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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Change of Topic!

2/21/2014

 
Well, ooh la la! Speedy and I made the March edition of Dressage Today.
Picture
Yep, that's us!
We're on page 26 of the March issue in case you have it handy. Several months ago I submitted a photo for "The Clinic: Photo Critiques" column. I love this part of the magazine and usually flip there first. Whoever the critic is, they are always kind to the riders while still being helpful.

Susanne von Dietze, the current critic, said some lovely things:
  • My first impression is one of harmonious forward-flowing movement.
  • For Training Level, Ima Starr [that's Speedy's registered name, G Ima Starr FA] is working nicely.
  • Karen's seat shows some riding experience, and I do like her natural, correct leg position.
And then of course, the rest of the comments are of the Try This variety. But that's okay; that's why I sent in the photo. I was eager to hear an unbiased opinion of where we are and where we should be headed.

Unfortunately, Speedy and I won't get to work on any of this any time soon, but here is the essence of what she said:
  • It will be a goal to teach him [Speedy, of course] to take more weight onto his his hind legs and lower his haunches a bit more.
  • In her upper body she [that would be me] shows a slight forward tendency. 
  • The impression I get is that she [again, me] is not sitting deep and keeps supporting her weight with her thigh on the horse's side.
  • In her hands [me again] I notice a slight asymmetry. There is visible tension in her right hand. Her left hand is turned downward at the wrist and her fingers are slightly open.

The rest of the column focuses on exercises to correct asymmetry as well as how to deepen one's seat, mine in particular. I am really excited by what Susanne von Dietze said. That she could find more than one positive thing to say makes my day.  And the criticisms are all things that I am quite aware of; my hand position has been my Kryptonite all along. And the slight forward tendency is thanks to many years of riding endurance where we get off our horses' backs.  Lots to work on, but lots of time in which to do it!

By the way, this is great timing as I am heading to the Christian Schacht clinic over in Moorpark on Saturday morning. I ride at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Come on out, or better yet, bring your own horse for a ride; there are still spots (805) 603-0309!

See you on Monday!
Tracy link
2/20/2014 10:33:10 pm

Even though you won't get to work on some of this with Speedy for a while, it's nice that a lot of the critique was on you. Hopefully soon you can work on some of that while riding Sydney!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/21/2014 10:49:25 am

I am ALWAYS working on my hands. :0) After my trainer reads it (she's on vacation), I am hoping she can start zinging me on my asymmetrical hands. :0)

Austen link
2/21/2014 12:28:19 am

I love it when someone "I know" is in DT! I'll keep an eye out for you!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/21/2014 10:50:07 am

I saw someone I know a few months ago. It WAS pretty cool. :0)

Lauren link
2/21/2014 01:36:57 am

So cool you're featured! I think those are some great comments.

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/21/2014 10:51:50 am

Thanks,Lauren, but the critic ALWAYS finds nice things to say, but I am happy about what those nice things were. I suppose she could have pointed out something about my turnout which is not as complimentary as a correct leg position. I'll take it. :0)

Hannah link
2/21/2014 01:43:18 am

Whoo, how cool! Lovely compliments and we're-all-in-that-boat suggestions that should be fun to work with aboard Sydney and then see how Speedy likes the changes once you're back aboard him. :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/21/2014 10:53:02 am

I assumed the comments would be of that nature, but I am glad that she listed several specific things to focus on rather than simply stating the rider has a long way to go. :0)


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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    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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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
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