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Happy 4th of July! We're heading out of town for a few days where we might or might not have internet. See you Friday at the latest.
Working Sydney five days a week on warm days has helped his brain ... a lot. I really think he enjoys getting out and working although I think he is a bit bored by the 20 meter circles, but bored is way, way better than bolting. Since school is out, I have nothing to do BUT ride so that's what I do. Speedy goes first since he doesn't particularly like the heat while it's that same heat that helps me feel safer on Sydney. Hot weather helps curb the desire to bolt and rear. Each day has been better than the one before with the exception of the last gardening day (Thursday). I've decided that we'll either lunge with the side reins on Thursdays, or I'll just ride Sydney first. When I rode on Monday I realized that we were making the turn of the 20 meter circle with no fussing. Sydney wasn't particularly round or soft, but he was turning off my outside leg and he was staying off my inside leg. Ride the barrel of the horse and not his head - check! It was time for some changes of direction. Changes are hard for Sydney because he loses steam in the turn and quite often loses his balance and drops down to the walk. Since we had a good, steady rhythm going, and he was mostly between my legs, I figured we could make some 10 meter half circles in preparation for an entry at A or for a turn at C. I pictured the turn, slowed down the outside shoulder and gave him plenty of leg to oomph him through the turn. We kept the trot going (yah!), but we lost the little bit of connection we had. No biggie. Repeat. We did a few more 10 meter turns and they got a bit better. His turns are nowhere even close to Speedy's, but considering the fact that just a couple of months ago Sydney was blowing through my outside aids while attempting 20 meter circles, this felt like an accomplishment. Oh. My elephant? I haven't seen his big butt in a while. Mt. Self-Doubt? Numerous pitons are in position and we're moving upward. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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