Dr. Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, FRCVS

Hilary M. Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, FRCVS, is a veterinarian, researcher and horsewoman. For more than 40 years she has performed innovative research in the areas of locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, conditioning programs for equine athletes, and the interaction between rider, tack, and horse. She has published seven books and more than 200 scientific articles on these topics. Clayton served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine from 1997 until she retired from academia in 2014. She continues to perform collaborative research with colleagues in universities around the world. Clayton is a charter diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and has been inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, the Midwest Dressage Association Hall of Fame, and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. She is a lifelong rider and has competed in many equestrian sports, most recently focusing on dressage in which she trains through the Grand Prix level and has earned U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver, and gold medals.

Articles by: Dr. Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl. ACVSMR, FRCVS

Across the Fence

When in Doubt, Turn Out

If our goal is to produce horses that are athletically talented and sufficiently resilient to withstand maximal competitive efforts, there is no substitute for a natural upbringing with full-time turnout on varied terrain.

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Back Pain in Horses

Learn how your horse’s back works and causes of and treatments for equine back pain, with biomechanics researcher Dr. Hilary Clayton of Michigan State University.

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Strategic Layoffs

Many equestrian sports are seasonal, with a competition season alternating with an off season. Even in sports that continue year-round, most trainers schedule a break from competition, which gives the horse a chance to recover mentally and

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