“Laurie’s equestrian background is second to none, and she has some great ideas on how to get the community’s youth involved in our equestrian program,” said Chris Hill, vice president of Cordillera Ranch. “I am confident that her experience will be a great asset to the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch and will provide many benefits for our members.”

As manager of the Equestrian Club, Clarke is responsible for overseeing the renovations to the stables, arena and other riding facilities, which will be completed at the end of June. The facility upgrades will include the renovation and upgrade of nine stalls to board member-owned horses, as well as offices for club personnel and a new lounge area for members.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Cordillera team. There’s a lot of potential with the Equestrian Club,” Clarke said.  “As a start, we want to begin offering riding lessons for adults and children.” The Club has a Summer Horsemanship Camp for kids scheduled for mid-July and will also offer a “Junior Horse Course” for those kids who really want to expand their skills and knowledge.

Additionally, Clarke is working with several well-known trainers in the area to provide weekend clinics for adult members who want to sharpen their riding skills. “Working with and riding horses are such valuable and fulfilling experiences, and there is certainly no better place to start than here,” Clarke said.

Prior to joining Cordillera Ranch, Clarke spent most of her career working in the equestrian world.  Most recently she served as club manager for the Comal County 4-H Horse Project Club and director of the Comal County Ag Barn, where she was able to use her knowledge and experience to instruct children and adults in all aspects of horse ownership. Clarke has extensive knowledge in horse safety, equine nutrition, riding instruction and competition preparation.

“Laurie not only brings the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch her wide array of expertise, but also an innovative spirit that is sure to be appreciated by the members,” said Shane Reynolds, outdoor recreation director at Cordillera Ranch. “I look forward to seeing our equestrian program blossom under her leadership.”

Clarke is dedicated to the Texas horse market and has spent time coordinating numerous horse shows, playdays, rodeos and clinics. She is a lifetime member of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and an active member of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Horse Show Committee.

Cordillera Ranch is an 8,700-acre master-planned residential community located north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. The centerpiece of Cordillera Ranch is a 7,464-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, which hosted its grand opening in May 2007. Cordillera Ranch offers its residents on-site recreational opportunities and boasts one to ten+-acre estates, including valley view, golf course, Guadalupe River frontage, and hilltop homesites. Cordillera Ranch features The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch, which consists of seven resort-style clubs in one location, including The Golf Club, Social Club, Tennis and Swim Club, Equestrian Club, Rod and Gun Club, Spa and Athletic Club and River Club. Cordillera Ranch is being developed by Cordillera Ranch Development Corp., a subsidiary of the Texas-based DH Investment Co..