HORSE EXPERT

Biography

Gary Clay has been heavily involved in the horse industry since he was a child. His father, Hal Clay, was the owner of a very large racing stable. At a very young age, Gary would follow behind his father, the veterinarians and the trainers, as they would select highly sought after thoroughbred bloodstock from the Keeneland Sales Barn in Kentucky each year. Mr. Clay grew up learning from the finest horseman in the world. He learned how to study pedigrees, dissect the horse’s confirmation and read their attitude. At the age of thirteen he won his first National Championships in the youth division, both in Canada and the United States. His training was multiple disciplinary, in Classical Dressage, Jumping and later Reining.

Gary carries the highest ratting known as a Large “R” with the United States Equestrian Federation and has judged various National Championships and Shows in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Clay has trained horses and riders who have won a combined 50+ National titles and 100’s of top ten titles.

In the legal field Mr. Clay has been called upon for his extensive equine knowledge to assist lawyers with asking the right questions in depositions and he has sat with counsel during trials. He works as a testifying expert for both the plaintiff and defense.

He has a network of professionals throughout the United States with whom he consults and does extensive research. His well-written opinions often lead to the case being won and the trial is often avoided.

 Mr. Clay would take horses that did not have the desire to race and train them for showjumping and dressage. Several of these horses went on to the US Olympic team. In the early ’70s Mr. Clay went to Europe and imported many of the nation’s finest show and breeding stock. At twenty years of age Mr. Clay turned professional after winning the Amateur National Championship in English, riding Galbor, one of his imported horses from Poland. His training stable and the riding academy was Nationally known for its horses and competitive riders. During these twenty-five years, Mr. Clay managed his own internationally known auction center in Scottsdale, Arizona. He marketed horses for his cliental, including standing at stud multiple million-dollar stallions. His clients ranged from movie stars, international businessmen, politicians, and foreign royalty. Overall, Mr. Clay managed and consulted to over 5,000 horses across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

     Today Mr. Clay provides consulting for customers and their horses generally by assisting in the inspection and purchase. His illustrious career has given him the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest trainers and equestrian experts. He carries the highest rating known as a Large “R” with the United States Equestrian Federation and has judged various National Championships and Shows in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Clay has trained horses and riders who have won a combined 50+ National titles and 100’s of top ten titles.

     He has been a guest instructor at the Arabian Horse Judges School and has sat on evaluation committees for young applicants.

     In the mid 90’s Mr. Clay was ask by the Hilton Resorts management company to take over management of their largest guest trail riding operation in Arizona, they stated that they were having a lot of rider injuries and the quality of service was below there expectations. Within one year of taking over the management of the 100+ horse operation. His stable, Black Hawk Stable was named “Best Trail Rides” by the Arizona Republic newspaper, the award they received for many consecutive years. In addition that, the stables accident rate dropped to zero and the stable was given consecutive safety awards.

     In the legal field Mr. Clay has been called upon for his extensive equine knowledge to assist lawyers with asking the right questions in depositions and he has sat with counsel during trials. He works as a testifying expert for both the plaintiff and defense. He has a network of professionals throughout the United States whom he consults with and does extensive research. His well-written opinions often lead to the case being won and trial is often avoided.

     Some of the more high profile cases have been around valuations of deceased horse. In one such case he represented the past president of the American Quarter Horse Association through his expert council. Others have included severe injuries and gross negligence cases.

     Over his 40+ year professional career he has trained many different breeds, including, police horses and border patrol. He has expertise with nearly every breed of horse including both Racing Thoroughbreds and Racing Quarter horses, Hunters and Jumpers, Miniature Horses, Paso Finos, Arabian, Quarter and Paint Horses, as well as, trail riding and pleasure horses.