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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

5-Day Challenge: Day 1

12/3/2013

 
Tracy, over at Fly on Over, started a 5-Day Blogging Challenge. I don't normally participate in these kinds of things as I have a hard enough time squeezing in everything that happens to my two boys as it is. In this case, I liked some of the questions, and I've enjoyed reading others' answers, so I'll give it a try. I also love that it is organized by fives - five questions over five days which fits nicely with My 5 Things.

Here are My (first) 5 Things:
1. Most influential person on your riding: right now, that would have to be my trainer, JL. I had two endurance mentors, but for most of my life I've been without a trainer or a horse-focused family. I just did what I wanted with my horses. I missed out on early formal training, but the upside was that I learned a lot on my own.

2. Piece of tack you’d love to splurge on: we're not rich or anything, but when I see something I really want, I ultimately get it. But there is one thing I've had my eye on for a while that I can't see myself buying any time soon; a nice all purpose saddle. I don't need it for dressage of course, but if I do more fox hunting, it would be more appropriate for that sport.
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Not necessarily this Pessoa, but something like this.
3. Top 5 riding playlist: I've never used headphones (except for an earpiece with a trainer) while riding. I can't listen to music from earbuds and ride; it's simply too isolating and would seem to remove the rider from the more visceral aspects of riding. When the neighbor has his stereo up loud, I do sort of dig listening to that while I ride, but I find that I tend to tune it out rather quickly and am not even aware it's playing.

4. Most important aspect of your barn: private and all inclusive. I board my two horses at a private home where I am treated as though I actually live there. Other than actually purchasing the hay, I am consulted on every issue related to my horses' care. My barn owners will do any "services" that I request like blanketing, feeding supplements, turn out, etc. I am there nearly seven days a week though, so I am free to do as I please.
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Boarding Heaven
5. Three winter riding goals: 
1) Firm up some of the First Level movements (leg yield and lengthenings). 2) Get Sydney's right lead canter departure down pat. 
3) Try at least one more fox hunt. 
Picture
L to R - Speedy and Louisiana, me and Sydney, Noah and his pony, Annabelle and her mount (our field guide) at Tejon Hounds inaugural Fox Hunt, November 17, 2013. Photo is courtesy of Edyta.
Sandra
12/2/2013 11:59:53 pm

What wonderful 5 things! I might join that club this week! We are expecting a NASTY cold snap and I fear I may not get much saddle time! What a great way to keep the posts interesting!

Bakersfield Dressage link
12/3/2013 09:42:09 am

Thanks, Sandra. With two horses who get worked nearly daily, I am never at a loss for topics, but some times it's fun to think about something other than the right lead canter! :0)

Lauren link
12/3/2013 12:13:21 am

I predict you being a hunt member next season :) If you do hunt more, I suggest an All Purpose as opposed to a close contact saddle. Of course its' what you prefer, but that's what I hunted in and I felt it was much more comfortable for hours of riding than my CC.

Bakersfield Dressage link
12/3/2013 09:44:20 am

Being totally honest here, I have no idea what the difference is between a jumping, all purpose, and close contact saddle. :0)

I won't be buying anything until I am certain I am committed to a new discipline, but before I do, I'll definitely need to do some research, and I think I know who I can ask!

Tracy link
12/3/2013 01:37:09 am

So glad you decided to join in! I really hope you get to go on another fox hunt soon too -- it was so much fun to read about!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
12/3/2013 09:46:17 am

Thanks for starting it, Tracy! I hope I can make it to another hunt. I know December is booked pretty solid: a clinic in two weeks, Christmas, my birthday with a trip to Santa Anita Race Track (I hope) and on and on. January is looking pretty good. Maybe I'll make it twice!

Karley link
12/3/2013 03:16:08 am

Your barn sounds amazing! :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
12/3/2013 09:47:20 am

It truly is. My barn own is a great lady. It has become a very mutually beneficial relationship which is the bets kind. She's happy to have me, and I am happy to be there. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy 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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
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    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
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