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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Championship - Horse of the Year, Test B

10/4/2014

13 Comments

 
Thankfully, my final test of the show came bright and early on Sunday morning. The day dawned cloudy and cooler, which was a relief as it had been extremely hot all week. In fact, as I was saddling, there was a down pour of rain - typical for all you on the east coast, but for us, it was a rare (and mostly) welcome sight. 

My warm-up for the final test went really well. Chemaine coached me through my ride, encouraging me to get Speedy deeper and moving out with a better stride. He was a bit stiff and really wanted to be heavy in my hands, so Chemaine had me do a lot of bending and suppling of his neck.

Surprisingly, I felt really relaxed and wasn't worried about Speedy's stiffness. He was either going to let go and relax, or he wasn't. I was looking forward to the ride and was anxious to get out there and give it another try.
The test rode in nearly slow motion. I felt every stride and was very present. At one point, Speedy got really stiff and was bracing against my hand as we approached C, tracking right. All of a sudden I knew what was meant by having soft hands. I relaxed my shoulders and wrists, and Speedy immediately let go through his neck and poll. It was the first time that I've felt how tension in my body makes him tense. 

As I gave my final salute, my eyes filled with tears. I was really proud of our effort. I knew we weren't going to place as high as I had wanted (middle of the pack), but I had worked really hard and ridden to the absolute best of my ability. To most people, especially those in full training with more expensive horses, that might not have been enough. For me, for those few moments anyway, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.

Our averaged score for this second test was a 62.000%. I think it's interesting that all five of my score sheets (one from the warm-up ride, two from the "A" ride, and two from this test) were all in the 62% range. That says something about our consistency and about the consistency within the field of judges.

Overall, we finished the Horse of the Year Training Level Championship class for Adult Amateurs in 16th place out of a field of 18 riders. We were "only" nine percentage points below the winner and a mere four percent from the middle of the pack. I am sure that's what the losers always say, but for me, knowing that I was somewhat close to the rest of the field encouraged me. We don't have that much farther to go.
Picture
Click to enlarge
To help me put the whole thing in perspective, a friend, who also competed, said this to me ...
I call it the "Rarefied Air"....many of the horse and rider teams we compete against at these championships are people who ride every day, have very expensive horses that they keep in professional training, and may or may not even need to work for a living. The judging also gets stricter. Just to be there at all is a major accomplishment, so major congratuations to you and your lovely horse! You guys did a great job!
No sour grapes here, just the reality of competing in a bigger fish pond. It's easy to be the big fish at schooling shows and smaller rated-shows. It's only when you venture out into the big leagues that you get to see how you and your horse truly stack up. 

There will always be someone better. I think the trick is to recognize your own success and value what you've managed to achieve while still pushing yourself to do more.

Some bloopers and Oh My!(s) tomorrow ...
13 Comments
Shirley link
10/4/2014 12:51:37 am

Stick with Christians comments!! Most improved rider!!!! He's NOT easily impressed!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/4/2014 01:11:39 am

Thanks for that, Shirley. I am certainly working hard, but it has been a slow journey. :0)

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Mia link
10/4/2014 03:40:51 am

Yesterday, I watched a horse/rider pair that was obviously training 3rd and higher. Horse was an amazing mover. The rider said she was riding second level in the regional championship next week. I was relieved (in a guilty, dodged a bullet sort of way) that I hadn't tried to qualify for it if horse/riders like THAT were going to be my competition.

But you... you earned very respectable scores, at a Championship show, on an ARAB that was an endurance horse just a few short years ago! I don't think you realize how freaking amazing that accomplishment actual is. Out of all of the people who never even earned the scores to qualify for it, but had tried, you qualified. And to not only go, but to earn two very solid 62% scores while holding your own against the quality and caliber of horse that they have there.... After only starting dressage just a few short years ago... that is phenominal. It probably doesn't seem like it to you, because you're seeing the long slog of the last couple years, but I am very impressed with what you have accomplished.

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/4/2014 05:40:49 am

Wow, Mia. Wow. What a kind and generous comment. Thank you.

I really wish I could see my situation like you do; wouldn't that make a girl feel proud! But what I am usually thinking is "holy crap, only training level? How mediocre must we be that this is as far as I've come in 4 years?" I'll be 80 before I make it to where you are.

I am writing about this very issue in a day or so. Against what do we measure our success? I have a great life that I feel is lived with balance: I get to show, I travel to far off places with my husband, and my health is good. Would I change any of that to be riding at Second or Third Level? No. So that means I have to be at least satisfied with 15th place at a championship show, but I sure wish I felt "freaking amazing" rather than satisfied! :0)

YOU'RE AWESOME - thanks for the atta girl! :0)
I'll continue to ask … please move to California!!!!!!!

Reply
Mia link
10/5/2014 04:48:22 am

With the cold nasty weather we've been having... I'm about ready to sneak off to Cali at the first opportunity. ;)

Don't compare your level of training to mine. I rode dressage for four years as a kid, and now have another almost 4 under my belt. That's at least twice the number of years you've been studying dressage. Plus, I'll be stuck at Second until I'm 80, so you have plenty of time to blow past me. :D

emma link
10/4/2014 10:42:10 am

congrats again on a lovely showing at the championships! you're a whole lot closer than 4 percentage points to the mid-pack, too, by the way: just think of the many many riders who didn't qualify, and all those percentage points you already earned to secure your place. you and Speedy did great!!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/4/2014 11:56:54 am

Very kind words, Emma, thank you. My expectations of myself are always so very high that it makes it difficult to appreciate the small successes. So many readers have offered their congratulations that I suppose even making it to the championship and competing without totally tanking is probably more of an accomplishment than I am seeing. I really wish I could "bask in the glow," I am such a realist though that for me, it's an all or nothing deal. I can't boast about a 15th place finish; it's just not in me. :0)

Reply
jenj
10/4/2014 10:26:35 pm

I can merely echo what others have said so eloquently. Congratulations on not only qualifying, but doing very respectable tests among some incredibly high-calibre horses. You should be VERY proud of both yourself and of Speedy! And what an amazing experience - I feel privileged to have gotten to follow along vicariously through your blog. Thank you!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/5/2014 12:06:37 am

Wow. What kind words, Jen. I keep saying the same thing over and over, but I just don't feel as though we did anything special. I WISH I could feel as accomplished as you think we are, but I just don't see it. I've only watched each test once (I hate watching) and I will admit that we put in very steady and quiet tests (for which I am very happy), but so did most every one else!

Even though I don't feel particularly accomplished, I very much appreciate your comment am glad that you enjoyed reading about our journey. It was a lot of fun for sure. :0)

Reply
Tracy
10/5/2014 06:28:29 am

Reading about your journey for the last year or so, I think it's incredible how far both you and Speedy have come. You should be very proud of not only qualifying but your scores as well. What a stellar way to end a very successful show season!!!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/5/2014 07:37:59 am

Thanks, Tracy. :0)

I think I would accept the award for "Great Effort." I know I work hard, but it's difficult to see the results. :0)

Reply
Kelly link
10/6/2014 04:46:46 am

Super job Karen! You have much to be proud of!

Reply
Sarah link
10/6/2014 06:51:08 am

I am so happy for you and so proud of you. To do so well at this high caliber competition, when both you and your horse have only been dressagin' for a few years - its such a huge accomplishment! I'm so glad you had a good time. Heartfelt congrats and great job!

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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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