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

Retiring the Double Bridle

2/8/2021

 
I did some tack cleaning over the weekend. At first, it was just going to be Izzy's every day bridle, and then I did Speedy's snaffle bridle. Then I looked at his double bridle, and my heart broke just a teeny tiny bit. It was covered in dust, and his beautiful Zwarovski crystal browband was sagging in a way that couldn't be good for the shape or the leather. I decided to clean it as well. 
Picture
Knowing that Speedy wouldn't be wearing it again, I decided to strip away the extras I had bought for it - the crystal browband, the Sanft German Silver Curb and Bradoon bits, and the Thinline reins. 
Picture
I dismantled the bridle, carefully cleaning and conditioning each piece. Once it lay in pieces, any sentimentality I had felt earlier disappeared. It's just a bridle after all. I located its original browband and reins and reassembled everything with the plainer weymouth and bradoon that I had long ago bought for Izzy.
Picture
With it hanging clean and shiny, I figured that I may as well sell it. It's not doing me any good, and I hate to see useful things sitting around unused. Bridles and saddles need loving homes to keep them in good working order. There's a great Facebook page in my area for selling tack, so I typed up the add and uploaded the photos. I skipped the box for price.

How much was it worth really? Not what's it worth to me, but what would I pay if I saw it listed for sale? I located the price of the bridle and bits new. I did some quick addition, and then I cut the figure in half. That's what I would pay for it. That's what anyone else looking would pay for it.
Picture
I couldn't do it. I closed the page and hung the bridle in my office closet. I would rather sell it cheap to a friend or someone who knows Speedy's story rather than sell it to a stranger looking for a great deal. I've been that stranger so no offense meant. It's just that it means more to me whole than I thought it did.

In some ways, retirement is harder than it should be.

Double Bridle Update - Again

4/8/2020

 
Last fall, after spending a lot of time agonizing over the decision, I moved Speedy into a double bridle. It took some time to not only get it adjusted to his petite face, but I also had to find a set of bits that he actually liked. I've been riding him in it all winter, and so far, we both seem to be pretty comfortable with it.
Picture
Speedy's double bridle from the Dressage Pony Store.
Speedy's never been one to fuss about tack. He's never balked at a specific saddle or girth, but if I really listen, he lets me know when he has a preference. For girths, he definitely prefers mohair or fleece over neoprene or leather. For bits, I ultimately settled on a baucher. It wasn't that he hated any bit in particular; he was just lighter in the hanging snaffle.
Picture
Weymouth and Bradoon from the Riding Warehouse.
For the double bridle, the first set of bits I tried were obvious failures. He was quite clear that there was nothing he liked about them. I did a bit of research and landed on this German Silver Short Shank Curb & Bradoon Set. Speedy was happy in the set from the very beginning.
Picture
Mandatory peppermints.
While Speedy worked well in the double bridle, getting the whole thing on him easily, took some time. The double bridle isn't really designed for horses with so little facial real estate. In the beginning, I think it made him feel a little claustrophobic. To ease his trepidation, I started by giving him a peppermint candy to get his jaw working, and once the bridle was on, he got another one.
Picture
Over the ears ...
Just this week, I realized that the process of bridling Speedy with the double is finally just as ho hum as with his snaffle. He still gets a peppermint before I slide the bridle on, but he no longer panics and flies backward. For quite a while he insisted that I slide the crown piece over his near ear first and then walk around before tucking his off ear under. 

I am not sure when it happened, but one day I noticed that he was once again lowering his head so that I could actually do his far ear first followed by the ear closest to me. Of course, he still gets his candy when the bridle is over his ears.
Picture
All straps buckled.
As he crunches his candy contentedly, I buckle the throatlatch and noseband and hook the chain. He still likes to let me know that he's permitting me to put it on - he raises his nose up rather haughtily, but as long as I am respectful, he agrees to lower his head so that I can slide the crown piece over his ears without pinching them.

While I wish we were showing, this forced hiatus has allowed us to smooth out some wrinkles. By the time we make it back into the show ring, Speedy will be long past any tension caused by the double bridle.

There's always a silver lining.

Double Bridle(less)

10/9/2019

 
The USDF Region 7 Championships were held recently at LA Equestrian Center. The CDS Championship show is held in conjunction with that show. We didn't go this year, but I followed along a bit on social media. I am never really one to be "in the know," but I do like to check in now and then.

I did catch one bit that I found interesting, and the reason it was so interesting was because it was "a thing." 
Picture
I am not opposed to double bridles at all. You all know that I put Izzy in a double for a few days to see if it would help me get control. I got control all right, but he wasn't ready for that much communication, so I searched for a bit that gave me some brakes without so much hardware. No, it's not the use of the double bridle, it's the widespread use of the double that I find interesting.
Picture
A screenshot of the video showing Hilda riding a Grand Prix test in a snaffle.
Speedy and I made it to four shows this summer showing Third Level. I paid close attention to what bridle riders were using at Third Level and above. Third Level is when riders are permitted to use a double bridle. I don't recall seeing a single other rider using a snaffle. I was the only one.
Picture
Plain snaffle bridle with flash and a baucher snaffle bit.
When we were preparing to make the move to Third Level, I asked my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, if I needed to move to a double bridle. I figured since everyone else uses one, I would probably need one as well. Her answer was a solid no. She didn't think we needed one ... yet.
Picture
I love the slight drape in the rein here.
As we moved through the season at Third Level, I've given the idea of the double bridle a lot of thought. Third Level is not that much harder than Second Level, so why the instantaneous need for a second bit? My reason to switching to a double would be to get control of a hot, forward horse. Or maybe one that is getting overly strong in the bridle at the medium and extended gaits. If that were true, you would expect to see a healthy mix of snaffles and doubles at Third and above. That doesn't seem to be true though.

I think that the main reason riders make the switch is that the double serves as a rite of passage. Third Level is no longer part of the lower levels. It's a big step towards the upper levels, the FEI, the Big Dogs, the Big Time. It's a Big Deal to move out of Second Level, and riders want to celebrate that success.

​At least, that's how it looks from here.
Picture
If you made the switch to a double bridle at Third, why did you feel it was necessary? I would really like to know.

We may need to move to a double bridle eventually, but I am going to hope not. Instead, I am going to work towards riding a Grand Prix test in a snaffle. Speedy's a hard worker, and he likes his job. He enjoys the challenges I present to him, and he tries his heart out for me. So far, the snaffle is working well.

​
Besides, snaffle bridles are a lot cheaper than a double. If nothing else, staying in a snaffle is a cost saver.

A Change in Tack

10/25/2018

 
A year or so ago, we tried putting Izzy in a double bridle to see if that would make things more clear (and more comfortable) for him. It was an amazing success for about three days. Of course the wheels fell off the bus very quickly, but the whole experiment gave me some good information in general.
Picture
The double bridle is a great tool - just not the one we need right now.
Now that Speedy and I are tackling Third Level, we're finding things to be hard again. I can't get him sitting enough, or soft enough, or pushing powerfully enough. During one particularly tough ride, it occurred to me to stick him in one of Izzy's ported bits. I didn't, but at that moment I realized why riders use a double bridle at Third.

​When Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, came for my most recent lesson, we talked about how Speedy was bridled. She agreed that a double was likely in our future, but not yet. We both agreed on that. I suggested adding a flash, and she agreed.

One of the ways he's been "getting away from me," is by gaping his mouth hugely to avoid the contact, especially when asking for the flying change. He's always opened his mouth a little bit when he's being fussy, but it was never enough for me to clamp his mouth shut with a flash.
Picture
Last show of the season. No flash.
Chemaine put it this way: I've always been very nice to Speedy by riding him in a loose cavesson with no flash. Coming from an endurance background where comfort is king, I've never chosen my dressage tack based on what is "normal." Even though a flash is pretty standard for most dressage horses, I didn't use one. I reasoned that if Speedy didn't need one, why use it? I always figured that if you use all of your tools from the start, you run out of options pretty quickly. Well, now Speedy needs a flash.
Picture
He actually looks kind of cute in it.
From the first ride in the flash, I had much better control, and Speedy wasn't able to avoid the contact. I could see him really thinking about things rather than trying to just bolt through it all. For now, I have the cavesson and flash set as loosely as they can be while still doing something, but I am certain both will need to be tightened. 

I'd rather wait as long as possible before moving to a double bridle, and If I am the only rider doing Third Level without one, it won't bother me in the least. I am sure Speedy won't mind either. 

Double Bridle Fail

12/27/2016

 
Well that didn't take long. The first few times that I used the double bridle, Izzy took it willingly, and then worked better than ever. The next few times I tried it, he started to show some resistance to bridling again.

Over the weekend, I spent time just bridling without the added pressure of a ride. Yesterday, he had a full on melt down over the bridle and gave me an impossible to ignore NO.

I did get it on, but he flew backwards each time I tried to bring it over his ears to secure it. And no, it's not an ear issue; he just knows over the ears means it's on.

Once I finally did get it on, he stood there practically trembling, but not quite. His entire body was rigid, and a near panic filled his eyes. No way was I going to ride him looking like that. I gently removed the double, gave him a reassuring pat, and let him stand and recover.
Picture
I heard you loud and clear.
A few minutes later, I pulled out my original bridle with the correction bit attached. He gave it the hairy eye ball, but stood quietly as I slowly drew the crown piece over his ears. The dude knew the difference.

When I bought Izzy, his first owner told me that he was very expressive about his dislikes. Her experience came with a poor fitting saddle. According to her, Izzy had a complete fit about using a saddle that he didn't like. She couldn't get it off fast enough.

This is twice now that he's shown an obvious dislike for a bit. For the first, a thick and gentle double jointed snaffle, it took him months to convince me that he didn't like it. This time, he decided to be more persuasive; it only took him a handlful of bridling days to convince me that the double is not for him.

Before anyway suggests dental work, believe me, I've thought of it too. My horses get their teeth done by my veterinarian once or twice a year. Izzy's teeth were done this past March. While it is possible that something has changed in his mouth since then, I have felt around in there and even taken a quick peek. Nothing seems to be amiss, but I will let my vet know we've had some bitting issues.
Picture
Still the leading contender.
The main reason I don't suspect a dental problem is because he seems to like the Myler Correction bit. He packed it around for three solid weeks without complaint or resistance. And in fact, even after having a melt down over the double, he stood quietly and let me put that bit on.

I am ordering a dressage legal Myler bit today. If I am going to have a tack issue, which I'd rather not, but if so, I'd much rather it be bits than saddles. And no, Universe, I am NOT tempting you. Who all has been down this particular path?
<<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

    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