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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

And Then We Did it Again!

4/20/2016

 
The show manager for this weekend's Fresno CDS schooling show at Sequoia Hills Stables was kind enough to schedule my second ride just two rides after my first. That gave me just enough time to let Izzy walk around, grab a few bites of grass, and let Laurel love on him and tell him what a good boy he was.
While this test is far from brilliant, it is better than the first one which makes me very happy. Izzy showed me that with even the tiniest bit of experience, he can show quick improvement. We scored 2.8% better on Test B. I realize that's not a lot, but I sort of expected him to have had it by the second test. Instead of 4s and 5s, we earned 5s and 5.5s (no 4s at all for Test B). For both tests we earned a 6 for the halt.
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First halt at X - 6.0 "Inattentive into halt. Little short in stride"
I love this shot from our first trot circle at E. He lost his balance, maybe because he spooked a tiny bit, and in typical Izzy fashion, he flashed his emotional side with this little gem ... (The judge was quite generous in scoring this movement.)
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E Circle left 20-meters - 5.0 "very short strides, some steps above the bit"
While the judge can't judge a 20-meter circle based on one good moment, I am glad we had at least a few. For example ...
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B - Circle right 20-meters
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B Circle right 20-meters - 5.0 "a little more relaxed, not (......) forward"
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A - down centerline
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X Halt through medium walk. Salute - 5.5 "Resistance at turn. Clear transition to halt"
The judge's Further Remarks: "Horse needs to learn to carry rider in a calmer way, as well as a willingness to accept the rein. Improved toward end." It's hard to argue with any of that.

We finished this test with a 52.50% - obviously not a fantastic score, but I am so proud of this boy. He is not an easy horse to ride even though he has all the talent in the world. With some more experience, I think this fancy boy is going to make some waves. 

We go back to Symphony Stables at the end of April for another lesson with Chemaine, and then three weeks later, if everything goes to plan, we'll do a two-day clinic with my favorite German trainer, Dr. Christian Schacht. Izzy will get to do his first over-night field trip there as well as ride in a somewhat spooky covered arena. While it's not actual show experience, it's good exposure. We'll probably attempt another show in July.

I guess this show is an example how you can win even when you lose!
jenj
4/20/2016 06:19:14 am

Oh my, his airs above the ground. The judge's comment made me laugh!

Congrads on surviving - and kicking butt! - at your first show!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:36:12 pm

I thought the same thing, jenj. ;0)

Jan link
4/20/2016 06:22:55 am

Congrats on a successful first show! He just needs experience. I hope all does go according to plan, because I want to hear your German rider's take on him!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:37:28 pm

We should make the clinic, but you know how it is with horses - a konk or a bonk and plans change. I also want to know what Christian thinks! :0)

Austen link
4/20/2016 07:15:21 am

Aw! Good boy Izzy! I agree with you, sounds like experience is really the name of the game here. He's progressing leaps and bounds in his training at home, so getting him out really seems to be the next step.

Loved what you wrote yesterday about him looking to you and your friend for confidence. What a great sign. You must be so proud. :)

(FYI. Pig has totally bucked his number right off of his bridle in the ring. So, you'll get nothing from me but congrats! Hahaha.)

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:38:12 pm

He bucked his number off?!?!?! Holy cow - good one!

SprinklerBandits
4/20/2016 07:17:03 am

Love your positive attitude. :-) First outings are going to be rough regardless, so good on your both for getting it done.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:40:41 pm

When Speedy started showing, he had already gone through several endurance seasons, so showing was a piece of cake. Those first few endurance rides were SCARY!!!! But at least we weren't getting judged on the trail. Bringing along a young horse is hard in this sport because you have to do it in front of a judge even though you know they really aren't ready. The only way to get ready is to get in there knowing you're not.

It would be so much easier if I lived somewhere with lots of venues to haul to.

Sarah Kinninger link
4/20/2016 08:13:32 am

You can definitely see his trot lengthen and stretch out compared to the first test. What a great experience for you two and a huge win!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:41:20 pm

I could feel it too. Now I wish I had done a third test. :0)

Tracy link
4/20/2016 08:15:48 am

You are a much better rider than you give yourself credit for. It's one thing to read about Izzy's antics, and another to see them on video. You ride through everything so well! You never get mad, or abrupt, you just calmly say "no, no, over here Izzy!"

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:44:21 pm

Well thanks, Tracy. No, I don't get mad. I am a pretty quiet rider who is always going to blame herself before blaming the horse. If he's doing something wrong, even being tense, it's my fault. I work really hard to fix whatever it is I am doing wrong because that's how to get him moving the best. :0)

Teresa link
4/20/2016 08:59:05 am

this will be a great diary of your progress together. I'm curious as to the judges comments at the end of the test (if you don't mind sharing)

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:45:33 pm

I totally meant to include that. I'll add it later this evening. :0)

Olivia link
4/20/2016 11:12:11 am

OMG the comment about "above the bit" for rearing. Love it!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:44:53 pm

My thoughts as well. :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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    National Rider Awards

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    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
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    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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