The cold, rain and mud in Fresno couldn't keep a good rider/horse/team down! Despite facing frostbitten noses and very high dry cleaning bills, our riders were tough and ready for action at the Ram Tap Winter Horse Trials.
Dragonfire put forth a victorious Training Level Team consisting of two experienced campaigners and two very exciting rookies. Natalie Jensen gave a solidly consistent ride to her flashy gelding, Wrigley in each phase of the competition. She was all business as she clocked around the cross country to finish in a strong second place in the Sr. Training division. Earl and Oscar were also part of this team, with solid rides in all three phases and a fourth place in Open Training. Caroline Dein showed what she was made of as she tackled her maiden Training Level performance and first ever corner. (I'd say judging by the picture below, there wasn't much cause for anxiety!). After an "expressive" Dressage test in the mud, Caroline piloted Will Power around two beautiful jumping rounds and a sixth place finish in Jr. Training. Infinite is the apple of his owner Tracy Felt's eye and he did not fail to impress at Ram Tap. With Earl McFall aboard, he was stylish in his move up into the Training Level ranks, gaining a second place finish in the Open Training.
Dragonfire's 2010 Student of the Year, Christina Underwood was a total rockstar aboard the Dark Knight. After TWO double clear rounds (a first for her), she moved up to third place in the Sr. Beginner Novice AND managed to have the time of her life in the mud. Way to go!
Merriewold Hanah absolutely loves to jump, and is in her most natural state during the cross country. Her rhythm was impeccable and form was text book as she ended seventh in the Open Novice division. Art in Motion had his move up to Novice with his owner Natalie Jensen. After being a little intimidated in the stadium ring, he took the cross country by storm (pun intended) and ended on a very positive note. Speaking of positive, Merissa Underwood did not have the weekend she had hoped for, but she certainly had the attitude that all trainers hope for, which will take her far in this tough sport of Eventing!
Natalie Jensen and Wrigley
Natalie and Wrigley
Caroline Dein and Will Power
Caroline and Will
Christina Underwood and The Dark Knight
Earl McFall and Infinite
Earl and Nate
Earl McFall and Oscar of Penzance
Earl and Oscar
