Chatting with Clara Withers

Clara Withers is a twenty-three year old, dressage rider based in West Yorkshire. Clara currently has four lovely horses ranging from five years to thirteen years. Clara has competed up to small tour and has goals in mind for the under 25’s. Afterwards she hopes to compete at  senior GP.  Clara has also competed in the young horse classes. Away from the horses, Clara describes herself as “gym obsessed”, and tends to go to the gym five times a week. She says ” it helps me mentally and I also think it’s important to be at my best for my horses”. She also love fashion and beauty and spend her spare time with family and supporting her boyfriend in his football career. Clara works in the family business doing all things marketing such as developing marketing campaigns, managing social media, analysing marketing trends, creating marketing materials and so on.

 

How did horses come into your life?

Horses came into my life when I got my first pony at twelve which my grandma kindly bought for me after a year of joining the local riding school which held dressage competitions. We still have Tiggy who is a lovely Welsh section B. She is now 21 years young.

Who has been your greatest inspiration on your dressage journey?

I have multiple inspirations on my dressage journey for multiple reasons such as Lottie Fry, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour for their exceptional skill, dedication and achievements in the sport. Becky Moody is also an inspiration to me not only for her amazing riding, skill and talent but I have been able to see her daily life and how hard working she is and dedicated to her horses and all the people she mentors and trains.

I would say another inspiration is my mum, she has worked so hard to support me in my career so far. Her hard work and unwavering support are truly inspiring and make a huge difference in my life. Then I think many sports people in general are inspiring for their dedication and discipline and commitment no matter what sport. For example, I am inspired by my boyfriend Ethen who is a professional footballer, and behind closed doors you see the challenges, the hard work and time that goes into training. He has to be at peak fitness on and off the ball and in order for that he dedicates so much, he has meal plans to make sure he’s getting the correct nutrition and strength and conditioning coaches, physios and so on. I would say many people see a snippet of a sportspersons life when there is a hell of a lot that actually goes on behind the scenes.

 

What are you and your horses working on?

My horses and I have been working on training at the moment, my five-year-old, Gary, who we have given time to strengthen up and fill out as he’s so big, is currently training with Amy Woodhead. We also incorporated the water treadmill which really helped with his strength and balance. My six-year-old Frazier has been working on progressing up to the next level, we’ve been focusing on the lateral work such as travers and shoulder-ins and so on, I’m excited for this season with him. With Deejay my 13-year-old, he has just come back from an injury so we have been focusing on strengthening him back up and suppleness work, whilst increasing the intensity of his work. He is currently now working on the advanced movements such as the flying changes, pirouettes and piaffe passage work, getting him ready for competition, which is very exciting.

What does 2025 hold for you?

I plan to carry on focusing on the training and development of my horses. I am also wanting to get Gary and Frazier out competing.  I am also planning on getting my more advanced horse Deejay up and competing at the under-25s, hopefully either this year or next after he’s come back from being injured. I am excited as my broodmare Lady M is expecting a foal in May which will be cool. I am also looking forward to, and am very grateful to be having my own yard where I can learn and grow in my own environment. I think it will provide a tailored environment for me and my horses, where I can create a schedule that will suit our needs. I am excited to create my own career and build on it.

It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?

My support team is my family who have always been there for me. They provide unwavering encouragement and trust in my abilities enables me to stay motivates and focused on my goals. They give me the strength to overcome any challenges. Knowing they are always there for me, cheering me on, makes all the difference in my pursuit for my goals.

My Coach Becky Moody is an incredible support team member she’s always wanting the best from me and my horse whilst filling me with confidence with her expertise. Her guidance and encouragement have really helped me believe in myself as a rider. Additionally, my trainers, Amy Woodhead and Jenny Martell have done an amazing job training and schooling horses giving me so much advice and knowledge.

What have been some highlights of your dressage journey to date?

A recent highlight is competing at the nationals with my now turning six-year-old last year coming sixth in the Prelim Gold with 73% and seventh in the young horse five-year-old finals. Another highlight is competing my small tour horse at multiple high profiles, premier leagues, regionals, and the National Championships. I also would say another highlight which isn’t result based is training and growing with my horses creating partnerships with them and gaining more knowledge to be the best we can be.

Do you have any rituals for before competing?

For bigger competitions I have a “lucky” pair of breeches that I always wear. I also always listen to music whilst I am getting ready to just calm any nerves down

Looking ahead, do you have any long-term riding goals?

My long-term riding goals are to become a successful Grand Prix dressage rider, and yes to compete in the Olympics and top-level competitions. I also aspire to have a yard full of healthy, happy dressage horses, creating an environment where both the horses and I can thrive and achieve our dreams together.

What inspires you?

I am inspired for a variety of reasons, the first being, my goals. They inspire me massively as they give me something to strive for and a sense of purpose. I would say I am also inspired by seeing others overcome challenges, achieve their dreams, or simply from the passion and energy that surrounds the sport.

Your Top Tip

My top tip is to always have faith in yourself and trust in what feels right for you. Embrace your journey and follow your own path. Always believe in yourself and don’t let negativity bring you down. Trust your abilities and stay focused on your goals. Make sure you surround yourself with positive people and influences and keep pushing forward with confidence.

 

 What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

The journey towards success is not always easy, but it’s always worth it! Trust your journey but remember that journeys can change. Don’t let any dream keep you stuck, aim high and enjoy the process.

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Clara  you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here.  You can keep up with Clara’s progress and visit her instagram page here