Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Yesterday I wrote about how much in need of a lesson I am. Chemaine Hurtado, my trainer, saw the post and made a suggestion on Facebook. While we aren't suddenly "fixed," Chemaine's suggestion did do wonders. Izzy was a bit tired from the ride from the day before, but even so, he was still much more willing to canter when I simply scooped with my seat. It will be wonderful to have a horse who is that responsive to just a seat aid. I guess that's why we pay the trainers the big bucks. They see the things we can't yet see. Obviously, I've been doing my job correctly if Izzy is getting to the point where he needs a quieter and more subtle canter aid. Go, me! I am really looking forward to tomorrow's lesson. Izzy gets today off, but I am eager to see how Chemaine will build on her Facebook suggestion. I am certain she'll help refine my aid which should encourage Izzy to feel more confident in the canter transition.
I'll let you know how it goes!
jenj
3/21/2016 08:12:11 am
Aww, go Izzy! And yay for lessons! I love lesson sooo much... I'd take one every day if I could. 3/21/2016 05:35:41 pm
OMG me too! Right now, I can only swing it once a month as the five hours of driving really bites. :0)
Amie Cline
3/21/2016 08:27:35 am
I was having a similar issue when my daughter (16yrs. old) suggested I was asking too aggressively. Darned if she wasn't right! 3/21/2016 05:37:03 pm
I try very hard to be as subtle (yet as clear) as possible myself, but I guess there is always room for improvement. :0)
Interesting. I think I might be having a similar issue with Kachina. 3/21/2016 05:38:11 pm
Exactly - you have to be clear, but you're right. Eventually "clear" needs to become subtle. I'm really looking forward to hearing what Chemaine thinks. 3/21/2016 05:39:37 pm
I am lucky that she's okay with the questions via text and phone. :0) 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. 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.
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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
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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