John Claridge and Clockwork

Century Club Team #72

After many years of serving our family as a "happy horse holder" I succumbed to the old adage - if you can't lick them, join them - in 1993.  In looking for a horse I was bombarded with all sorts of advice.  A constant refrain was to stay away from chestnut mares.  They are impossible!  But contrary to all that conventional wisdom I chose a chestnut mare off the track with the less than promising name of Yellow Woman.  Although I somewhat doubted that precision might be one of her better qualities, she became Clockwork (more fondly known as Tic Toc).

Initially it was my intention to have her trained as a hunter but navicular problems directed us into dressage.  At this time there were still some thoroughbreds in the dressage ring and it was hoped that she could acquit herself reasonably well there.  Considering her less than flashy gaits and my lack of experience, it's been a good ride.

As I think back over the years, it is the concept of teamwork that I have found most satisfying.  In most athletic endeavors that older people pursue, e.g. golf, tennis, swimming, cycling, the effort is purely individual.  Dressage requires one to accommodate his or her abilities to that of the horse.  When that is done successfully, there is no better feeling.

I am enjoying my outings with Tic Toc today as much as I ever have.  We continue to enter clinics and shows.  She has made my advancing years most enjoyable.  I only hope I have done the same for her.


John Claridge and Clockwork rode their Century Club ride on July 11, 2010, at the Grand Haven Stable in Jefferson, Ohio.  John is a member of Northern Ohio Dressage Association.

Watch John's Century Club ride on youtube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5F71raScI

Read an article about John and Clockwork that was published in the Erie Times Newspaper!