Bakersfield Dressage
  • 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

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

My Trainer Broke My Horse

12/29/2017

 
I trust her for one ride. One ride! And what do I get get? A busted, broken horse, that's what. All I can say is FINALLY!
Picture
He's so broke that he can't even stand up!
Of course, I doubt he's permanently broken which means I need her back on him the second he starts to act unbroken.
Picture
Don't even think about it, dude!
While I would love to give Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, ALL of the credit, I know I also had a lot to do with it. It's taken us several years, but Izzy has slowly gotten on board. At our lesson in November, both Chemaine and I were quite surprised at how rideable he has become (most of the time).

When I got so sick a few days after that November lesson, I was pretty frustrated at the ground I was sure we would lose. Rather than ride him myself during our December lesson, I asked Chemaine to hop on board. I just didn't have the physical strength to ride him through any hooligan moments. We all know that turned out to be the right call as Chemaine ended up working him for nearly two hours. It was during that ride that she broke him.
Picture
A lot broker these days ...
After that ride, I got on a totally different horse. He was so submissive that I wondered if he was drugged. Over the past two weeks he's kept her lesson in mind, but he's not quite as soft and malleable as she left him. However, with her strategy in my mind, I am keeping him pretty respectful. 

So what magical powder did she coat him with? As far as I can tell, it was called BEAT HIM WITH A BIG STICK; apply as needed. Yep. She pretty much just called his bluff. For so long I've felt that there was a fear element involved in his spooks and resistance. Nope. He's just a jerk. Chemaine called them Dick Moves. And when he pulled them, she beat him with a big stick. Sometimes literally and sometimes metaphorically.
Picture
My best friend's husband refers to Izzy as as one BAH - big ass horse.
Remember that this horse is nearly 17 hands. And it's not just height. He's big. He's strong. And he knows it. He's also very opinionated and not at all reluctant to share said opinions.

Chemaine insisted on one simple rule: his attention was to be on her/me EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. That meant that he is no longer allowed to look around, ever. That includes walking to and from the arena. Getting groomed. Being tacked up. It doesn't matter where we are. He doesn't get to look around. And if he does, hell fire is about to rain down on him.

I am sure someone is asking why I didn't just try that three years ago. Yeah, I know; I wish it was that simple. It's just that now he's ready for this rule. In a few months, he'll be ready for a new rule that will get him even more broke.

Again, it's a good thing I like this horse!

Vest Update

12/28/2017

 
I was so excited about spending my fifty bucks yesterday that I shared what I ordered before it even had a chance to make it here. That's not the best kind of writing as I might not have liked it in real life, or it might not have fit. Not to worry; I love it, and it fits.
Picture
Can't wait to wear it today!
For well under $40, the Horseware Quilted Vest checks off most of my boxes. It has hand warmer pockets lined with fleece - one of my must haves. There's also an inside pocket at the chest perfect for smaller items like lip balm or car keys. While the collar is fluffy, it does fold down so that it won't interfere when unzipped. I also like that the collar is lined with the same fleece as the interior of the pockets.
Picture
Smooth interior lining.
If there was one thing that I would change about the vest, it would be to add either zippers or an elastic panel along the sides for a bit of stretch and give. But really, at this price point, that seems a lot to ask. 
Picture
It also comes in navy.
Like I said yesterday, our winters are so warm that I never ride in a coat, and I frequently toss my vest to the fence once we start trotting. This vest feels like it will work from the saddle, but I won't know for sure unless I get out there pretty early. It was in the 60s yesterday!

And truthfully, the vest is so cute that if it becomes street wear, I'll be just as happy with it!

I Missed All the Sales ...

12/27/2017

 
Well, that's not entirely true. While I was stuck at home sick, my credit card got a workout, but it was all house stuff. I redid the bedding in two bedrooms, bought two arm chairs (and last night ordered a third), and topped it all off with two new tables - a side table and a sitting down for cocktails table. I must have had Noah on the brain - two of everything!

After spending all that "free" money, I was forced to resist every one of Riding Warehouse's 12 Days of Christmas deals. Believe me, it wasn't easy. And then, just when I thought I'd make it to the New Year, THIS showed up.
Picture
It's good until the end of the year.
This is my favorite kind of sale because the discount is automatically applied at check out. You don't have to remember to enter a promo code, which I have forgotten to do. Luckily for me, Santa delivered a $50 gift card to spend at the Riding Warehouse, so I was finally able to benefit from the post-Christmas sale.

Not that splurging requires any type of justification, but for the record, I did use my money for things that needed replacing such as ...
Picture
It was on sale for $11.16
It probably occurred to me to buy this because my last bottle ran out just yesterday. I use a variety of leather cleaners and conditioners, but I like this stuff for removing the gunk that builds up beneath my boot on my saddle's panels.
Picture
$31.90? I couldn't say no.
Our winters are too warm for jackets while riding, so my vests get a lot of wear. Since I already own two, I don't need a new one. Both of mine are fleece though, so when it's damp out, they get a bit damp as well. One of my vests is also on the small side (too much good food and wine?). The other has suffered some damage caused by equine teeth. The zipper is bent, and it has a large patch on the front. Like I said, the teeth are a problem. I'll still continue to wear it, but it will be nice to have a more weather proof version. 
Picture
$7.96 earned me free shipping.
These need no justification. They're all I wear now, and they earned me free shipping. My final bill was $54.72 with free shipping. Aind since RW offers such fast shipping, it will probably get here today. Sometimes I wonder how Riding Warehouse can offer such great bargains.

If you're not a Riding Warehouse shopper, you must hate bargains, excellent customer service, and fast shipping. What's wrong with you?!?!? I am kidding of course. You're probably just as much a fan as I am. Speaking of which ... my birthday's coming up. I better start refilling my cart.

Schooling Second Level

12/26/2017

 
Speedy and I are firmly committed to showing Second Level this March. We were going to make the leap in October, but he sliced open his hoof a month before the show. So here we are, three months later, now looking at a spring debut.
Picture
First Level game faces.
One of the last times Speedy was laid up - it happens at least once a year, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer of Symphony Dressage Stables, recommended taking one week per level as a comeback strategy. So, if we want to be schooling Second level like we were in September, Speedy would need three to four weeks to fully leg up.
Picture
He's just so much fun to ride!
I don't think Speedy got that particular memo. The first day I rode him, we mostly walked. I was still not fully recovered from my month-long bout of bronchitis, and he hadn't had a rider on his back for three months. It seemed a good way to start.

The next ride involved more trotting. By the third ride, we were doing all three gaits. I kept it in my mind that he wasn't as fit as he was three months ago, but he didn't seem to remember that. 
Picture
Not perfect of course, but the dude tries!
While Speedy's hoof was growing out, he remained on his regular turnout schedule which means that he was out all night. Fortunately for me, Speedy is a busy boy which means he kept himself relatively fit over the fall. He wasn't working the collected canter of course, but he moved around enough to maintain at least a degree of fitness.

Even though I know he needs time to increase his strength and fitness, we're already schooling the movements from Second Level, Test 1. I know I say this all the time, but this horse is amazing. He has picked up exactly where he left off.
Picture
We're ready for the move up.
Over the weekend, I reminded Speedy about the rein back - he thinks those are pretty easy, and we reviewed the turn on the haunches. I think they're scorable, but we need a judge's opinion for sure. We also started re-schooling the walk to canter - definitely better than it ever has been, and the canter to walk. I have to give Speedy props; even after three months off he has been willing to dig deep and go for the downward transition. 

On Christmas morning, he actually gave me a really crisp canter to walk followed almost immediately by a walk to canter on the new lead! We were struggling with it three months ago, so I don't know where that came from.
Picture
He's just so cute!
The things we really need to work on over the next two months include the movement where you do a shoulder in right to a right turn followed by a left turn into shoulder in left. He wants to hang on that left rein, so I can't get the new bend in preparation for the left turn and the shoulder in left.

The other issue, and this one really plagued us last summer during those hot show days, is that it is really hard to keep Speedy going at the collected canter. If I take my leg off for an instant, he either comes down to a trot or he anticipates a canter to walk transition. He definitely needs a lesson in keep going until I say otherwise. Also known as USE THE WHIP!

We don't have a lesson scheduled as of right now, but Chemaine's schedule is about to change in a big way, so I think we might soon be getting as many as two or three lessons a month.

​Believe me, we need it!

Merry Christmas!

12/25/2017

 
I am not sure if it was because I was so sick during the mad shopping craze that starts with Black Friday and didn't get to "participate," but I have been enjoying this holiday season without the stress of BUY ALL THE THINGS. I have felt a true sense of peace and happiness this past month along with a desire to celebrate the season with my family and friends.
Picture
Nobody's arm was long enough!
Picture
Christmas Eve with Speedy G ...
Picture
And Izzy, too!
I truly hope that you feel a sense of peace and joy today with your loved ones. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

- Sean, Tobi, Brienne, Speedy, Izzy and me!
<<Previous

    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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

    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
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


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