Clayton has had a phenomenal few seasons and therefore it is no surprise that he spent most of 2007 ranked number one on the World stage. Lifting the inaugural World Cup title in 2005 could be regarded as a turning point in Clayton’s competitive career for over the following year, he went on to take the titles at Chatsworth, Saumur, the British Open Championship and took the individual silver and team bronze medals home from the World Equestrian Games. This year Riding Ben Along Time he won in Lexington Kentucky 4**** event for the Rolex Trophy.

 

But he was not an overnight success and he’ll be the first to admit that without hard work, this would never have happened. That’s not to say he’s not a truly gifted rider. As a young boy he’d take the pony he kept in his parents garage to a show and win. But not just any show. For ten consecutive years Clayton claimed the championship at the prestigious State Show Rider of the Year.

 

Even when he switched to eventing Clayton appeared to have a midas touch, and having been crowned national young rider champion, he set out to take on the best in the world, travelling to Britain.

 

Back then, in 1994, Australian eventing wasn’t what it is today and international selection somewhat depended on taking on other international riders. It was perhaps a relief, therefore, that Clayton found himself able to cope with the best, finishing second in the CCI*** at Punchestown and ensuring his selection on to the Open European Championship team in 1995 with Bundaberg. But despite Clayton having sold almost everything to come to Britain he intended to return to his homeland. Until he met Lucinda, that is.

 

Settling in Wiltshire, Clayton had to start again, make a name in the country and find some good horses. With his easy going nature and sense of humour he was soon a household name in equestrian circles and his consistently good placings at all levels – including taking the British novice championship - made him a rider of high regard among his rivals.

 

But it takes time to produce a young horse to the highest level and so with the Bundaberg retiring back to Australia, it was a while before Clayton was back as a serious threat in the biggest competitions. But, in Boundalong that was all about to change. The phenomenally talented chestnut gelding never faulted cross-country and produced an exemplary record, which was tragically curtailed in a fatal road accident.

It was a devastating blow to all who knew, loved and cared for the horse, but mostly for Clayton and Boundalong’s loyal owners, Peta and Edwin McAuley.

 

Undeterred Clayton threw his energies into the emerging talent, Ben Along Time and two year's later the pair claimed the World Cup, putting horse and rider, firmly into the international picture.

 

Proving that was no one off, the partnerships’ consistent results at three-star level, with wins at Chatsworth and Saumur, ensured their selection on to the Australian squad at the World Equestrian Games. Clayton kept his cool under pressure to jump a clear show jumping round, to secure the team bronze for Australia and an individual silver medal for the McAuleys, Ben’s owners.

 

But competing isn’t Clayton’s sole occupation - an interim appointment to become chairman of the Event Riders’ Association has been somewhat extended and Clayton’s enthusiasm and commitment to improving the sport is undeniable. Clayton is also a valued trainer. He regularly travels to Germany and Hong Kong to teach, even acting as team trainer for the Hong Kong team at the 2002 Asian Games and many of his pupils have gone on to compete at CCI**** level.

 

Spare time does not sit well with an event riders’ work but to escape from it all Clayton will be seen in the band Snatch for whom he is the lead singer. And for his owners, sponsors, pupils and staff, Clayton is often the entertainer and always a friend.

Photography by Tim Nicholls © 2007