast Series. Snowden has an exciting horse in Over The Moon, who he and John French are campaigning and have won top ribbons with. Over The Moon’s resume includes winning the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Thermal with John French aboard earlier this year.
Clarke with John French, on Over The Moon, A Sense of Community Clarke mentions the wonderful community at Rock Ridge Farm and at the Paddock Riding Club. “I am so impressed by the Paddock Riding Club. Each week they are working on a new project to improve the facility, like fixing the footing, painting the barn, landscaping and maintaining the trails.” He praises the helpful friendships he shares with other trainers there. Clarke likens it to his experience with other East Coast trainers with whom he stays in contact and consults on a regular basis. “We always help each other out whether it is advice on a certain bridle, ride or veterinary supplies. Having a community where people help each other is a very special thing.” He also has a great staff led by barn manager Francisco Nazarro, who keeps his horses happy and healthy. Assistant trainer Andrew Casey holds down the operation at home and takes students to local shows when Snowden is at shows. He also credits the horse’s outstanding quality of care thanks to several people. “Everyone that is a part of Rock Ridge, from stall muckers, shippers, Dr. Wheat, the blacksmiths, Bob Pailin, grooms and riders are all a big part of our success.”
The trainer with Catherine Berry. Rock Ridge Farm is unique in the way it rallies behind each rider and their progress in training. “We throw ‘winner dinners’ for the kids who did well at the show and also those who have shown improvement in their riding.” Members of the barn watch each other’s rounds and cheer each other on. It is this sense of camaraderie that makes Snowden Clarke’s Rock Ridge Farm a great place to ride.
For more information on Rock Ridge Farm and Snowden Clarke visit www.snowdenclarke.com, e-mail snowden@snowdenclarke.com or call 540-229-1452. |
