Bits & Bytes Farm



 

Captain Arias

Winter One-Day Trial at Pine Top Farm -February 16, 2003

Captain started the 2003 season with major improvements in all three phases. This trial was Captain's 3rd time out competing and we are so impressed by his athleticism and professional attitude. He completed in the Novice division and it was obvious to the Bits & Bytes Team that it's time for Captain to move up to Training Level.

It was a big division of riders and horses. Captain scored a 40 in the Dressage phase.

Captain Arias
Photo by Elizabeth Wood

The stadium was placed in a field where the terrain was up and down on gentle slopes. It required the rider to have a more forward and collected horse. Unfortunately, it took the first jump with a rail down for Captain to get his attention. After that it was all business. Barry (Captain's Dad) was video taping the round and after we viewed the tape, we all agreed that the fences are too small and it's time for Captain to move up. He ended the round with no time penalties and five jump penalties score of 45.

Captain Arias

Captain was a bit surprised to be tacked up again an hour later for Cross-Country. He went straight into concentration mode, warming up with a lovely gallop. The course had a few changes made to it. Every fence was cleared in a smooth gallop stride, never having to make any adjustments in front of the fences. Captain kept the same pace from the depart through to the landing and galloped on. He caught up to the rider ahead and she yielded. Stride for stride, Captain negotiated the banks, rock walls, an island, tables, oxers, log piles, cabins, a ditch, combination fences, and water. His stride was so steady that he was covering tremendous amount of ground without any adjustments. The video showed what little effort it took and that Captain is truly in his "world" over those fences.

Captain Arias

He crossed the finish going immediately into `strut-mode'. Captain does a kind of Spanish walk when he is proud of himself. He ended the day on 45.8 penalties. Rider error caused .8 penalties for going too fast! It's a unanimous vote that it's time to move up to Training Level.

 

 

Captain Arias

 

 

 

Captain Arias

Captain Arias - Horses for sale

Captain Arias

Captain Arias
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