EQUESTRIANISM: Smith pins hopes on French flair; Two new stars to sign on at Shrewley stable.

WARWICKSHIRE based show-jumper Robert Smith, who claimed the leading rider's prize at last month's Olympia International Show Jumping Championships, is looking forward to possible Olympic selection with the arrival of two new horses in his Shrewley yard.

Robert, currently fourth on the British Riders ranking list, has gained the ride on two impressive French bred 'Selle Francais' horses, Athos Du Vallot and Caloubet Du Romet. He owns the 12-year-old Athos Du Vallot jointly with Peter Rust, although the younger stallion Caloubet Du Rouet, by the great show-jumping sire Galoubet, remains in French ownership.

Both horses are eligible for selection for the Olympics, although they only came to Robert just over a week ago. he plans to jump the horses at some local shows - so look out for them at your local Midlands arena - and will then hope to impress international selectors and make some Nations Cup teams, on the run-up to Sydney. Robert plans to make his international debut with the pair at Hannover Show in Germany at the end of this month, before travelling onto Zurich in Switzerland, in early February.

SOLIHULL RC's spacious Dorridge arena is among the venues staging qualifiers for two national championships in the coming weeks, including the new British Horse Trials Association 'Grasshopper Show Jumping' series.

This new championship is for those aged 15 and over, who wish to improve their show-jumping with an eye to competing in horse trials.

The Solihull qualifier will be on February 25 and the course, designed to be inviting, will not exceed 3' 3" in the first round.

The class will be judged on style and performance, and will include a course walk and practical advice. Non-BHTA members are welcome to take part.

February 25 will also see a qualifier for the Young Event Rider Show Jumping Championship at Solihull, for riders aged between 15 and 21. This now well established series is again judged on style and performance and both championship finals will be staged at Windsor 3-day event in Berkshire, next May.

Riders who prefer to travel North from Coventry will have two qualifiers for these Championships at Markfield Equestrian Centre to contest, on April 19.

For details of all qualifiers send an SAE to Grasshoppers/YERSI Sec, Hyde Farm West, Hyde Lane, Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0RF or phone/fax [phone].