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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Change of Plans

3/31/2016

 
Yesterday was supposed to be a turn out day for Izzy, but I really wanted to ride. I saddled up anyway and tooled around our neighborhood. Before doing that though, I braided Izzy's mane. It's a bit of a long story, and I promise to tell it in the next day or so.
Picture
This is how we trail ride at my barn!
Again, long story, but it was the first time I've ever ridden him with braids. The view was very different, and it was actually quite fun to ride around on such a fancy hunk of horse flesh. When we rode by the Haner Family Farm, they were having some kind of happy hour on the porch and gave us the equine version of a cat call. Instead of the quintessential whistle, we got lots of "ooh what a pretty horse!" Doesn't hurt my feelings.

I stopped to give them an eyeful as I waved. I always let their kids come up and pet whomever I am riding, so I thought they would appreciate the view. What do they say? Hate to see them go, but love to watch them walk away. Yeah. Izzy's some good eye candy.
Picture
I didn't say they were GOOD braids.
Since Izzy has been such a jerk the last few days, I decided to use the trail ride as an opportunity to work on relaxation and softening to the outside rein at the walk. Overall, he did pretty well. He was tense as all get out - he's not a fan of being ridden alone, but he kept it together.

On the backstretch, the stretch of road that leads back to the barn, he got so tense that his stride was literally six inches long, if that. It's extremely frustrating, but I've yet to find a successful way to encourage him to relax his back and step forward other than persistence. He was in such a tight ball, that my rein was actually slack as he got rounder and rounder. It was almost a piaffe.

Once we passed the barn, his stride did get longer, but then he tried to rush forward. On the far side of the neighbor's property, there's a dirt road adjacent to a former private "golf course" (three-hole course?). I used that field many times with Sydney. When Izzy got really bunched up and was refusing to go forward, I put him to work in the field. Each time we circled past the way home, he shoved (or tried to) his shoulders out and threw a temper tantrum.

We worked that area for a good 20 minutes, both directions, until he quit fussing and actually trotted in a circle without trying to rear or bolt. Little stinker. So while my plan was to just take it easy, Izzy ended up getting a workout after all. By the end though, we walked home with me having won the discussion.

​Go me!
jenj
3/31/2016 06:38:32 am

Ahh, the route home! I had a similar conversation with Taran last night, who wanted to throw his shoulder in and sidepass home. Sorry buddy, not happening. Poor horses, we make them work so hard for their upkeep! ;)

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/31/2016 06:16:22 pm

I figure they only get worked maybe 4 - 5 hours a week. How hard is that?!?!?! Man up, horse! :0)

SarahO link
3/31/2016 07:22:10 am

I like the braids! How is that there are no flyaway hairs??

Good job winning the "discussion" :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/31/2016 06:17:40 pm

I did wet the chunks slightly before I braided, so maybe they're still damp? And thanks, with no trainer close by, I HAVE to win. There isn't anyone else to do it for me. :0/

Tracy link
3/31/2016 11:01:24 am

Dang girl, those braids are SEXY!

Bakerfield Dressage link
3/31/2016 06:18:47 pm

Oh my! Strong praise from a hunter princes!!!!! I guess they're okay if you don't look too closely. :0)

emma link
3/31/2016 11:41:12 am

spiffy braids!!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/31/2016 06:19:17 pm

Don't magnify the photo! :0)

Carly
3/31/2016 02:49:35 pm

I kind of like leaving braids in an extra day or two because they make me feel so fancy when I ride!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/31/2016 06:20:31 pm

HAHAHA! Me too, expect when I went out the next day, they were all tore out with some big chunks of missing mane. I wanted to see what would happen if I braided the night before a show - FAIL!


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.
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    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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    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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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