ABOUT US
We Strive for Excellence
Whether you prefer Hunters, Jumpers, or Equitation, The Clearing can help you and your horse be your best. We truly believe in Excellence at All Levels. We show year round at all types of venues including 'A' Rated shows and shows for the Interscholastic Equestrian League. The Clearing has been in business for 10 years and over that time we have had the pleasure of helping riders of all levels achieve their goals and more!
Bios
Michelle Morris
HEAD TRAINER
Born and raised in Los Angeles CA, Michelle has spent most of her life with horses. At the age of 12, she began her formal education with Karen Healey where she competed in the Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers.
She gained numerous awards and championships, which include several Medal finals placings, such as Top Four in USEF Show Jumping Talent Search – West Coast Finals, Reserve Champion CPHA Jr. Medal Finals, Reserve Champion WCE Medal Finals, and Top Ten ASPCA Maclay National Medal Finals in Syracuse, NY.
After a successful Junior career, Michelle received an NCAA athletic scholarship to ride at the University of Georgia. During her time there, Michelle won two National Championships, one Individual National Championship for Equitation on the Flat, and four All-American Awards.
She then worked as student coach for the team in her last year, helping the team to a Reserve National Championship title in 2013. Michelle graduated with a dual degree in Telecommunications and Film Studies.
Michelle returned to Los Angeles in 2013 and started the Clearing Farm. Since its opening, Michelle has led clients to many championships in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation. She enjoys working with clients on achieving their goals and sharing her passion with others.
Jack Williams
RIDER/ASSISTANT TRAINER
Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Jack Williams joined The Clearing in the fall of 2024 as an Assistant Trainer and Rider.
Jack started riding at the age of 10. He started out riding western pleasure/reining horses and not too long after he ventured into the hunter/jumper world. His first job working in the equestrian industry was for Micaela Kennedy and her son Tyler Kennedy at Kennedy Farms/TKF Equestrian. At Kennedy he worked his way from a working student, to show groom, to barn manager/assistant trainer.
When Jack graduated high school he moved across the country to mentor and ride under five time Olympian - Anne Kursinski in New Jersey. There he learned an endless amount of knowledge in every aspect.
After leaving Anne he returned to Kennedy Farms to run TKF Equestrian’s program to teach and ride for Tyler. He then moved to California and worked at Halcyon Farms for a year. He was then hired by The Clearing Farm as a rider/assistant trainer and has loved learning from head trainer Michelle Morris.
Our Facility
The Clearing Farm is located at Hansen Dam Horse Park, a 38-acre equestrian facility in Lake View Terrace, CA. Providing a spacious and peaceful atmosphere, HDHP offers 12’ x 12’ box stalls, turnouts, numerous riding arenas, and access to miles of trails. It also hosts six “A” rated hunter/jumper shows, five “B” hunter/jumper shows, and four Interscholastic Equestrian League Horse Shows.
