This is a question that Clark has been pondering since Rolex, then since Barbury, and still couldn’t answer definitively until just a few days ago when the USEF announced that Sinead and Will Faudree would be the two top tier reserves for the Olympics. Now Clark has made plans to apply for a grant to compete at Boekelo, and although he told me in a perfect world he would love to remain in England with Glen until then, economics dictate otherwise. He wasted no time and is already back home getting on his horses in the USA, while Glen and Sally, his uber capable groom, will fly home with the team horses next week. Like all the riders I’ve spoken to who aren’t on the team, Clark has analysed his Spring campaign and told me it’s been difficult not knowing exactly why each rider wasn’t picked, “The only thing that I wish that they did was offer up more explanation of why decisions were made and I think that would relieve a lot of stress thereafter; whether that’s the coach and the selectors sitting down with each rider individually and discussing exactly why they are an alternate for example, that might be a better system, but no system is going to be perfect.” Overwhelmingly though, Clark stressed how much Glen has benefited from the month’s training in England at Eddy Stibbe’s fantastic facility, and how lucky he feels to have such a talented, healthy, sound and happy horse available to represent his country at many future Championships for years to come. We talked briefly before Clark left England about being away from home, his business, and of course his beautiful wife, (“I miss her desperately”), and coping with disappointment, and inevitably, carrying on,
“I think I’ve dealt with it pretty well, there’s definitely been times when it’s been hard, when you get sad, disappointed or a bunch of different emotions but none of that really gets you anywhere. So I’ve had those moments, and then I’ve tried as quickly as possible to get over them and then focus again. Until a couple of days ago we were all alternates, we didn’t know any rankings so it was my responsibility to continue to train as well as I could in case they did need me and that’s been well worth it. I’m really glad that I didn’t get mad, or so sad that I didn’t ride well or take advantage of being over here and take Glen to those gallops and get him fitter than he’s ever been, and take the lessons from Lauren and Mark, and have the availability for Sandy (Phillips) to come and teach me. That’s all been tremendous so no matter what it’s been a great experience. Yes, of course I wish I could have gone to the Olympics but that’s not how the cards played out.”
By his own admission Clark didn’t feel like Glen performed his best at Barbury, he was disappointed with his dressage test, and explained that as Glen has gotten fitter they’ve been trying out different bits in the jumping phases, which now they seem to have found the answer to with a full-cheeked snaffle gag, “I ride him with two reins because when I tried to ride him with just the gag rein it was too much, he was too sensitive to that so then we put two reins on and into the combinations it’s plenty, it’s enough to just help me get him up, he respects it and then because of that I can then ride with the leg and not have him lag him in front, but use leg to get him in front and have jump to to the canter which creates balance and makes jumping a lot easier. I did go cross country schooling just in case we got called up to the go to the Olympics and I didn’t want to go there with a brand new bit, and he was great in it, and we’ve had time to show-jump in it because both Mark and Lauren wanted his balance in show-jumping to be a bit better, so riding him in that bit and in that way has been tremendous. Lauren has been a phenomenal coach, and we’ve all got to see her three or four times during the month. If for nothing but the training alone this trip will have been worth it, it’s been fantastic. The dressage is coming along too, it’s getting much better. At home I do a lot of things on my own which I’ve been re-thinking a little bit. It’s been suggested to me that I figure out who I want to train with more full-time, and get into a programme, and that can be a dressage person and show-jumping person, it doesn’t have to be the same person for all all phases. In this month with all the consistent help I’ve had Glen has come along tremendously.”
Clark and Glen jumping clear at Barbury
Clark explained he’s looking forward to giving Glen a slightly easier run this autumn, “From what I’ve heard Boekelo will be a bit of a step down on the cross country which I honestly don’t think will be a bad thing for Glen. Obviously he seems like he’s regained his confidence since making that mistake at Kentucky but at the same time I’d like to pump him full of confidence before next year. There’s no reason to go and test him again without it being the Olympics – I was happy to do it for the cause of the Olympic Games, but other than that I’d like to go and really make him happy. I’d also like to try and get close to the time if not make the time at Boekelo, it’s flat there and I think I need to trust that he’s fit and not go too fast at the beginning, knowing that I’m going to have gas at the end. I think it will be good.”
Clark and Glen jumping clear XC at Barbury
Clark and Constantin
Having enjoyed the training this past month, competing alongside the world’s best riders, he said “I’m the kind of person who’s inspired by other people’s good riding, you’re only as good as your competition.” I know Clark returns home ready to start a new chapter. As we get ready to cheer on Team USA in London, I couldn’t be prouder of the team members we should cheer on behind the scenes – to Clark, Will and to Allison who I spoke to earlier and who you’ll hear from on Eventing Nation soon. Many, many thanks to all three of them for their time, they have been incredibly stoic and strong, and in my mind absolutely epitomise team spirit. To Sinead who’s in London waiting in the wings. To all the grooms and support staff, and thank you of course for reading. Go Olympic Eventing!
