The State of Victoria in Australia plays host each year to a unique show which incorporates young dressage and showjumping horses showing off their talent - Dressage and Jumping With the Stars sees the best young horses in the country gather at Werribee Park and this year Dressage will be graced by one widely considered to be "the" best rider in the world, Hubertus Schmidt and showjumping has the brilliantly credentialled Franke Sloothaak.

Both men have represented their countries at the top level for many years and have been very successful.

This year, having secured the services of franke Sloothaak, the Australian showjumping world will get to see this rider wearing a different hat - that of a trainer and he is equally as brilliant and comfortable in this role.

The 48 year old was born in Holland but in 1979 changed to become a German and continued the winning ways he began as a youngster when, as a 14 year old he took out the Vice-Champion title at the Junior European Championships held in Ireland - and this was just the beginning of his career.

Franke has not made his rise to the top on easy, made horses. One of Sloothaak's best horses, Rex the Robber had put many a top rider on the floor before Franke secured the ride on him and this combination had a great connection which took them to many top international wins.

This definitely a man to be listened to when he speaks - his record says it all - 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Franke comes home with Team Bronze. In 1988 Franke comes home with Team Gold riding Walzerkonig.from Seoul Olympics. In 1994 Franke had a "good showing" at the World Championships in The Hague when he and Weihaiwej brought home Team Gold and the title of World Champion. Back to the Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta and Franke brings home yet another Team Gold this time riding Joli Couer and in 1998 The Rome World Championships gave the Bronze Individually and another Team Gold, riding Joli Couer.

And the above just represents his Olympic and World Games appearances - and proving that Herr Sloothaak is not a "one horse wonder" he achieved his medals on four different horses which is a huge achievement.

Franke will be in Australia for Jumping With the Stars starting with 3 days of clinics from Tuesday 7th November running through to Thursday 9th November and these clinics are proudly sponsored by www.jumpingaround.com in their continuing quest to promote and assist Australian showjumping.

These clinics will also be open to a viewing gallery and for those who do not have a horse at the required level or for riders not at the required level, this is a must - so much can and will be learned from watching a master trainer working horses and riders. Franke is a trainer of excellence and we do not often have the opportunity to see trainers of this quality so far from the action of Europe - don't miss the opportunity to see him in action.

For those riders who are experienced please do not miss the opportunity to learn from this master - this is an opportunity for those riders who have young horses or top level horses to learn some of the techniques and training methods of a man who is well used to dealing with the "less than perfect" horse.

Franke will also be conducting the Stubben sponsored Masterclass and the riders for this will be taken from those attending the clinics in the precedding days - for those talented enough to be chosen this is an extra opportunity to learn from Mr Sloothaak and to perhaps address issues in an environment which is as like to a competition as you can get, in terms of the atmosphere. So often riders complain that all goes well in the clinic situation but it all goes belly up when the rider takes the horse into the competition arena - an opportunity is now available to address this for those who attend the clinics.

Then to top off a fabulous week at Werribee Park Equestrian Centre, Franke will ride the finalists in the Young Showjumping Horse Championships!

For information on booking as a rider or a spectator click here