Claire Karst

 I grew up riding with Judd Stables (now Gilman Stables) from 1992 to 2006. During that time I rode at a national level including winning a Worlds Championship in 1995 and placing in the top 10 in multiple equitation finals and top honors at many national level horse shows.  I learned so much during my time at Judd Stables that wasn't just riding. Don ran a tight ship and had an immaculate barn.  Maria values horsemanship over flash. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

 I attended the Saddle Seat program at William Woods University (WWU has one of the top equestrian science programs in the country) under the tutelage of Sarah Track and Gayle Lampe. While there I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best Saddlebred trainers in the business: Janet Crampton, Chuck Hurbert, Mary and Evan Orr, Bob Brison, Ellen Beard and Virgil Helm. I graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Equestrian Science with a concentration in Saddle Seat. 

After graduating William Woods I went to work for one of the top Saddlebred training barns in the country, Mercer Springs Farm. While working there I apprenticed under Smith Lilly (multiple WGC trainer and author of Saddle Seat Horsemanship) along with his wife Alexandra and mother Sandy. I had the opportunity to train and show young horses, learn how to develop the best athletes in our breed, how they should be cared for and how a well-run training facility should operate. After working at Mercer Springs I had the opportunity to work with and learn from other top trainers in the business including Mike Barlow, Mitch Clark, Lillian Shively, and Kristen Cater.

Once back in Florida I worked for a few different barns with much show ring success.