Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Today's the day. Well, technically we don't fly out until early tomorrow morning, but we need to leave for the airport in the middle of the night, so we're calling today our day of departure. I had to run out to work for a couple of hours in the morning, but I was able to take care of the horses during the early afternoon. I rode both all week long, so they're ready for some rest. I also had one last chat with the friend who will be looking after Izzy's leg. I gave each horse a special goodbye, but they have no idea that I won't be back tomorrow. Or the next day. Or even the day after that. Fortunately, Speedy knows my pal quite well and will look forward to her visits. The rest of the afternoon was spent packing and sorting out all of our devices and cords. How many electronic gizmos does one couple actually need? Apparently at least nine: two iPhones, two iPads, two cameras, a Kindle, an iPod, and an international clock. I really wish we could un-complicate some things. One of my students gave me a Subway gift card as a parting gift, very sweet, so hubby agreed to go grab us some sandwiches for dinner. Neither of us really wants to cook or do dishes. My alarm is set for 1:25 a.m. (holy smokes), and we're already checked in with United. Even though we fly internationally every other year or so, there is always something different. This year, United has an app where you can scan your passport and upload it directly to the airline to expedite the check in process. You can't even print boarding passes unless you scan your passport. Pretty slick. Even though we do all of the pre-flight stuff that can be done, parking and getting through security always take a bit at LAX. It's just a busy airport with a fairly high security risk. I'd rather feel safe and be stuck in a line than zip through and wonder who is in the seat behind me! So yah for the TSA. We'll be in Lisbon, Portugal in a few hours. Our first night's stay will be in the castle at Obidos - a very small town just north of Lisbon. After that, we'll continue north and then make a leisurely clockwise circle as we spend two weeks exploring the country, before returning to Lisbon for a tour of the city. From Lonely Planet ... Surrounded by a classic crenellated wall, Óbidos’ gorgeous historic centre is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint. It’s a delightful place to pass an afternoon, but there are plenty of reasons to stay overnight, as there's excellent accommodation including a hilltop castle now converted into one of Portugal’s most luxurious pousadas (upmarket hotels). See you all in a few weeks!
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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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