Clarke is the only Olympic event rider who did most of his preparation in New Zealand for Rio Olympics. In doing so he has inspired the next generation of riders that it is possible to base from NZ.

Clarke grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Otago. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Otago University he pursued eventing and show jumping full time. Clarke has had much success both in New Zealand and around the world, winning all of New Zealand’s significant 4* titles.

Clarke’s strengths lie in the high standards that he sets in all aspects of his equestrian life. This includes having happy healthy and well turned out horses and horses that are well produced, fit and up to the standard required of them at their particular level.  He is focused on producing top results at major events rather than mass producing horses for sale. This allows him to spend the time that each horse requires to get the best out of each one.

Clarke has also been extremely lucky to have some fantastic mentors over the course of his career so far. These include former World Champion Vaughn Jefferis, NZ dressage rider Vanessa Way, former NZ eventing team coach Erik Duvander as well as his fantastic parents Jean and Rob.