Clayton, Hilary

After graduating from Glasgow University Dr Hilary Clayton worked in a mixed practice for two years before returning to Glasgow to pursue a PhD.

For the next 40 years she held academic appointments at Glasgow University, the University of Saskatchewan and Michigan State University. She embraced the nascent field of veterinary sports medicine and carved a niche that allowed her to combine a love of veterinary medicine with a passion for athletic horses and equestrianism.

Her appointment as the first incumbent of the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University provided a unique opportunity to perform innovative research in the areas of equine locomotor biomechanics, lameness, rehabilitation, conditioning programs for equine athletes, and the interaction between rider, tack and horse.

She has published seven books and over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts on these topics. Dr Clayton played an active role in the establishment of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a charter diplomate and past President of the college. She has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the International Society for Equitation Science and was inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, the Midwest Dressage Association Hall of Fame and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. In retirement she continues to disseminate knowledge through writing books and papers and making conference presentations.