Bakersfield Dressage
www.bakersfielddressage.com
  • Home
  • About Me
  • My Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • My Show Results
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Educational Stuff
    • Dressage Videos
  • Local Stuff
    • Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital
    • Veterinarians
    • Farriers
    • Feed and Tack Stores
    • Facilities
    • Saddle Fitting & Boot Repair
    • Shopping List
  • Photo Gallery

But Blue is Always Better!

8/27/2014

13 Comments

 
Saturday's rides had been part of the SLO-CDS Fall Fling USDF show, but Sunday was the reason most of us were there. Ring one was (mostly) reserved for the Regional Adult Amateur Competition classes. The RAAC has two divisions: Novice is for those riders who have never shown at the CDS Championship, and the Elite division is for riders who have. I was riding in the Novice division, Training Level Test 3.
When I woke up on Sunday morning, the air crackled with tension. The horses were calling to each other, trailers rolled in purposefully, riders hurried from here to there. The atmosphere was definitely charged with electricity. Speedy was dancing in his stall before dawn and wanted out. Before the sun had even risen, I had taken him for a long walk around the show grounds and out into the nearby fields. I even turned him out in the lunging paddock to free lunge, but he just couldn't relax.
Picture
This photo is actually from Saturday evening.
He might have been picking up on my mood. I wasn't tense or anxious in the traditional sense; there were no butterflies or shaky hands, but my mood was pretty somber. My excitement from Saturday's success had long since evaporated, and in it's place I felt dismay. There was simply no way that I could repeat Saturday's performance. I worried that I had simply gotten lucky and that today was my day to really tank. And besides, I spent the last two years finishing dead last in the RAAC class. What made me think that this go-round would be any different?

Yeah, yeah … I get it. Have more confidence. Grow a set. Man up, girl!

I gave myself a little pep talk, but my expectations, while ever hopeful, were still pretty low. I saddled Speedy G and walked over to the warm-up ring a little earlier than necessary. The instant Speedy's little prima donna hoof hit the dirt, he humped his back and gave some pretty threatening crow hops. I immediately turned around and left the warm-up. Nothing was going to be accomplished by fighting with him.

I know this dude really well. He wasn't ready to get to work. I dropped the reins and started circling the show grounds. Golden Hills Farm is a pretty big place; I heard more than 90 acres. I figured we could just do some exploring. Gradually, Speedy's back let go and his stride lengthened. He motored wherever I put his nose and seemed much happier to just march around.

With fifteen minutes to go before our RAAC class, I went back to the warm-up. His head shot up, his back hollowed, and he set himself against my hand. I sent him into a hand gallop and did several pretty hard halts to tell him that he needed to listen to my half halts. We galloped for most of my warm-up, tracking right and left, until I felt that he was starting to listen.

With five minutes to go, I walked over to the ring and dropped my reins. Within thirty seconds, Speedy let go of his breath, and I knew I had my horse back. I even patted his neck and welcomed him to the party. At that moment, I didn't care how we placed. I was just grateful to have my tried and true partner back, and at the very least, I knew we'd get one of our regular, mid 60% scores. That was fine by me.
I've watched the video (once), which I can't seem to rip from the DVD, so you'll just have to believe me when I say it looks like most every other video I've shared. There were definitely some mistakes, and it was still me riding. My left hand doesn't work at keeping the outside rein; I let it drift forward. We jigged at the start of the free walk and were early/late for a few transitions.
 
The one thing that I can see that the judge probably rewarded us for was how completely steady and pleasant Speedy rode. He looked like a horse that I would want to ride. He just motored right around with a very good-natured expression on his face. And, it was a harmonious ride. At our final halt and salute, I felt like it was a pretty solid test, but not a winning ride. Boy, was I wrong.

Before I share the score sheet and final score, I should point out that Judge Creeky Routson is an (S) judge, which means that she can judge all levels, even the FEI tests as long as she does it here in the USA. Her credentials are impeccable, so who I am to say that she doesn't know exactly what she's seeing. I am a bit afraid to add up the scores myself for fear that I'll find a huge error. So with that, here's what Creeky Routson (S) thought of our ride.
Picture
Having trouble? It's a 72.600%, another personal best. And yes, that's a neck ribbon and a cooler.
Picture
Not as big of a class as yesterday, but notice that my name is not last, finally!
Picture
Did you notice that there is nothing lower than a 7.0?
Picture
Have you counted the 8s?
Picture
Seriously? Three 8s for the collective marks?
How do you frame a test like this without looking like a retard? Honestly. I didn't know we had it in us. I had to actually count each mark. We earned a total of six 8.0s, one 7.5, and twelve 7.0s. And not a single 5 or 6 to be seen. I am sitting here shaking my head in disbelief.

But like I said yesterday: I'm over it. The euphoria has vanished although in truth, it never really enveloped me as I was stunned at the score and never really owned it as mine. It was more of a freakish anomaly than anything else. In place of the pseudo-giddiness is the same old nagging feeling of self-doubt settling itself comfortably back in place.

There was one other test, and since it has a bit of a story, I'll share that tomorrow. I also have a long list of items that are food for thought, mostly for me, but you might find one or two of them worth chewing on. Or maybe, you'll have something to add. So for now, I'm trying to figure out what to do with that lovely cooler since I already have one from winning the Introductory Level Novice RAAC class back in 2012. Oh, what a problem ...
Picture
Award Ceremony - doesn't Speedy look proud of himself?!
Picture
Leading the Honor Round
Picture
Hanging out with Roberta and her Arabian, Orion
13 Comments
Jamie
8/26/2014 11:31:41 pm

Congratulations! That is fantastic, you should be very proud of yourself & Speedy!
I found your blog a short time ago, & I love reading it because I also have an Arabian that I ride dressage! (you just don't find that THAT often!) It gives me hope that me & my LGP (Little Gray Pony) will also be successful at shows. :)

Reply
emma link
8/26/2014 11:47:57 pm

congratulations to a successful weekend! these rides are a testament to the relationship and trust you have built with Speedy! even if you feel it's a fluke or luck or whatever (and ultimately, isn't everything with horses like that?), it's definitely worth celebrating!!

Reply
Liz
8/26/2014 11:49:10 pm

Outstanding!!

Reply
SprinklerBandit link
8/27/2014 12:06:04 am

Congrats!! What fun. :-)

Reply
Amanda link
8/27/2014 12:31:13 am

I'm feeling a lot of jealousy over your super rad neck ribbon.

Reply
Lauren link
8/27/2014 01:21:12 am

NECK RIBBON WOO! Congrats :) You both deserve it!

Reply
Carly
8/27/2014 01:28:03 am

How awesome are you guys?! And can I just say that I am still madly in love with your helmet!

Reply
Tracy link
8/27/2014 01:39:50 am

You know, I am really, really, honest to goodness OVER THE MOON happy for you Karen! You have worked incredibly hard and you earned that beautiful first place neck ribbon 110%.

While you might not feel like your work with Speedy culminated in this win, I think that your work with Sydney has of late has translated a bit into riding Speedy better. And it earned you some fantastic scores!

I know you're ready to move on and move up, but [just for me!] try to take a moment to revel in the glory -- you really do deserve it!!

Reply
Kelly link
8/27/2014 01:56:13 am

Congrats!!!! Own it - you deserve this :) I would frame everything!

Reply
Angela
8/27/2014 02:11:15 am

Awesome! A super big, heart felt CONGRATULATIONS!!

You are the perfect example of how it's done: consistent, persistent hard work, an unyielding desire to know and learn more, and the guts to go out there and compete! Did I mention the hard work! Bask in it Karen! You deserve it!!

Reply
Genny link
8/27/2014 02:23:34 am

Wow! Congratulations!

Reply
Sarah link
8/27/2014 02:52:39 am

CONGRATS!!!! You owe it to yourself to spend at least as much time thinking about the great rides as you do the work-in-progress rides. =P And sounds like you figured out the perfect warm up: trail ride, then gallop, then stand around for a minute. Also, keep one cooler for home, and one for shows! If you keep getting coolers, give one to a young dressage rider or donate to a horse rescue.

Reply
jenj
8/27/2014 03:45:16 am

My goodness, that is one BIG ASS RIBBON! And Speedy looks SUPER proud of himself. Even if you don't believe that it was real, he clearly does!

It does take a while for the reality to set in. This is where you are now in your riding with Speedy, FOR REAL. You can produce this test again and again, even when your warmup is non-standard or the air at the show grounds is electric. You really can do it!

So when are you moving up to First? ;)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    About the 
    Writer & Rider

    I am a lifetime 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
    Email Karen

    About Speedy G

    Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. We're currently showing Third Level for the 2019 show season. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

    Picture
    August 2018

    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 schooling and 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 2019

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!

    National Awards

    • USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    2nd Level Rider Performance, 2018
    • USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    1st Level Rider Performance, 2015
    • USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
    Picture
    Training Level Rider Performance, 2013
    State Awards
    • CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
    • CDS Second Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    Ruby Rider Award, 2018

    2020 Show Season

    Show Rating
    (***) CDS/USDF/USEF 
    (*) CDS
    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
    (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
    (Q) Must Qualify
    2020 Pending …
    ​

    2020 Completed …
    ​10/26-27/19 SCEC (***)

    Qualifying Scores for 2020

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    3rd Level Qualifying
    3 Scores/2 Judges:

    Score 1: 60.405% Atkins
    Score 2: 62.432% Atkins
    Score 3: 

    CDS Championship
    ​
    3rd Level Qualifying
    5 Scores/4 Judges:

    Score 1: 60.405% Atkins
    Score 2: 62.432% Atkins
    Score 3: 
    Score 4: 
    Score 5: 

    Working Towards:

    ​CDS 3rd Level Horse Performance Award
    ​
    3 Judges/3 Shows:
    Score 1: 63.514% Lindholm
    Score 2: 62.105% Lindholm
    Score 3: 63.243% Wadeborn
    Score 4: 60.405% Atkins
    Score 5: 62.432% Atkins
    Score 6:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    USDF Bronze Medal
    First Level - 70.179%
    First Level - 72.600%
    Second Level - 62.879%
    Second Level - 61.970%
    Third Level - 62.432%
    ​Third Level -

    Stuff I Read

    • A Collection of Madcap Escapades​
    • A Horse Crazy American in Germany
    • A Yankee in Paris
    • Avandarre in Dressage​
    • BB Quarter Horses
    • Contact
    • Dream Big
    • Go Big or Go Home
    • Go Pony
    • ​Guinness on Tap
    • ​Journey with a Dancing Horse
    • Mountain Spirits
    • Pony3Express
    • Poor Woman Showing​
    • Printable Pony
    • Raincoast Rider
    • She Moved to Texas
    • SprinklerBandits
    • Stubborn Together
    • Symphony Dressage Stables
    • Tales From a Bad Eventer
    • The $900 Facebook Pony
    • Thoughtful Equestrian
    • Wyvern Oaks
    • Zen and the Art of Baby Horse Mangement

    By Topic

    All
    Art
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    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
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    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
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives

    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


    Picture
    Picture
    Sydney wearing the Riders4Helmets dressage pad I won for a helmet story.

Site Design: Karen Sweaney