Belrock Nadal

Introduction: Bugs is a fabulous schoolmaster 1-2* eventer for a capable and confident rider. He has been competed, by his current teenage owner, for over three years - taking her from EVA80 through to 2* eventing. Bugs has the talent, youth and experience to teach another young rider and take them safely up the levels in eventing, elementary dressage or even straight showjumping! With the end of his rider’s schooling and imminent move up north to work on a station for the next two years, Bugs is very sadly for sale to the very best of homes.

Education, skills and experience: 

Bugs’s currently competing and placing in 2* eventing, 110-120 showjumping and Official elementary dressage. 

Dressage

Bugs is well established in dressage with three even paces. He consistently produces calm and accurate tests. Bugs has a comprehensive dressage education, he willingly collects, is balanced, light and soft to ride.

In eventing dressage, Bugs is always a stand out, consistently scoring over 70% and up to 80%. In official dressage, Bugs has placed in every dressage event that he has competed at. It has been suggested that he has the talent to progress to Medium level or beyond! 

Showjumping

Bugs is responsive and adjustable, competitive against the clock. He is brave and trustworthy around the course and doesn’t stop. Bugs has successfully competed and placed up to 120 at State level.

Cross Country

On cross country, Bugs is super calm in the start box and bold and honest across the course. Bugs absolutely loves jumping, and is - with a confident rider - a ‘point and shoot’ cross country horse. He is very clever and quick with his feet, will jump nearly anything off any angle and any stride. Bugs does, however, pick up on rider nerves and if the rider’s body language implies that something is ‘unsafe’, Bugs will keep them both out of trouble and allow the rider to re-represent him to the jump. 

General demeanor under saddle: 

Bugs is a wonderful example of the modern performance horse being compact, athletic and refined. His paces display elasticity and activity suitable to progress up the levels.

Bugs is a willing and responsive gelding who is honest and aims to please. He is generally quiet but not completely unflappable to ride. Bugs can occasionally have a look at something but he doesn’t spook, he will just move slowly sideways.

Bugs is easy and trustworthy to ride in all situations, compete, take off the property, and he works well in a group or on his own. He doesn’t require lunging or an extensive warm up; he is safe and exactly the same to ride, even after a break. Bugs is ridden on the flat  in a snaffle snaffle and jumped in a Nelson Running Gag - only due to his love and enthusiasm for jumping!

Bugs is good with dogs, motorbikes and loves the beach. He is relaxed when camping at competitions and makes friends wherever he goes. Bugs eats and drinks well and is fuss free when travelling.

Current workload/ fitness: Bugs is in work 4 to 5 days a week and is competing. 

Handling and general behaviour: Bugs LOVES people! He is safe and easy to manage - easy to catch and handle - lead, rug, tack up, wash, shoe, clip, float/ truck etc. 

Feeding and management: Bugs loves his food and is a good doer. He is not given a lot of high energy feed as he can get ‘full of himself’. 

Medical history: Bugs does not have any past or current medical or management issues. His owners welcome potential buyers to do a full vet check. 

Rider Suitability: Capable and confident - Bugs will be perfect for a capable teen or young adult looking for a kind, competitive and talented partner.

For the first 9 months of ownership, Bugs was only ridden by his junior rider and her mother (flatwork only) and was safely and successfully competed. This year, he has been ridden once a week by a professional, simply to help with fitness while his rider has been busy at school. Bugs is at a professional stable as his rider was at boarding school and it allows people to view him more easily than at home in western QLD. He does not require a professional to ‘tune him up’ or keep him in line. 

Reason for sale: Bugs  is an absolute delight! He has been owned by his current rider for the last two years and is adored by his family. Unfortunately, his owner/ rider is heading off to full time, remote work, this year and Bugs has far too talented to become a paddock ornament.