Tributes have been paid to Stephen Clarke, a five-star international dressage judge who died at the age of 73. Clarke served at major events including the Olympics and shaped judging standards worldwide.
Clarke held key roles as president of the International Dressage Officials Club, FEI Judge General and member of the FEI Dressage Committee. He also presided over the ground jury at the 2012 London Olympics.
Born in North Wales, Clarke competed successfully in dressage, representing Britain at the 1980 Alternate Olympics. He began judging in his early twenties after growing frustrated with complaints about officials.
The IDOC described him as one of the sport’s greatest gifts and noted his courage in making tough calls, such as disqualifying Adelinde Cornelissen at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. British Dressage chair Jill Day called him a national treasure and recalled his honest advice and infectious laugh.
FEI Dressage Director Ronan Murphy said Clarke made everyone around him better and remained a true gentleman. His partner of more than 40 years, Julian Sebire, is remembered in the tributes.
