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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Barn Overload? How Can That Happen?

11/30/2011

 
Thanksgiving break was rather stupendous.  I was able to ride both horses for six, count 'em, six consecutive days.  I was off work two hours early on Wednesday which is how I got the six days of riding instead of just five.  I am going to admit it.  I actually "horsed" myself out!  I spent anywhere from 4 to 6 hours at the barn everyday for six days.  That's a lot of barn time.  Love you, sweet husband!

So when Monday morning rolled around and I headed off to work at 6:25 a.m., going to the barn after work seemed like the thing to do.  But when the dense fog didn't lift, and my sockless toes didn't warm up, the barn visit seemed less and less like a good idea.  As the 3:05 bell rang, I shooed my students out the door and started gathering my purse, my coat, my reading glasses, my phone ... oh, hey Mr. O about .... and what do you think we should do for ... and one more thing ...  Four or five oh, waits turned into 3:40.  Well, shoot!

I walked out to my car and realized that I really didn't want to go to the barn that day, hence all of the self-imposed delays.  It was cold, I was cold, and I really did have a pressing errand that really did need doing. Really.

And so I drove home.  I completed the pressing errand, for which hubby was grateful, and enjoyed a glass of wine and a few minutes of solitude on the sofa.  

Tuesday dawned just as foggy and cold as Monday, but my interest in my daily barn visit was rekindled.  I shooed my students out at 3:04 (!) and snuck out 6 whole minutes early.  Once home, I quickly ditched the teacher clothes in favor of some of breeches and a warm sweatshirt and zipped out to the barn.  Speedy got a quick Hello Bud! with some turn out, and Sydney got a walking ride around the neighborhood followed by some arena time.

It's amazing what a barn-free day can do to your enthusiasm!
Kelly RGF link
11/30/2011 05:18:51 am

Totally! I always feel SO much better after a break. Rest and revitalization (mentally, emotionally, physically) is important. On one hand, I'm looking forward to my summer break, but two weeks is a long time and I'm a bit anxious about being away from Leo for so long.

Erica link
11/30/2011 03:02:30 pm

I know the feeling! Yesterday I traded my barn time with a 3 hour nap and had a great time today!
Also, the horse I worked came off of a six day break and went beautifully.
(his progress began to plateau early last week)

Karen Sweaney link
11/30/2011 09:11:55 pm

Kelly RGF - Every time we vacation (the last time was for 15 days), I worry so much about the horses. I had great caregivers this last time and Speedy looked fabulous when I got back.

Leo has so much room to stretch and play that you won't have to worry about him being cooped up with way to stretch. Just go, trust your caretaker to do a good job, and have fun!!!!!


Erica - I always forget how good a break feels. In my mind, break equals lazy and I HATE laziness. SOmetimes a break is just a break and is actually necessary for mental and physical well being. And there is almost nothing that I like better than a good nap!

Karen


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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.
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    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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    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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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
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    • 2019
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    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
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    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
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