Sarah Martin Dressage

Clayton was born and raised outside of Boulder, Colorado. Attracted to horses through his father’s small breeding operation, he and his dad pieced together some dressage work with their horses in the 70’s using Alois Podjasky’s books for guidance.

High school and college saw Clayton drawn to the action (and prize money!) of the rodeo. Focusing on the bareback bronc division, Clayton was able to pay his way through college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business through his bronc competitions.

As his 30th year approached, Clayton decided he wanted a more intimate connection with horses. Remembering the dressage explorations with his dad, Clayton met and was hired by Linda Zang of Davidsonville, Maryland, to groom for her and help with starting her young dressage horses.

Clayton continued his dressage education via clinics and short “sabbaticals” working with Sarah Hall, Carol Lavell, Hilda Gurney, Kathy Connelly and for five years had the rare opportunity of bringing Karl Mikolka to his barn for clinics 4-5 times per year.

Clayton has helped develop many young horses and young riders from the raw start to the FEI levels. He has competed through I-1 and has earned his USDF Bronze Medal. He is a USDF Certified Instructor through Second Level and is currently enrolled in the USDF “L” Graduate Program.

Clayton and Sarah have now launched Sarah Martin Dressage to share their lifetime of experience with fellow horse enthusiasts.