REDDICK, FL (352today.com) – Ocala-based Olympic equestrian Clark Montgomery recently paired up with Fashion’s Touch, a former racehorse, for a promising new career in eventing.

The striking grey mare, known for her unique coat and athleticism, retired from racing in 2020 after a successful career on the track. Now, she’s embracing a new challenge under the guidance of Montgomery. The two competed at the modified level Nov. 9, at the Majestic Oaks eventing horse trials.

Olympian Clark Montgomery and Charlotte Collier at the Majestic Oaks eventing horse trials. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Clark Montgomery “in the irons” on Charlotte Collier’s Fashion’s Touch at the Majestic Oaks Eventing Horse Trials. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Clark Montgomery and Fashion’s Touch during the stadium jumping phase at the Majestic Oaks eventing horse trials. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

The rider and horse pair are growing more comfortable with each other, and Majestic Oaks proved to be an ideal venue for strengthening their bond. Eventing, a sport comprising dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping, seems to suit Fashion’s Touch’s athleticism well. She shows great promise for advancing to higher levels of competition.

“Charlotte [Collier] purchased her off the track, started her retraining, and got her into the sport of eventing, which she seems to thoroughly enjoy,” said Montgomery, who is working for Collier, who is pregnant and due in December. “We’re getting experience now, and we’re hoping to move her up to the preliminary [level] this winter. I’m riding her horses while she’s pregnant, going to help her get going again, get back in the saddle, and then take over the reins.”

Ocala is a great location to prepare horses for the competitive season, allowing them to gain the necessary experience to advance to higher levels, said Montgomery. Local venues such as Majestic Oaks, The Florida Horse Park, Barnstaple South, and Rocking Horse offer ample opportunities for eventers to compete throughout the winter.

“As much as we all love to travel to the competitions, it does get very tiring, and it can get stressful on the horses,” said Montgomery. The native Texan competed in the 2016 Olympics for the U.S. Eventing Team. “Ocala as a location to produce horses is phenomenal. We also have the World Equestrian Center and HITS, where they can practice their show jumping, and there are tons of schooling shows. Ocala is becoming a major hub for people to base out of.”

As athletes like Clark Montgomery and Fashion’s Touch showcase the region’s talent, the future of equestrian sports in Ocala looks bright.