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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Different Kind of Trail

4/27/2015

 
While I enjoy reading about the non-horsey lives of my blogging friends, I tend to keep my own personal life fairly private. Writing about my husband and dog isn't really therapeutic. Writing about what I do with the horses is. Lately though, things with the horses have been stressful: Izzy's leg, Speedy's recent unsoundness issues (thankfully, resolved), and starting a green horse have all been hard on me. 

Writing about those things hasn't been fun. In fact, not much about being at the barn has been fun. I am not complaining; I am just recognizing when I need a break. I am pretty sure that's where my recent bout of bronchitis came from - too much stress and worry over things that are beyond my control.

Hoping to help, my husband asked if I might like to head up through the Kern River Canyon for a hike and lunch. He assured me that the trail would be mostly level - not that I am out of shape, but I am still coughing. I thought a hike followed by lunch was just what I needed. 

So that's what we did. On Sunday morning, we drove up through the river canyon into the Southern Sierra Nevada for a hike followed by lunch at a brewery. It was a great way to let go of my recent worries while spending the morning doing something healthy and invigorating with my husband. 
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The trail head was at the end of the suspension bridge. While it was too big to actually sway, it bounced a bit as we crossed over it.
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We took the Whiskey Flat Trail.
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Tobi loves the water so in his opinion, this was the best day ever!
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Getting his crazy on!
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It was a very scenic trail. This was the little community where the trail parking sits. There's a restaurant and a little group of summer cabins.
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Two very happy boys!
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Proof that I really was there.
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An "ussie" from the suspension bridge.
I did make it out to the barn later that afternoon to ride Izzy, and I certainly felt better. I am pretty driven and focused which is great for accomplishing things, but it's also a double-edged sword. If I am not careful, my focus becomes too narrow, and I forget to enjoy all of the great things life has to offer. Sometimes, I need to hit the trail without a horse!
emma link
4/27/2015 01:13:07 am

looks like a beautiful hike :)

Lauren link
4/27/2015 02:04:05 am

What a beautiful hike!

Dom
4/27/2015 01:05:35 pm

Thank you for sharing these, even if it's not your norm. Great shots and awesome-looking trail. Glad you were able to get away from all the horse stress for a bit.

Justine
4/27/2015 08:43:09 pm

Karen, I have a few horse blogs that I follow regularly but don't comment on. So today I just wanted to say thank you for writing about good and bad stuff; your consistent efforts and general horse knowledge are really inspiring!


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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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home