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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

CDS Championship - My Strategy

9/24/2014

 
Win!

…  (insert the sound of crickets here.)
Picture
chirp… chirp
Just kidding! That's not much of a strategy anyway. I do want to do well, but I can only do as well as we do. RAAC has given me some confidence for this show, but it also showed me that I am my own worst enemy. I can't let the venue intimidate me, and I can't let the quality of the other riders overwhelm me.

Since winning the RAAC class last month and qualifying for the championship show, I knew I needed a game plan to help me prepare for such a big show (there are nearly 1,500 scheduled rides). To keep my worries in check, I have done a couple of things:
  • Up until this weekend, I didn't allow myself to think about the size of the show. I worked consciously to NOT be impressed by the number of riders, barns, rings, etc. Focusing on the magnitude of the show would have only engulfed me in worry.
  • I didn't talk about the show with anyone (even myself!), especially my colleagues at work. Sure, I made some general comments to my trainer, barn owner, and husband, but the comments were more scheduling in nature. The reason that I didn't talk about it at work was because I didn't want my colleagues to be impressed with the caliber of the show because then they would have had expectations which would have put a lot of pressure on me.
  • I kept Speedy's training schedule pretty low key. I let him free graze every afternoon for at least 20 minutes. I didn't bathe him, but I did curry him pretty thoroughly each day. I rode him four consecutive days each week, and gave him the other three days off. Each four day work week had a schedule of sorts where I focused on only one or two things for that day. I didn't ride any of the tests from start to finish, but I did school particular elements.
  • I didn't blog about the championship at all, which is why you haven't heard much about the speedy pony lately. For me, talking too much about what is going to happen is like blowing up a balloon; it can only take so much air before it pops. I didn't want there to be too much air in my championship balloon before I even got there! That balloon can pop on Monday morning as I haul myself out of bed, dog-tired, to head to work.

So, here it is, CDS Championship time. I've done my grocery shopping, Speedy has had a hair cut, and the trailer is packed and loaded. I've printed the day sheets (15 pages worth), highlighted my rides (and those of my friends), and worked out a coaching and lesson schedule with Chemaine. I am about as ready as I can be.

Expect some radio silence for the next week or so, but I hope to be back to blogging on Monday morning. Have a great week, and I'll see you soon!
Tracy link
9/23/2014 10:54:10 pm

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Rebecca link
9/23/2014 11:10:30 pm

What Tracy said! And remember to breathe! :D

Judy
9/24/2014 12:13:56 am

I'm so excited for you guys! I know you'll do well, and that Diva you ride will be in heaven with all the attention he's sure he's getting! Even though I can't be there, I'll be loudly cheering you on from a distance!

Lauren link
9/24/2014 01:54:28 am

Good luck! You deserve to have a great show and do well, however that manifests itself. We're cheering for you in Texas!

jenj link
9/24/2014 02:11:47 am

Sarah link
9/24/2014 02:31:40 am

Have fun and good luck! Enjoy!!

Austen link
9/24/2014 04:41:46 am

Good luck!! :)

Kelly link
9/24/2014 04:50:20 am

Have a wonderful time Karen and best of luck!

emma link
9/24/2014 05:06:56 am

good luck! hope you and Speedy have an excellent and rewarding experience :)

Carly
9/24/2014 05:54:02 am

Woo hoo! Good luck!

Kim Thavarajah
9/24/2014 03:18:24 pm

Good luck Karen. I'm sure you will do great. Ride your test for yourself and no one else and enjoy the experience.


Comments are closed.

    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)

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    National Rider Awards

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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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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