Category: Second Level

2018 RAAC - Sunday, Second Level Test 3

8/20/2018

Sorry to make you wait so long, but boy was last week a busy one. I didn't even watch the video of Sunday's ride until this weekend. And once I finally watched it, I was really happy; there wasn't a bad moment. Even when I grabbed screenshots, I mostly just hit pause without having to go frame by frame to catch that one, single, nice moment. Nearly all of the moments were good - relatively speaking.

Both halts earned an 8.

I should also mention that this test was judged by Hilda Gurney. I've always found her to be a fair judge who calls 'em as she sees 'em. I am not sure if she was in a good mood, or if we were that good, but I'll take Sunday's score without a bit of complaint.

This has been a year for pilot error though. Again, I messed up at the walk. The walk, people. How can you get lost while walking?!?!? I have asked that question multiple times this year. WTH?

Second Medium Trot - 6.0 "Needs more reach from shoulder." Even so, he is really getting fancy.

I know what happened, and it's because of a good thing, but sheesh. I have been schooling the walk like crazy. I've been busting Speedy's butt over having more activity at both the medium walk and free walk. On top of that, we've been working hard on our trot to halt. As we approached C for a rein back, I half halted and SAT. We did the rein back, and I knew it was good. We got an 8 which made three in one test!

Medium canter - 6.0 "Slightly braced."

All I could think about was keeping that activity as we went forward. Instead of turning left at H for the turns on the haunches, I went straight to do our free walk. I was all excited about getting a good free walk when I heard the whistle blow. Dammit.

Serpentine - 6.0 "Rushing needs more collection."

The result of that pilot error crept into the next movement though. I hurried to get back on course and then completely blew the first turn on the haunches. We scored a 4.0. It was totally my fault. We earned a 7.0 for the next one, and from there, we were back on track without any further errors.

Second serpentine - 6.5 "Needs engagement."

On the video, you can hear Hilda telling me I forgot the turn on the haunches. I tell her I am sorry, and she quips, "That's okay, I'll just take off two points." I then laugh and move on. When I first heard the bell, I felt such a sense of defeat. I knew I didn't stand a chance of earning at least second place, and even getting a 60% was not looking good. The levity of the moment cleared my feeling of defeat though, and I rode on.

I was pretty sure I had blown any shot at first or second, the two placings that earn a fleece cooler or a halter. I really didn't care about that though as first and second had to stay for the Honor Round which was scheduled for 3:05. Riding in the Honor Round means being properly attired in show clothes and show tack.

I have no idea where we are in the test, but he looks good!

I really just wanted to get home. I was worried about my score though because that ride was my last chance of the year to earn my fourth score for my Second Level Rider Performance Award. I had plenty of Second Level scores, but they needed to be from four different judges. So instead of worrying about winning the class, I was crossing my fingers for a 60%.

Jen earning second at Prix St Georges.

Earlier in the morning, Chemaine Hurtado's other student earned reserve champion at Prix St. Georges. We were super excited that Symphony Dressage was being represented so well. As we waited for my score though, things got kind of quiet while I silently prayed for a 60%.

When Chemaine couldn't stand it another moment, she snuck off to the show office to check on my score. I peeked down the barn aisle to see what kind of expression she was wearing as she walked my way. When she grinned excitedly, I knew I had earned my 60%, but then I saw a blue neck ribbon and a fleece cooler in her arms. How Speedy and I pulled off that little miracle, I'll never know.

Chemaine is an amazing trainer. Having both horse and rider teams in neck ribbons speaks to the quality of her training. Speedy didn't seem to care how awesome he is.

Even with the two point deduction and the blown turn on the haunches, we scored a 64.286% which was good enough for 1st place. It was a very competitive class with only nine points separating 1st from 4th. I am not sure how it's possible, but Speedy and I have now won RAAC at Introductory Level, Training Level, and Second Level with a reserve at Fist Level.

Once USDF has the score recorded, I'll apply for my Second Level Rider Performance Award. In the meantime, we have our last show of the year this Sunday in Tehachapi. It's been a busy show season!

Here's the test.

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2018 RAAC - Saturday, Test 3

8/16/2018

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My second test of the day, Second Level Test 3, was about forty minutes after the first. We walked Speedy back to his stall for a quick break and a drink of water.

My goals for this test were two-fold: no score lower than a 6.0 - fail, and improve the score over a few weeks ago when I rode for the same judge - met my goal but only just barely.

Our one and only sub 6.0 score came at our very first centerline - 5.5 with the comment, not truly immobile drift right of E. From the video I can't tell if he drifted, but I believe it. That's something I've been struggling with as I sit the trot. I am sure I am sitting too hard on one seat bone or the other. And you can definitely tell he wasn't truly halted. He was all over the place in that first halt.

Oh my gosh, can't help it. Isn't this lovely?!?!

That first blip aside, the test rode pretty much at a satisfactory level. The whole test is a sea of 6.0s with some 6.5s thrown in for good measure. The comments were more corrective than glowing, but there was this gem, good correction when too much neck for our shoulder-in right. She gave me a 6.5. I love hearing that we're doing something right.

Still sassy in those transitions.

Unfortunately, and you can definitely see it in the video, I let Speedy get behind the vertical in the canter work. The comments say it all keep poll highest point (twice) and way behind the vertical. Not just behind, but way behind. Ouch. The judge's further remarks were both kind and dead on, Both of you are really trying. Try to increase the flow of the test harmony without horse getting behind the vertical.

I love how focused Speedy looks.

Our final score was a 61.585% for fifth out of five. I wasn't disappointed though. My score was over 60%, and we only had that single 5.5. Other than that, we just need to inch those 6.0s to 6.5s and the 6.5s to 7.0s.

Here's the test.

Sunday's results tomorrow if I have the time.

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2018 RAAC - Saturday, Test 1

8/15/2018

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For so long, I went to shows by myself, spending a lot of time watching others ride and feeling a bit like an outsider. Even so, I made it a point to chat with my barn neighbors, making some good friends along the way, and slowly I started to feel like I was part of the crowd. Now, nine show seasons later, I am going to shows with my trainer and her other students as well as meeting up with old friends. It's definitely a lot more fun than cranking it out alone.

Morgan, Jen, me, and Chemaine all under the Symphony Dressage Banner.

Being a part of Symphony Dressage Stables means having a great team supporting me no matter how I do. It means getting my boots polished, my rides videoed, and doing the same for a friend. It also means staying up late laughing about being Naked and Afraid with a strange man while wondering if its okay to spoon with said stranger if you're married. We never came to a consensus.

This year's Central Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) was held at Twin Rivers Ranch, an eventing venue. For the eventers out there, you'll know the facility well. It was the first time many of us had ever shown there. As a side note, there is also a Northern and Southern RAAC as well. California is pretty big.

Horsing around during our "course walk."

I got to TRR on Friday at lunch time and got our tack stall set up. Jen pulled in a few hours later. Since it was so hot, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, arrived in the early evening to coach us in the massive covered arena. I meant to get pictures, but I got busy.

Both horses warmed up really well, and I had some good aha moments while riding. My Second Level feel is really starting to develop. I am not sure we're completely confirmed at Second Level, our simple change is still a bit weak, but we're definitely getting there.

Hot and sleepy boys. Paolo on the left, Speedy on the right.

After our Friday night lesson, Jen, Morgan, and Chemaine all headed out for dinner while I gratefully walked to the house we rented (yep, a rented house right on the show grounds. How awesome is that?!). After a cold shower and a quick bite to eat, I snuggled into bed and read for a few minutes before drifting off to sleep. It had been a long day and we had two more to go.

Our house for the weekend.

Everyone was up early on Saturday morning as Jen's Prix St Georges ride was scheduled first thing. With only one ride for the day, Jen spent the rest of the day hanging out and graciously videoing my rides.

Our transitions are still a bit sassy!

My first ride of the day, Second Level Test 1, was at 10:06 which left me plenty of time for braiding and tacking up. Like every show this season, my goal has been to score nothing lower than a 6.0. We met our goal for this test while also scoring a pair of 7.0s for good measure. Our final score for the test was a respectable 62.727% - not breaking records, but it was a solid effort.

Serpentine with simple changes at center line.

Since last riding for this judge, I worked really hard on getting Speedy more active. While we didn't hit a grand slam, the judge did notice. Our medium walk earned the comment, fairly active needs over stride. Our counter canter from E to H earned the comment, fairly active. She still felt we needed to cover more ground and show over stride/thrust, but all in all, she noted the improvement where she saw it.

His medium trot is improving every time!

As we near the end of this show season, I am more than happy with the progress we've both made. My sitting trot is passable, and Speedy's medium gaits are getting better. We've also nearly eliminated the curling, although we still have our moments.

Here's the video from Second level Test 1.

Second Level Test 3 tomorrow ...

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Needs More Energy

8/10/2018

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Almost every movement from our last show included some form of the comment needs more energy. Sometimes the comment read needs more over-stride. There was also slightly lazy, needs quicker walk, and needs more ground cover. Basically, Speedy needs to get his speed on.

Since the judge from our last show will be one of the two judges at this weekend's Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC), I thought I'd better see what I can do to get Speedy to pick 'em up and set 'em down, even if it's just at the walk.

That walk definintely needs more energy.

As it so happens, I caught an article in the August edition of Dressage Today by Lehua Custer entitled, "Prepare for Third Level with Precision." Boy, did that article catch my eye!

Shamelessly stolen from Lehua's Facebook page.

If you get the magazine, take a look at the article. It literally hit on everything that I am currently working on. In the second paragraph, Lehua states, "Moving from Second to Third Level is a huge step in the big picture of your horse becoming an upper-level competitor." Thank you, Lehua, for recognizing how challenging Second Level truly is.

She goes on to say, "How do I do all that? By practicing correct repetitions and by tackling each movement individually, breaking it down into little chunks that are more manageable to deal with." That's exactly how I've been addressing the movements at Second Level, so I am glad that I am on the right track. She then goes on to offer tips for the turn on the haunches and the flying change (the horse first needs a good simple change through walk).

From our show in April - go, Speedy, go!

Lehua offered another suggestion that I've been using this week to great success. It's nothing new or mind blowing, but it's something that has helped give Speedy some added hustle to his walk. The tip is designed to improve precision by getting the horse more in front of your leg. Well, duh, we all know that. I know, but sometimes we hear things at just the right time.

Lehua breaks down the steps to encourage the horse to listen for a whisper aid as opposed to a shout. Here is her list of aids:

1. Press with calf. If no response,
2. Then use the spur. If no response,
3. Then use a little pop with the leg. If no response,
4. Then a tap with the whip.

From the May show. He's just so cute!

Having just two weeks between shows isn't really enough time to fix anything big, so I decided to apply Lehua's tip to our medium and free walk. Speedy wants to lose the rhythm in the medium walk, and he thinks that the free walk is for catching his breath and taking it easy, my fault of course.

I've never asked for more energy in the free walk (at a show) because if I do, he'll break into a trot. I don't know why it never occurred to me to deal with this problem before now.

I took a page from Chemaine Hurtado's book for "ramping him up" for the medium trot. As I prepare for the medium trot, I half halt and add leg, in effect, getting his hind end prepared to motor. I figured I could do the same thing from the medium walk to the free walk.

And then a June show ...

At first, Speedy was convinced that when I let the reins slide through my fingers for the free walk, what I really meant was now trot with zero connection or balance. I fixed that ASAP. Once he remembered that we were walking, I applied Lehua's tip for teaching him to listen for a whispered aid.

As soon as I felt his energy go splat, I pressed with my calf. When that got no response - why would it as I've accepted a pokey walk until now? - I popped him with my leg (I don't wear a spur anymore). When he still refused to get a more energetic walk, I tapped him with the whip. Well hello there, smarter and quicker walk. Nice of you to join us!

Another June show ...

All of a sudden, Speedy has a much nicer free walk! This has now become the first part of our warm up. On the short sides, I ride a medium walk, but as we turn the corner, I start "ramping him up" for the free walk. We build some energy, and as soon as I let those reins slide through my fingers, he's hustling across the diagonal. As we approach the other short side, I gather him up into a medium walk while telling him to maintain the activity. We then repeat the whole thing on the next diagonal.

The good thing about this exercise is he knows the whip is coming if he doesn't respond to my leg banging into his side. I've even been careful about insisting on an energetic walk while we're "resting" between more difficult movements. I want him to be thinking that a free walk is not the time to take a break. A test only lasts for six minutes. He can rest when we're done.

From a July show ...

For Saturday's show, we're riding Second Level Tests 1 and 3. On Sunday, we ride only Test 3 for the RAAC class. Fingers crossed that we can improve our score for the free walk. For both Test 1 and 3, the free walk has a double coefficient. What an easy way to rack up a couple more points.

Better get your hustle on, Speedy G!

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El Sueno Sunday - Part 4 (the end)

8/3/2018

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I am kind of over watching these videos and writing about this show. Yes, it was fun. Yes, we did decently overall, but I'm ready to move on to something else.

I love the mirrors at El Sueno.

The other thing that makes these write ups so boring is that Second Level Test 1 and Test 3 are nearly identical, so all of my photos (screenshots, really) look the same in ever single post. I swear they're not all from the same test!

I love, love, love that his poll is staying UP!

So in the interest of time, let's just cut to the chase. We squeaked by with a 60.366% for Second Level Test 3. No errors, but we had a few scores below 6.0. The first was for the left turn on the haunches, 5.0, with the comment "stuck." The day before the judge gave us 7.0s. I didn't think this one looked any more stuck than the ones from the day before, but maybe she was tired of cutting me so much slack.

He hates travers - 6.0 "Lacks impulsion. Good beginning, lost haunch at end."

We also earned a 5.5 for a medium trot (needs ground cover just into front foot steps - or that's what I think it says). And in that same medium trot we earned a 5.5 for the transitions at M and K. No surprise there. We were both feeling tired.

3-Loop Serpentine

We didn't score any 7.0s for this test, but we had enough 6.5s (six of them) to make up for the 5s. This test certainly wasn't our best effort, but we didn't totally stink either. We're heading to the California Dressage Society Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) next Friday. Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, will be there both days, so hopefully we do better on Sunday.

I keep saying this, but while we may not be brilliant, we are decidedly consistent. I am learning, Speedy's learning, and that's how we'll get better.

Here's video of the test.

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El Sueno Sunday - Part 3

8/2/2018

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If I am pretty relaxed for the first day of a show, which I usually am, I am almost over it by day two. I just can't quite get excited about doing it all over again. I don't groom quite as thoroughly, and I am a little lazy in my riding ... that simple change was almost what I wanted, it's okay if his braids are a bit fuzzy; the judge can't really see them anyway, yes he's behind my leg here, but let's just get it done. That kind of thing. I am happy to be there, but my attention to the details gets a bit careless.

Beginning of the first medium trot - 6.0 "prep better in corner, then go! Needs ground cover."

That doesn't mean I don't care, but my focus tends to wander. Even so, the test was quite satisfactory. We scored a 62.424%, meeting my goal of no scores below a 6.0. We earned a 7.0 for our 10-meter canter circle right, eleven scores of 6.5, and fifteen scores of 6.0. Again, not a brilliant test, but we're being consistent.

Circle right 10-meters - 7.0 "Correct size, fairly accurate."

As before, the simple change through walk is still our weakest movement. We scored 6.0 for both of them on the serpentine, although I think the judge was being really generous for the first one; we were all over the place. Or rather, I was all over the place.

First simple change - 6.0 "Rider bounces hands, be more subtle."

Our rein back is definitely getting better, and that's a good thing as it carries a double coefficient. I worked the halt to trot to halt so well that Speedy started to get really anxious in the halt as he anticipated the GO command. I left it alone for a few days which turned out to be a good thing as he definitely started to relax in that transition.

Halt, rein back - we scored a 6.5 with the comment,"correct count."

Speedy has always liked crossing the diagonal and charging up centerline. I am not sure what he thinks is going to happen once he gets there, but he always digs deep and powers down those long lines. Since I know that, I always try to take full advantage of his enthusiasm as centerline is one place where we earn a lot of 7.0s.

"Straight, behind vertical on centerline. Balance okay." - 6.5

This judge was quite helpful with all of her comments, and she did it in a positive way. Her further remarks read, "Nice job for level. Try to lengthen neck a little while encouraging more length of stride in mediums." Yep. We're working on it.

Here's the video.

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El Sueno Saturday - Part 2

8/1/2018

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When I saw my score from Second Level Test 1, I was quite pleased; it's my highest Second Level score yet. Not that 64% is fabulous or anything, but improvement is worth celebrating.

Track left at C.

Test 3 started out fairly well with a 6.5 for our entry and halt and progressed well, if not quite as solidly as test 1. Where we had 6.5s for test 1, our score was 6.0 for test 3. In total, we earned only a pair of 7.0s, eleven 6.5s, twelve 6.0s, and two scores below 6.0 - we earned a 5.5 for the first simple change across the diagonal and a 5.0 for the second one. The simple change is definitely our weakest moment right now.

Shoulder in left 6.0 "over-bent left for angle but this energy better."

Not only did we miss my goal of no scores under 6.0, I didn't help myself any by giving away two points in an error at the walk. Yes, you read that correctly. How do you go off course when YOU'RE WALKING?!?!? If you walk from M to V instead of R to V, you lose two points - that's how. Rats. That mistake cost me half a percent. Without the error I would have had a 62% which just feels better than a 61%. My final score was 61.585%.

Free walk - 6.0 with the comment "Should be from R not M. Has stride needs energy."

The overall score was still above 60%, which is my goal for now. And while there are definitely plenty of things to improve, there were some really good moments. The 10-meter canter circle to the left earned a 6.5 with the comment, "Balanced." Both turns on the haunches, which carry a double coefficient, earned scores of 7.0 - we made up a lot of points there. Both medium canters earned the comment, "bold."

Medium canter - It feels like we're going a million miles an hour. Watching the video, we're not.

When I got home and started looking at my scores and analyzing what needs to be improved upon, I realized that I had completely forgotten about earning the third score toward our Second Level Rider Performance Award. The award is earned with four scores of 60% or better from four different judges from at least two different shows. We only need one more score. At our next show, this show's judge and Hilda Gurney will be judging. I hope I get to ride at least once for Hilda, otherwise we won't even have a chance to earn that last score.

Final centerline - 6.5 "Straight centerline, balance backwards."

As painful as it is to watch, here's the video with Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, narrating.

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El Sueno Saturday - Part 1

7/31/2018

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This weekend's El Sueno show was a lot of fun, and I never felt stressed about it. Of course I wanted to do well, but it didn't worry me. I am still coping with the migraine issue, but even though it was hot as blazes - great conditions for triggering a migraine, I was pain free all weekend. That alone counts as a win.

Chemaine Hurtado and me - she's no doubt smiling because we didn't screw up too badly! We were wearing Symphony Dressage Stable shirts, so it's important not to crash and burn!

Since I am always on a budget, I go with the cheapest stabling option possible, but this time, Speedy got to stay in the main barn, a total upgrade from the portable stalls. Now that we've flown business class, I don't think we can ever go back to coach. Speedy's small enough that we don't need the bigger stalls when we show, but I think he appreciated the extra room.

Business Class stabling

The best thing about stabling in the main barn was that it was completely shaded with a lovely breeze. We weren't hunkered down in the corner of the stall looking for a strip of shade. With warming up in the covered arena, I stayed cool enough to wear my coat even though coats were waived first thing in the morning.

El Sueno's covered arena. Ring one is just to the left of the grass.

Chemaine was able to come out on Friday evening for a lesson, and she coached me through both tests on Staurday. I can go to a show without her of course - and I did that for a lot of years, but it's such a luxury to have someone coaching you through your warm up.

Heading into the ring. Photo by El Sueno's social media photographer.

Besides having fun, my number one goal was to eliminate any score below a 6.0. We killed it on Saturday's Second Level Test 1 with nothing lower than a 6.0! In fact, we earned three 7s, and fourteen(!) 6.5s. We finished the test with a 64.242%. It's not a brilliant score, but it's approaching the mid-60 range which tells me we are definitely showing improvement.

Our first centerline - 7.0

The first couple of times I rode this test, and test 3, I needed a reader. A few shows ago, I decided to ride it on my own as I find that I do a better job if I am thinking about the movements rather than waiting for someone to tell me where to go. For this test, everything slowed way down, and I had time to prepare for the movements (to the best of my ability - Charlotte Dujardin I am not).

Circle right 10-meters - 6.5 with the comment "balanced"

Our comments for this test were needs more over stride, needs impulsion, slightly lazy, and needs more ground cover. Yes, yes, and yes. There were other corrective comments as well like slightly off rail, think shoulder fore when on rail, and keep slight flexion right on right lead. Got it, will do. The judge was really kind and friendly to everyone. After every test she thanked the riders and often gave compliments loud enough for everyone to hear.

Collected canter left lead - a bit early but still "balanced, obedient" for a 6.5

The judge's further remarks were spot on, This is a nice horse to learn on - well balanced and obedient. Try to get him a little more up for medium canter and a quicker walk in between canter on serpentine. I had to laugh at the first part though - if she only knew what a butthead he was in the beginning. But yes, he is a great horse to learn on now that he's 14 and truly broke to ride. She could have filled the page with try to get him ____________. We have plenty of room for improvement, but I'll take the positive comments.

Here's the test.

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Tehachapi Mid-Summer Dressage Show, Part 2

7/25/2018

4 Comments

I had one ride between my first test and second test so there was no time to go back to the warm up to fix anything. These afternoon rides are the hardest for us because it's so hot. Speedy is a happy enough guy, but he's also lazy in the heat. This creates a lack of forwardness which contributes to curling and being downhill. So instead of more schooling, which only serves to annoy the heck out of him, we stood and watched Chemaine Hurtado's ride (she earned the Open Point!).

First medium trot - 6.5

Not so long ago, I struggled with First Level's test 3. That thing is pretty hard. Now here we are at Second Level chipping away at its third test. Second Level is not easy, but I think its test 3 is comparatively easier than First Level's test 3. Again, it's not an easier test, but it makes a lot more sense than 1-3.

Second medium trot - 6.5

Even though my goal was no score under 6.0, we still earned a single 5.5. The rest of the test was filled with a long line of 6.0s, fifteen of them in fact. We earned ten 6.5s and a 7.0 for our final halt and salute. Our final score was 62.073%, which was higher than our score for 2-1. That always makes me happy.

I still love this braid!

After watching the video, I think the judge was very generous when he scored my halts. I've been schooling the halt to trot to halt which has made Speedy very "jumpy" in his once very quiet halts. As a result, he's super antsy about the halt because he's expecting me to goose him forward into the trot. That's definitely something I need to work on quieting down.

Second serpentine - 6.0

While I am delighted about ditching the 4s and 5s that we started with, there are definitely a few things we can work on. Our simple change is still not confirmed. Sometimes we get it great, other times not so much. The upward transition to canter is pretty reliable. It's the canter to walk transition that's still not.

An exuberant walk to canter - 6.5

While our season has seemed to progress from insufficient (we've had more 4.0s than we've ever had before) to slightly better than satisfactory (we're getting some nice 6.5s and 7.0s), I am actually quite pleased with what we've done so far.

We've earned seven scores in the 60% range. Those seven scores mean that we are now qualified for the California Dressage Society's Regional Adult Amateur Competition and the CDS Championship show. Speedy also has enough scores to earn CDS's new Horse Performance Award at Second Level; I just dropped the application in the mail.

Heading for our final halt and salute.

We're going to another two-day USDF show this weekend. I am feeling like I have a much better handle on Second Level, but you know how that goes. My goal continues to be to eliminate any score below 6.0. We'll see what happens. Either way, I am really pleased with the direction we're heading. We haven't mastered the level, but it's no longer so intimidating.

Here's the video.

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Tehachapi Mid-Summer Dressage Show, Part 1

7/24/2018

6 Comments

The show season is well underway, and Speedy and I have taken advantage of his good health and my perseverance. We aren't bringing home knock their socks off kinds of scores, but we are showing steady improvement, especially at Second Level Test 3 which is the test used for the CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition and the California Dressage Society Championships.

I forgot how much he digs the Hi-Tie system.

I just have to throw this out to the universe: whoever orchestrated the whole get Speedy into Karen's barn, thank you. I mean it. This horse just makes showing completely stress free. The second Speedy steps off that trailer, he is all about relaxation and napping. I don't have to worry about his behavior one little bit. He'll happily stand at the trailer all day long, and when I tack up, there is never even a hint of maybe I'll freak out about something. Speedy, buddy, you are one awesome dude!

Collected canter left lead.

Since Speedy is an absolute saint, showing is about what we can do without also having to deal with any tension. My goal for this season has been pretty simple; eliminate all scores under 6.0. Getting rid of the 4s and 5s is how you score in the mid-60% range. For our Second Level Test 1, our lowest score was a single 5.5. I am calling that a huge win.

Speedy's favorite gait.

The score sheet for 2-1 shows a long, long, line of 6.0s - thirteen of them actually. There are eleven 6.5s and a single 7.0. But of course, there was also a wee bit of pilot error which knocked 2 points off my overall score. After the 10-meter canter circle at A, you have to continue on to F and then cross the short diagonal to E. That section is really hard to remember; I've missed that movement twice this season. Let's hope I've learned my lesson.

Collected canter right lead.

The judge is an "S" judge and not one to just give away scores, so to see mostly 6.0s and 6.5s tells me that we are definitely on the right track. His further remarks were spot on, "Some nice moments. Work for even better longitudinal and lateral suppleness for better use and control of hind legs to maintain throughness and uphill balance." Yup. That's exactly where we are.

Medium canter.

The one comment that is thankfully missing from the score sheet is "curling." Not that Speedy still doesn't try and duck behind the bit, because he does, but we seemed to have mostly fixed that issue. Most of the comments for this test were about being tight in the back, hollow, and losing rhythm. Some riders might find that discouraging, but I think it's progress.

Medium trot.

For us, Second Level has been about getting Speedy to shift his weight to his hind end, which is hard. When he becomes unbalanced, he gets hollow or loses the rhythm. My job is to be more consistent with the half halts, work on maintaining the flexion, and keep his shoulders out of the way.

Here's the test. We finished with a 61.667%. There's a lot more that we need to fix (hello, sitting trot), but we are definitely making progress.

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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.

May 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 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: 61.970%
Score 5: 62.973%

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 - 61.970%
Score 3 - 64.242%
Score 4 - 64.268%

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

2018 Show Season

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

2018 Pending …
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 (***)
5/27/18 Tehachapi (*)
6/16-17/18 El Sueno (***)
6/24/18 Tehachapi (*)
7/22/18 Tehachapi (*)
7/28-29/18 El Sueno (***)
8/11-12/18 RAAC (Q ***)

2018 RAAC - Sunday, Second Level Test 3

2018 RAAC - Saturday, Test 3

2018 RAAC - Saturday, Test 1

Needs More Energy

El Sueno Sunday - Part 4 (the end)

El Sueno Sunday - Part 3

El Sueno Saturday - Part 2

El Sueno Saturday - Part 1

Tehachapi Mid-Summer Dressage Show, Part 2

Tehachapi Mid-Summer Dressage Show, Part 1

About the
Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

Stuff I Read

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About the Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

Stuff I Read

By Topic

Archives

About the
Writer & Rider