Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I meant to mention this the other day. I had a lesson with JL on Saturday, and while it wasn't hot, it was quite warm for a horse sporting a full winter coat. The high was 79℉. Speedy has quite a lot of mane. In the summer, when he gets hot after a ride, I simply hose him off. This time of a year, soaking a thick coat isn't always wise which is why many people clip. I don't clip my boys; they get to keep their coats on, but it does mean I have to take some extra precautions when it comes to keeping them from getting too warm and sweaty. I decided to do a quick braid for the lesson. This served two purposes: first, Speedy's neck was kept cooler during his ride, and second, we both get to keep our braiding skills sharp. When the braid was finished, I was actually a little irritated. Can you see why? No? Here's a slightly different angle. I did this braid in less than five minutes with no Quic Braid. I wasn't trying to be neat and tidy; I just wanted it up and off his neck. And it looks pretty darn good! It even held really well during the lesson, better in fact than when I do it tight and methodical. Maybe I ought to do the looser, quicker style for shows?
Sandra
11/6/2013 11:54:53 pm
WOW That looks great! 11/7/2013 09:54:54 am
Why, thank you! All of you! I was actually ticked off that I put in so little effort and got such a pleasing result. I bust my butt at shows to get that nice, even ribbon of a braid.. My first thought was, WTH? I am glad to know I've got it in me if I ever have to do a five minute braid! :0) Comments are closed.
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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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