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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Arabian Sized?

8/22/2017

 
Living in a dressage-sized world with an Arabian presents the occasional problem. Appropriately proportioned bridles are hard to find. Less than enveloping dressage pads are hard to find. Even a girth short enough for Speedy's well sprung barrel can be tricky to find.

​So it was no surprise when the halter that Speedy won at the California Dressage Society Central Regional Adult Amateur Competition was a wee bit too big.
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A little off the top, please!
I pulled out my trusty, if not very sharp, hole puncher and went to town. I punched new holes up the crown and several more along the chin piece. The halter "fit," but there was excess leather hanging everywhere.

We have a pretty reputable saddle shop in town that builds custom saddles and does other leather repair work, so I popped in on Monday afternoon and asked what they might be able to do.
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Looks brand new!
In less than 15 minutes, their leather guy trimmed the crown piece, added stitching, dyed the stitching to match, and added a few more holes.
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Equally nice!
With the crown piece taken care of, he next tackled the voluminous chin piece. He neatly trimmed the end shorter, dyed the newly cut leather black, and then added a few more holes.

The whole job was done quickly and cost me a very modest $20. He even told me to bring it back for any adjustments at no additional charge. Many thanks to the guys over at Granite Station Saddlery.
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A much better fit!
I drove straight to the barn from the saddle shop and threw the halter on to check the fit. Speedy was eating, so he was less thrilled than I was.
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He looks good in ANY color!
It's not often that I get so excited by a ribbon or an award, but this one is pretty special. I've won 3 coolers (1 for endurance and 2 for dressage), but I like the halter the most! I think I worked harder for it than the first place coolers.
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Second place is AWESOME!
I prefer my rope halters as they can get wet and dirty without stiffening, so I am not sure when I'll even use the fancy leather one. I am thinking it might be fun to use at our show this next weekend, but for now, it's hanging in my office where I can enjoy it every day.

Thanks for being such a great teammate, Speedy G!
Tracy link
8/22/2017 06:27:21 am

Oh man, how NICE to have such a great resource for that kind of stuff. I'm jealous ha

lytha
8/22/2017 01:38:48 pm

I was actually wondering about that when you showed the prizes, as I often wonder about coolers as awards. Great that you got it fitted to his perfect, exquisite face.: )

Darcy
8/23/2017 01:07:13 pm

It is beautious now;) I finally gave up on stock halters for my arabs and have quillin make my halters for me and tweak sizes for the big jaws and short faces.

I gave up being nice to my halters. If it is decent leather, condition the heck or if it and wear it as much as possible. It just adds life and breaks it in well. My leather halters used daily and with my herd of greys are constantly getting a scrub or hosed off.


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    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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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