Young Trainer Profile
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Clark Clouse, 25, began riding at the age of five. Being around the business all his life (his father, Tommy, is also a trainer) made the decision to become a professional a little easier. “I’ve been around the business since I was a kid, I always knew it was what I wanted to do," said Clouse. By the age of 15 there was no stopping Clouse and the decision to become a professional trainer had been made.
Clouse lists his father, Tommy Clouse, and Melissa Moore as two of the people who have influenced him the most in his career. Some of his favorite horses are Lime Twisted Gin, The Perfect Face, Dreams Desire, Glider’s Star, Just A Tad Bad and Cabaret Girl. Clouse lists watching Lime Twisted Gin finish as the Reserve World Grand Champion Three-Gaited horse in 2002 as one of the many highlight's of his career. Another highlight for Clouse was winning the five-gaited mare class at Lexington with Dreams Desire in 1999.
“Walking in the barn and hearing all the horses eating is probably my favorite thing about my job," said Clouse. "It gives me this peaceful feeling inside.” Clouse’s everyday goal is to always give 100 % and to get everything out of his ability. "I never want to feel like I cheated myself," he said. As for the future, he hopes to be right up there with or close to all those he admires and respects. "This is something I love to do and can be successful at,” he said. You really can’t ask for more than that.
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