This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! 

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider and course designer Clayton Fredericks. 

Clayton Fredericks is an Olympic event rider, course designer, and renowned figure in international eventing. His career highlights include winning the FEI World Cup in 2005 and 2008, earning individual silver and team bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, and taking victory at the 2007 Lexington Kentucky CCI4*. He won team silver at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games and also represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics. Beyond competition, he served as International Technical Advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team (2012–2016), was the Rider Representative on the FEI Eventing Committee (2008–2014), and acted as Hong Kong’s Chef d’Equipe at the 2002 Asian Games. As a Level 4 certified course designer, qualified to design at the 5* and championship level, Clayton brings extensive expertise to the sport and the craft of course design.

In this episode, Clayton shares his perspective as both a top event rider and an experienced course designer, including: 

• The key characteristics and messages he prioritizes when designing cross-country courses. 

• His advice for riders during cross-country training, including the skills they should practice and the priorities they should keep in mind. 

• The relationship between the course builder, the course designer, and the technical delegate—and why that collaboration matters. 

• How and when communication happens between riders and course designers, and what those conversations typically involve. 

Join Clayton and Sinead for an engaging discussion on the creativity, collaboration, and rider perspective that shape today’s cross-country courses.