Category: Awards

Show Goals

5/23/2018

First of all, I have them, and secondly, the pressure to achieve all of them this year has disappeared.

Last year: First Level (elite) reserve champions at the CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition Central Regional.

I hate to share my goals publicly because talking about something before it happens generally results in the thing not happening. I am not sure if that is Murphy's Law or not, but it seems to be my experience. Besides that, every time I get myself all geared up for something, a horse gets broken. It seems as though I am better off not saying anything at all as I simply send in my show entries and go with the flow.

2014: Training Level (novice) Champions at the CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition Central Region

I've already met some of my goals for this year's show season. We've already earned our Second Level qualifying scores for this year's CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition. My goals do not include winning a third cooler - I have two already (see one above). Nor do they include winning yet another leather halter (see it below); one will do nicely, thank you.

Who needs two? :0)

With the pressure of winning at RAAC off the table, my plan is to first keep Speedy healthy enough to compete at this year's event. With that goal met, I'll hope we can just not embarrass ourselves. If we can do that, I'll be more than satisfied.

One down, two to go.

Another goal that Speedy and I have already achieved this year is earning the final scores for our CDS Ruby Rider Award. They're given out at the Annual Meeting Awards Banquet, so I'll send in the application later this summer. The Gem Awards are a lot like USDF Medals except they're awarded for scores earned at CDS-rated shows (which can also be USDF-rated). The award is a lapel pin that can be worn on your coat or wherever you want to pin the thing.

Half-way to the one on the left.

Strangely enough, I recently realized that I am half-way to earning my USDF Bronze Medal. There is a long, long way yet to go, but before this past month or so, I never really believed that I could earn a bronze medal. All of a sudden, I am one score away from being two-thirds of the way there. I have no doubt that I can earn that score.

While Speedy and I are nowhere near having Second Level vanquished, it no longer feels like we're hanging on by our toenails; we're actually getting it. When I realized that, it popped into my head that we're probably going to make it to Third Level ... eventually. That knowledge gave me goosebumps and a huge kick in the pants.

Before you roll your eyes, rest assured that my head is the same size as it has always been - it might even be shrinking. Crap. something new to worry about. At our most recent show, I apologized at least a thousand times to my trainer during the warm up for looking like such a disaster amongst all of the real dressage riders out there. How can they all look so put together and well-schooled?

So. Goals. Yep. I have them. Not looking stupid is always the first one. Why can't I ever check that off the list?

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Another Second Level Dubut

4/13/2018

4 Comments

I know I already "debuted" at Second Level, but that was at a CDS-rated show. This time, it's the real deal, a USDF show. Not to disparage the CDS show; my GMO is huge, and the two qualifying scores I earned count toward a lot of great programs (Regional show, Ruby Award, Rosettes, Championships). My scores didn't count for the Second Level Rider Performance Award or a Bronze Medal though; both things I would like to earn someday.

Braiding box.

Earlier in the week, I dragged out my clippers to tidy up Speedy's bridle path and fetlocks. When I opened my braiding box, where I store my clippers, I realized it was really gross inside. Some hair gel had spilled, braiding bands were in little dusty piles, and they whole thing was filled with dirt and loose hair.

Braiding Box reboot.

I dumped everything out and and gave the inside of the box a quick wipe. Then I proceeded to throw out anything that was empty, cracked, broken, or otherwise useless.

Not broken or useless.

Then I repacked everything. I don't think I have ever cleaned this box out. I bought it six years ago; it was time.

Bottom layer.

Portable tray.

Of course, after that was done, I looked up and saw my bandaging box. That too got a "going through."

Bandaging drawer.

In for a penny, in for a pound. By that time, I was in full on organize everything mode. Next up was my med kit.

I threw out a few things, but there are still some outdated bottles in there.

And since I couldn't have stopped even had I wanted to, I tackled my bottles and jars of OTC stuff.

This is the goopy box.

Then I had a crack at my shampoos and conditioners. For someone who doesn't do a lot of grooming, I have way too many types of mane and tail products. By the time that was all done, my side of the tack room started to feel pretty clean and organized. When I stepped back to admire my work, I was disappointed to see that it didn't look any better. It's all still just crammed in there.

Organized?

After I was done, I realized that I was just blowing off nervous energy. Instead of feeling worried and anxious about the show, I was actually really excited. I feel better prepared than I did last month, and we're going to a venue that Speedy knows well.

My Saturday times are really good - not too early, and not too late. I wish they were closer together though. I hate to make Speedy stand saddled for all that time. Keeping him tacked up lets him know he's not done for the day though. He can get resentful if I take him back out when he thinks he's finished.

My Sunday times are great - first thing in the morning. Since I camp on the grounds, I'll be there anyway. And since I ride so early, I'll be able to hit the road sooner (it's a two and a half hour drive) which means I'll get home in time to unpack the trailer and make it home with part of the day still intact.

One last thought: the show drew more riders than anticipated which means there are two rings and two judges. I get to ride for both judges which means I get more opportunities to earn scores for Championships and the Second Level Rider Performance Award - scores need to be from four different judges. This show could get me halfway there.

No pressure or anything.

4 Comments

We're Good to Go!

4/3/2018

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Last Friday I was agonizing over whether or not to go to a show in two weeks. No sooner did I hit publish than my Facebook feed was filled with friends urging me to GO.

Entry mailed.

Having so many people encouraging me to go and knowing that they'd be at the show with me, tipped the scales. I worked hard on Friday and Saturday and got tons of classwork done way ahead of schedule. I'll have no problem finishing the course work over the next few days - a week early!

That evening, my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, not only urged me to go, but nearly has me talked into doing an extra show in May. I have had an eye on USDF's Second Level Rider Performance Award since I got my First Level Rider Performance Award. I need four scores from four different judges. We'll have our first shot at a score at this show in two weeks. I'm riding four tests over the two days so hopefully I can get the first score then. If we go to the May show, I'll get a second chance.

Two down, one to go.

I would be really happy to earn those four scores this year. That won't mean I am done with Second Level, but it would be nice to see that atta girl hanging on my wall.

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California Dressage Society Rosettes

3/2/2018

2 Comments

I've written about my USDF Group Member Organization, the California Dressage Society (CDS), so many times that by now, even if you only drop in occasionally, you know all about them. But really and truly, it's a great GMO. While I have earned the first two Rider Performance Awards from USDF and have my sights set on someday earning my bronze and beyond, CDS offers so many incentive programs that I don't feel the need to join USDF as a participating member.

I look forward to receiving this small note every winter.

Last week, I received my plate showing how many Rosettes Speedy and I earned last year. CDS offers a trophy to the rider who earns the highest number of scores at 60% and above on a single horse. This year's recipient earned 14 or 15 scores (I can't remember which). We were really close this year with 13.

All of our scores were over 60%.

I was excited to attach this plate to my plaque, but as I pulled it down off the wall, I gave a deep sigh. In six seasons, we've only moved through three levels. And, and to be even less discouraged, I am counting our time at Intro. We have got to be the slowest moving team of all time.

That's a lot of good scores, but ...

There are many reasons why we haven't moved more quickly. When we were prepared to move to Training Level, the tests were redone which put the canter work down to Intro so we spent an extra year down there. There have also been several seasons where Speedy was lame or injured (I am looking at you, 2016) which meant that we weren't ready to move up, so we repeated a level.

Plenty of room!

This year, we're showing at Second Level. I am hoping that somewhere in the season we can eke out at least one score of 60%. It would take a ton of pressure off if we could do it at this first show in March. I am not holding my breath for that particular miracle though.

The good thing is that the plaque has room for plenty of plates. It's a good thing too, because I might be stuck at Second for just as long as I was at Training and First. The next three plates might easily all read Level 2 - 1 Rosette.

Let's hope not.

2 Comments

Another Reserve Champion

10/23/2017

2 Comments

While it felt like a routine show season, Speedy and I ended up with some very gratifying successes. Early on, we won the Adult Amateur High Score at two different CDS shows. In August, we took home First Level Reserve Champion at the CDS Central Regional Adult Amateur Competition. This weekend, my CDS chapter, Tehachapi Mountain Chapter, awarded us First Level Adult Amateur Reserve for the season.

2017 Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet

Each October, Tehachapi Mountain Chapter holds an awards and appreciation banquet at Oak Tree Country Club, about an hour's drive from Bakersfield. The list of attendees is usually quite large given that Bear Valley Springs is a community of fewer than 23,000 people. It is astonishing that such a small town can generate so much interest in dressage!

Pre-dinner social time.

I mentioned a few times over the summer that winning the adult amateur show average was a goal of mine. While we didn't win first place, I was quite honored and proud to accept First Level Reserve.

Lois Quinn (show secretary) handing me my award.

In my opinion, just entering at A at all is a huge accomplishment. Doing it with a decent score is like winning at the Olympics. Just think how many riders can't even get their horses show ready. I know because I am one of them, too. I've been working with Izzy for more than two years, and he's still not ready to enter a real show. So knowing how hard it is to make it to show after show all season, winning reserve feels like a grand achievement to me.

Thank you, TMC!

One of TMC's regular volunteers custom made the reserve awards; first place received trophies. Tracy designed the awards specifically to suit each rider. I am delighted with my helmet bag!

Made by Tracy Donahue

Tracy even selected a special print to line the inside of the bag. She told me that mine was selected to complement Speedy's black leather RAAC halter.

Super Cute!

During dinner, my husband and I sat next to the junior First Level Champion. While I competed with him all summer, it was the first time we had a chance to chat. He's quite a talented rider, and as I found out, a well rounded young man. We've already decided that next year at Second Level there's going to be some butt kicking. No doubt it will once again be him doing the kicking. I am glad he's still a junior!

2 Comments

Thank You, CDS!

8/29/2017

6 Comments

In all the excitement from earning second at the RAAC, I sort of forgot to highlight the cool swag that the California Dressage Society had for its competitors.

We've all seen the halter. But in case you missed it, here it is again.

Re-sized to fit Speedy's Arabian measurements.

I am sure many clubs and organizations offer halters as prizes, but it's my first one. Living in such a hot state, coolers are fun to win, but mine don't get used very often because it's hardly ever cold. I am definitely going to use the halter more than I've used the coolers.

Pretty nice welcome gift!

When the RAAC competitors check in, they always get a welcome prize. One year I got a duffel bag which immediately became my over-night bag for any and all horse related trips. I've even used it for regular vacations as well.

This year, we got a grooming bag. We all have grooming bags, but I am going to admit that the one I keep in the trailer is starting to look a bit threadbare. It lives in the trailer which means it gets pretty dusty as well as bounced around a bit, so it's no surprise that it is looking worn out.

Over the weekend, I finally had the chance to transfer my grooming supplies from the old grooming bag to the new, fancy CDS bag. I must say, it's medium size is going to be perfect for keeping in the trailer.

Maybe I just don't get enough swag to be accustomed to it, so forgive me if I seem stupidly happy over a halter and a grooming tote. But hey, it's the little things, right?!

6 Comments

2017 RAAC, First Level Test 3, Sunday

8/18/2017

7 Comments

As per my plan, I took it easy on Sunday. I fed early like I always do and took Speedy out for his mandatory lunge/walk. He simply won't eat breakfast unless I do. But after he was tucked back into his stall, I climbed back into bed and read until 7:00 (I was RV camping, so I had that luxury). I eventually coaxed myself out of bed and made a leisurely breakfast.

We both took it easy!

Unlike the previous two days, I also kept my sunglasses on, wore a wide brimmed hat, and stayed in the shade. Since my ride time wasn't until 2:26, I had the whole day to wait through. In fact, I was the last rider of the day.

He is so pretty! Photo used by permission with purchase.

I am not sure if you noticed Speedy's braids, but I kicked some butt on those babies. They were so neatly done that they held through the night and were still good enough to use on Sunday afternoon. I was pretty proud of them. After the last time I did this particular braid, I knew I finally had it down pat.

Leg yield left (7.0) Photo used by permission with purchase.

My strategy for Sunday's ride was pretty clear: stay out of the heat during the day, do a short 15 minute warm up, and don't give up before I'd even started. I slept in, hung out in the shade all day, and forced myself to wait to saddle until even friends thought I was pushing it.

Photo used by permission with purchase.

I felt kind of bad about the last part of my strategy, but I was seriously intimidated by my competition, no matter how friendly they were. The one thing I forced myself to do was to NOT watch any of their rides. I was just as worried about them making a critical error as I was about seeing them put in a brilliant ride. I didn't want to place well due to someone else's mistakes, but I also didn't want to lose my confidence by watching a winning ride.

Photo used by permission with purchase.

By the time the ring steward gave me the go ahead, the heat had returned, but I felt better equipped to deal with it. I marched Speedy into the ring and gave it our all. He was still behind my leg and he still curled, but we put in a pretty solid effort.

Photo used by permission with purchase.

When I finally had time to sit down and study my test, I was relieved to see that we had nothing lower than a 6.0, and there were only four of them. We also earned eleven 7.0s, which was what I had been working towards all summer! Our final score for the test was a solid 66.029%.

Posing with Judge Creswick! Photo used by permission with Purchase.

If you read my post from the other day, you know my finishes at RAAC have been either first or eighth. While we didn't win, I was very relieved to not be in eighth place. I was more than happy to receive that red neck ribbon!

Reserve Champion First Level Elite Division. Photo used by permission with purchase.

First place always receives a lovely cooler (I already have two of them), but second gets a leather halter. I know it's silly, but I am so in love with the thing!

RAAC swag!

Here's the video of the ride followed by the score sheets.

We have one more show in a few weeks to finish out the 2017 season. So far, I am more than satisfied with where I am towards accomplishing this year's goals. Win or lose at Tehachapi, I'm calling the season a success!

7 Comments

Confirm Scores or Chase Scores?

8/10/2017

14 Comments

The way I see it, there are two ways to approach showing. You can either show at one level until your horse is truly confirmed at that level and the scores reflect that, or you can chase down the 60% and move on. I am not going to say that one approach or the other is better, but I do know what feels right for me right now.

It sounds so easy.

I am two scores away from the California Dressage Society Ruby Award. Two Second Level scores. That's it. Speedy and I are well enough along that we could probably eke out a 60% at Second Level at a CDS show.

It looks so easy.

I've wanted to try for those two scores all summer long, but I haven't. While I want the scores, I want even more for Speedy to be truly confirmed at First Level before we move on. That's why it's taking me so long to move through the levels. I've faced this dilemma (when to move up) at every level since Intro.

Every time I've gotten bored with the level I am working on, I remind myself how much I love seeing a 70%. Moving to a new level too early isn't going to yield scores that I like. It's that simple.

I want confirmation. I want to know that my horse is confirmed at the level and ready to move on with a solid foundation under his girth. That doesn't mean I am going to finish out the level with 70%, although that happened at Intro and Training Level. For me to feel confident enough to move on to the next level, I need to be earning at least mid-60 scores. We're pretty close.

Ruby Award aside, I have several First Level goals that I'd like to see realized this summer. The first is to do well at the Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) this weekend. We've won at Intro and Training, so it's not an impossibility.

The second is to maybe win my CDS Chapter's Adult Amateur High Point Score for the season. We've also won that one before, but it will take a miracle this year, like maybe a 70%!

I'm also trying to get as many 60% and better scores as possible to add to my CDS plaque. In 2013, we earned a whopping 16 scores. Last year, Speedy struggled with several different lamenesses so we earned a disappointing 4 scores. Right now, we're on track to finish with 13 scores above 60%, but less likely if we chance a Second Level test.

I'd rather finish the season on a high note rather than make the move to Second Level and maybe get a 60% but probably bring home several disappointing 50s. In a way, I guess I am still chasing scores. Thoughts?

14 Comments

We Earned an Award?

1/31/2017

6 Comments

Speedy and I had a pretty slow show season in 2016. In fact, we didn't actually make it to any shows during the calendar year. Good thing for us the show season actually starts in the fall.

In October of 2015, we went to a show and earned four very nice scores in the high 60s at First Level. I was certain that our 2016 season was going to be a roaring success. Nope. It wasn't.

It was one thing after another with Speedy. In the spring he suffered a small bowed tendon which the vet only called tendonitis, and then throughout the summer he soared himself by pacing and fence walking. Before I knew it, winter had arrived and our show season was over.

We've earned a plate six years in a row.

My GMO, the California Dressage Society (CDS), has a number of rider incentive programs, but the Rosettes Award is my favorite. To be eligible, riders must earn 5 scores at or above 60% at rated shows during one season. Each year thereafter, each score over 60% at a rated show earns a "rosette" which is presented on an engraved plate.

Now we need scores from Second Level.

The plaque can be purchased from CDS. The certificate, also from CDS, is only taped on and will be removed once I need the space for more plates. I love this plaque because it's a great way to look back on the progress we've made.

Our first plate came from Intro and Training Level. The next two were also from Training Level, but the * indicates scores of over 70%! The last two plates are from First Level.

As lofty a goal as it may be, I would love to get a plate this year with Second Level scores. I know Speedy is capable of Second Level work, we're already schooling some of the movements, but I don't know if he'll stay sound enough to make it to a show.

No matter what happens, I was certainly delighted to add another plate to our plaque. And who knows, maybe Izzy's name will be up there this year!

6 Comments

Awards From 2015

3/29/2016

10 Comments

I've written about CDS many times, but in case you're kind of new here, CDS is my GMO. The California Dressage Society is the USDF's largest GMO with more than 2,800 recorded members.

Like most GMOs, CDS has a number of awards programs. One of my favorites is the engraved plates that are mounted on personalized plaques. In order to receive the first plate, a rider must score 60% or higher five times in a single season at Introductory C or above. Thereafter, riders receive their plates no matter how many scores are earned in a single season. The scores must be earned at CDS rated shows.

Speedy finally received his fourth plate this week. Level 1 of course refers to First Level and the 8 Rosettes means he earned 8 scores of 60% or higher in the 2015 season.

Even though Speedy is currently side-lined, he will also get a plate in 2016 as we already have four scores over 60% for a show we did in October. I hope he has the opportunity to add to that number.

There is room for at least a few more seasons!

I would certainly love it if Izzy could earn some scores in 2016, but we need to get through a schooling show first and maybe get our canter departure a little more under control. Once we get that organized, my goal will be to try for those five scores this summer. The plaque will fill up a lot more quickly if two horses are getting plates!

What does your GMO offer to encourage or motivate its riders?

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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.

Photo by Lori Ovanessian

Email Karen

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse and occasional trail horse. He is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

July 2017 - Photo by Sue Dockweiler

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 the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand Zweibrücker gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.

Second Show - July 2016

Bakersfield Dressage approved!

National Awards

USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

Stuff I'm Working On ...

Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Scores
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%

CDS Championship Qualifying
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%
Score 4:
Score 5:

CDS Ruby Rider Award
Training Level Scores:
Score 1: 70.179%
Score 2: 72.600%

First Level Scores:
Score 1: 66.093%
Score 2: 68.750%

Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 62.879%

USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award
Score 1 - 62.879%
Score 2 -
Score 3 -
Score 4 -

2018 Show Season

Show Rating
(***) CDS/USDF/USE
(*) CDS
(s) Schooling
(c) Clinic
(t) Ride-a-Test Clinic
(Q) Must Qualify

2018 Pending …
5/27/18 Tehachapi (*)
6/16-17/18 El Sueno (***)
6/24/18 Tehachapi (*)
7/22/18 Tehachapi (*)
8/11-12/18 RAAC (Q ***)
8/26/18 Tehachapi (*)

2018 Completed …
1/14/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/10/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/24/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
3/17/18 Hurtado Clinic (t)
3/18/18 GEAHS (*)
3/31/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
4/14-15/18 El Sueno (***)

Show Goals

Another Second Level Dubut

We're Good to Go!

California Dressage Society Rosettes

Another Reserve Champion

Thank You, CDS!

2017 RAAC, First Level Test 3, Sunday

Confirm Scores or Chase Scores?

We Earned an Award?

Awards From 2015

About the
Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

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