Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Sunday was Izzy's birthday; he turned 15. I always enjoy Speedy's birthdays, but for obvious reasons, Izzy's birthdays are worrisome. We're the only mid-level dressage team who can't even pull off a successful outing at Introductory Level. As each birthday ticks by, we have one less year to get anywhere. I feel as though we're running out of time. I said as much to Sean Cunningham, owner and trainer at STC Dressage, but he scoffed and said maintenance isn't a big deal. Plenty of horses (and people) continue working into their senior years. I get it, but I still wish time wouldn't pass so quickly. When I told my husband how old Izzy was, he raised his eyebrows in surprise. That old? was his response. When I said that I've had him more than 8 years already, he said it feels like much longer. I agreed. I've never had two old guys at the same time. One has always been young and upcoming. At this stage in my life though, I don't know if I'll ever want another youngster. They're fun and exciting, but they're also a gigantic pain in the butt, especially if they're big and brown. Fifteen years old ... it was a bittersweet birthday. Even so, happy birthday, Izzy!
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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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