Caroline Martin and The Apprentice "Dirk" at the Carolina Horse Park. Photo: Jenni Autry/EN

Raeford, NC - Caroline Martin clinched her first three-star win aboard Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice, at the Carolina Horse Park on a final score of 44.3. The CIC3* at Carolina International was the first three-star competition run for the pair since Caroline took over the ride from her former trainer Buck Davidson in the last month.

Caroline and "Dirk" stormed around Ian Stark's course to make the optimum time of six minutes and forty-one seconds, a notable feat as not only the first three-star run in their new partnership, but also the first time that The Apprentice has ever made time at the CIC3* level. The 13-year old Irish Sport Horse gelding was produced by Buck Davidson.

“Dirk is a new horse for me, but I was also taught the basics by Buck, who is amazing. I think that’s why it was easier to get to know him. He’s an incredible athlete and jumper." said Martin. "He has an amazing gallop. He’s very easy on the flat. I have to give Buck credit for training him and for training me. I can’t forget Buck for everything he’s done for me.”

Caroline has said that she will make a plan for the rest of the spring season with USEF Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law, who she has been working with for the last seven months, and Dirk is currently entered at The Fork CIC3* at Tryon, North Carolina in April.