Practical Horseman is pleased to announce Clarissa Wilmerding as the winner of the first ever Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program.
The Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program is designed to honor the unsung heroes of our sport—trainers who work tirelessly to improve the education of both riders and horses. Entrants had to be nominated by an individual to be entered into the contest. Out of all the trainers nominated, 10 finalists were selected, with one earning the title of Trainer of the Year.
Clarissa “Chizzy” Wilmerding of Oldwick, New Jersey, has years of expertise to help guide her students to success. She has completed and earned many placings at iconic events including Fair Hill Horse Trials, Jersey Fresh 3*, Red Hills Horse Trials, Plantation International, Millbrook Horse Trials and Bromont Horse Trials. She was also awarded the bronze medal USDF award on homebred Beekeeper.
Wilmerding is not only a great rider but a great teacher. She credits her masters degree in teaching as well as her own horses with helping her develop a knack for training riders in a way that fuels their passion for eventing. No matter how big or small her students’ goals may be, Wilmerding helps her students reach them. She focused on safety and having fun, making sure her students are always prepared and smiling when they enter any show or event.
“(Wilmerding’s) passion comes through in every lesson, in every show”, said Carly, one of Wilmerding’s students. “Because it’s one thing the be a great rider and reach the 3*, 4* or 5* level in eventing, but it’s another entirely to be a great trainer. And fortunately, Chizzy is both.”
Prizes for the first ever Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year were provided by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. makers of Cosequin®️. In addition, Wilmerding will be interviewed for the Practical Horseman podcast and featured in a special digital feature on PracticalHorsemanMag.com.
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Contact:
Katie Clinebell
kclinebell@equinenetwork.com