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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Champions? Us?!

12/17/2011

 
Yes!  But before I tell the tale, there's a funny anecdote about how I found out that we had achieved champion status.

Hubby brought in the mail on Thursday night and tossed me a package.  I looked at the shipping label and realized that I didn't recognize the sender.  I am expecting a package that I ordered for my husband for Christmas, but this package was the wrong size, and it was soft.  Not at all what I was expecting.  Hmmm ...  I gave it a couple of good squishy squeezes trying to determine if I should open it in front of him.  He glanced my way and suddenly realized that he was also expecting a package that was destined to be my Christmas gift. 

I quickly handed it over as I didn't want to spoil a surprise.  He then proceeded to give it a few squishy squeezes himself and also studied the return address.  He was as baffled as I.  Both of us then took a good look at the packaging trying to determine who had ordered it and therefore who should open it.  He decided that he had ordered it, and the package was hidden away.  A little "O. Henryesque, anyone?

While at work the next morning, I received this text, BTW, that package was yours, looks like ride winnings or something.  Blue ribbon in it.  What?!?!?!  Of course it was morning when Hubby sent the message so I had all day to wonder whatever on earth I could have won, and even more time to ponder who had sent it.

I zipped home right after work and found my package on the counter with a note from hubby reassuring me that the package was indeed mine.  Here's what was in it.
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Seriously? Introductory Champion?
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The ribbon is 28 inches long. I measured it!
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AND an embroidered pad? Thank you so very much Ventura County Chapter of CDS. You are one awesome chapter!
You all know how goal oriented I am.  Had I known that I stood even the teeniest tiniest chance of winning this award, I would have been all over it.  So how on earth did all of this happen?    

The Ventura County Chapter of CDS hosts a series of six schooling shows throughout the year.  The results of these shows are tabulated and champion status is awarded to the rider in each division with the highest average score.  Ahem.  That would apparently be me!

I was excited about the series, not because I thought I could win, but because it provided me an opportunity to show in a more relaxed atmosphere without the added pressure of being rated.  I entered the first two shows, but they were cancelled this year due to weather and the EHV-1 virus.  I managed to make the next two shows and scored very well at the first show.  For both tests at that show, I scored in the 70% range. At the next show, I had a little melt down due to a disastrous warm-up.  We scored in the 58% range.  I didn't make the next two shows in the series.  With only riding twice, I completely forgot about the series as it didn't seem likely that I stood a chance of winning.  I guess I was wrong!

I am not going to fein indifference.  I am thrilled!  I am dancing around the living room.  I might even hang that ribbon from the Christmas tree!  I worked really hard this year to improve, and I went to a lot of shows hoping to demonstrate that we're serious about this dressage business.  I am honored that VCC of CDS has called me Champion.  Even if it was just at the Introductory Level.  Look out 2012.  Speedy G and I are ready to rock and roll!
nowthatsatrot link
12/16/2011 11:31:29 pm

THAT was the mystery package? Too funny!

Very nice ribbon, and very nice pad too! It's so good when groups recognize your hard work with nice awards. The experience is great, but the loot isn't bad, either!

Congrats again! Here's to more good times in 2012!

Judy
12/17/2011 12:14:10 am

How funny, and exciting!! Congratulations! If we didn't already have your gifts ready to send I would buy you a trophy/ribbon case to fill!!
XO

Karen Sweaney link
12/17/2011 12:40:48 am

Now THAT'S a Trot! - thanks. I was bugged that my wonderfully cool package sat unopened all night. It sure made a great TGIF gift though. I enjoy even the tiniest successes, and I don't need a lot of cool stuff to feel successful, but this was sure a nice recognition. It was especially nice to be rewarded even though I am not one of the "Big Time" riders. It's great when a group will recognize even us tiny fish!

Judy - I have every ribbon that I've won hanging in my office here at home. Most of them have fit on my pony collection bookshelf, but a few others are hanging from special photos. I already have a spot picked out for this ribbon. I am hoping to get a frame for the certificate today. I am sure that I'll eventually toss the "little" ribbons as I earn others, but for now, I am keeping them all! :0)

Karen

martina peterson
12/17/2011 01:41:57 am

how exciting Karen! I bet you could hardly wait for the day to end so you could see your package. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall. We are so happy for you. Happy hunting for the new year. This award was truly earnedby you and Speedy G. You should get someone to take a picture of you and Speedy G holding your award. I would love to have a copy too. Lots of love mom

Val
12/17/2011 07:10:32 am

Congratulations! That was a great story and nice way to end the work week. You should be very proud of yourself and Speedy!

Karen Sweaney link
12/19/2011 08:58:39 am

Thanks, Mom!

And thanks, Val! The part that makes me proud is that i set out with a goal: to become a dressage rider and start showing. Even with a very non-dressagey horse, I managed to "accomplish" my goal. That's the part I am proud of.


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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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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