The partnership's 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.

2008 saw Clayton and Ben Along Time selected for the Australian Olympic Team and successfully bring home Team Silver.

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, Australia, the US 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 CCI4* level.

In 2011 Clayton has a very busy schedule, looking to compete sucessfully at Badminton, Kentucky, Blenheim, Burghley among many others with his sights set firmly on selection for the Australian 2012 Olympic Team.

Clayton is very hands on in the design process of the Southern Stars range, from inital designs, to testing protypes on the yard, to visiting manufacturers and competing at all levels in the gear.  Southern Stars Saddles have been on all his winners, across the world.