Exploring the Dynamic Partnership Between Niki Clarke and Mallory Thompson in Equine Therapy
In the world of equine care and therapy, the partnership between Mallory Thompson and Niki Clarke stands out as a beacon of excellence. Mallory Thompson, the Director of Therapy Training at EquiNew, has made significant strides in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) therapy, which has been pivotal in improving equine wellness and performance. With over a decade of experience, she has established a reputation for her hands-on approach, working closely with elite equine athletes to optimize their recovery and conditioning.
Mallory’s background includes certifications in myo-manipulative therapy and extensive experience in practical FES applications, which she combines with her deep understanding of the needs of high-performing horses. Her unique capability to integrate clinical insights with real-world applications has made her an essential resource for many equine athletes, including those trained by the prominent rider Niki Clarke.
Niki Clarke, an accomplished FEI rider and the owner of Dressage Unlimited, which has branches in Hamilton, Montana, and Wellington, Florida, has developed several Grand Prix horses during her career. Her achievements include earning USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals and being the first recipient of The Dressage Foundation's Debbie McDonald Fund grant. This grant is awarded to promising FEI-level riders, emphasizing her status in the competitive dressage community.
The synergy between Mallory and Niki exemplifies the evolution of equine training and recovery methods. According to Niki, "For over four years, FES has been an indispensable part of our barn's routine. Every horse we work with receives FES therapy regularly. The results speak for themselves—not just in performance, but in recovery, comfort, and longevity." This statement underscores the transformative effects of FES therapy, not only on horses' athletic capabilities but also on their overall well-being.
In the 2024 season, Niki Clarke's standout horse, Komsi Komsa, achieved the title of Future Grand Prix Horse Champion. Additionally, Niki displayed her impressive skills with consistent scores of over 70% across various events in 2025, positioning her as a top competitor in U.S. dressage. With numerous invitations to compete at the U.S. National Dressage Championships and plans for a European tour, her aspirations are set on the international stage. Central to her success is the daily incorporation of FES therapy into her training regime.
"Mallory has been an integral part of our program for nearly a decade," Niki adds, acknowledging the profound impact Mallory’s expertise has had on her training. Niki’s trust in Mallory's understanding of an athlete's needs, coupled with Mallory’s personal experience in competition, enhances the efficacy of their partnership and the benefits brought to each horse.
Tony Loiacono, CEO of EquiNew, also reflects on their collaboration, stating, "What Mallory and Niki have built together represents the future of equine therapy—where science, skill, and elite sport converge. We are proud to have Mallory lead our training program, ensuring every EquiNew Pro Partner is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to care for horses at the highest level." This is a testament to the innovative and progressive nature of the equestrian industry, where partnerships like that of Thompson and Clarke are shaping the future of horse care.
This weekend, horse enthusiasts and industry professionals can witness the FES team, including Mallory, in action at an event in Scottsdale, AZ. Those interested in learning more about EquiNew’s FES systems, practitioner training, or the Team EquiNew program are encouraged to visit their website at www.equinew.com or reach out directly by phone at (800) 412-1417. This collaboration and commitment to excellence in equine therapy truly marks a new era in the industry, ensuring that both horse and rider can achieve their highest potential together.