Clagett HorseSports
Services Overview:

My primary requirement of my clients is a desire to learn and willingness to do what is best for each horse. A good trainer understands that people and horses learn in different ways under different circumstances and has the ability to teach the same point through multiple approaches. Studies show that learning occurs best when it is fun and engaging, and this happens by achieving an increasing level of competence which encourages confidence and relaxation. Consistent work is the only way to gain competence, whatever you choose to be competent in, whether that is riding trails, enjoying Training Level Dressage or playing medium-goal Polo. Horses and riders need to be fit enough to do what they enjoy or the risk of injury and becoming over-challenged rises. I have a broad background in multiple disciplines and am a committed, life-long learner myself, which gives me a deep base of knowledge and experience to draw from to help others accomplish their goals. Learning and training are not static, but dynamic; they require continual evaluation and adjustment throughout the process. I work with all levels of amateurs (including Pony Club members), professionals and horses in Balanced Seat, Dressage, Eventing and Polo, and specialize in performance development. That is, figuring out what is keeping riders and horses from progressing and finding solutions to address and manage them. I am based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area around Loudoun County, Virginia, and Montgomery and Frederick Counties, Maryland, but periodically travel farther for groups and other events.
LESSONS
​
How are things going with your riding or playing? Are you happy and confident? Are you satisfied with your skill level and want to try something new? Are you struggling to overcome problems that keep occurring or are you ready to step up a level? I work with riders and their own or leased horses at their locations (I currently do not have space available for boarders at my own farm) which must have a suitable training area with good footing and equipment (ground poles, jumps, goal posts or cones, lettered Dressage markers, etc.) as necessary. Lessons are taught in either private, semi-private or group form. Riders must be capable of caring for, tacking/untacking and controlling their horses themselves, and remain focused and follow instructions for the duration of the lesson. Their horses must be sound and fit enough for the type and level of riding taught. I work together as a team with my clients to help them develop the knowledge and experience needed to work independently with their horses between lessons. If your horse is not currently fit, we can design a fitness program around your goals. All students are required to wear an ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmet, boots and gloves. Additional required equipment for specific sports may be listed under the Services tab for each individual sport. For more detailed lesson information for a specific sport, please click on the individual sport buttons located at the bottom of this page.
​
TRAINING
​
The majority of problems I encounter with horses arise from incorrect development due to incorrect training or riding. Inevitably, this causes misalignment throughout and the horse's body to work against itself. Success in correcting or managing these issues depends upon if or how much damage the horse has sustained from it and what the owner is willing to do to help their horse. This could mean retraining, feed or turnout changes, supportive joint supplements, different shoeing, osteopathic work, among other things, but mostly it means time. Horses with correct development, which I also work with, still need time and conditioning to bring them up through the levels. If you rush the systematic, adaptive biological process of it, you will create issues which will derail your horse's optimal performance and career longevity. Horses with incorrect development require extra time to first deconstruct what has gone wrong before rebuilding them correctly. Please Note: I do not work with un-started, dangerous or debilitated horses. For more detailed training information for a specific sport, please click on the individual sport buttons located at the bottom of this page.
CAMPAIGNING
The Washington, DC Metropolitan Area is a very active horse area. During any given week, there are many competitions and games of all types and levels to compete in. Whether you want to compete yourself or want a professional to campaign your horse for the joy of it or to promote your horse for sale or future breeding purposes, it is an ideal area to campaign horses. Campaigning is another level of training which requires a bigger commitment. If you want to do well-- which does not necessarily mean winning, but rather being your best under given circumstances-- there are the added elements of schedules, shipping logistics, rules, pre- and post-meet care, entries, award programs, weather, to name a few. It is a greater commitment for a trainer, as well, who is either there to support a client or campaigning a client's horse. For more detailed campaigning information for a specific sport, please click on the individual sport buttons located at the bottom of this page.
