Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
While Speedy was at the vet the other day for his lameness exam, we did his vaccinations and dental work as well. I usually take my horses during my Easter vacation, but since we were already there, it seemed prudent to maximize the visit. Dr. Tolley is an excellent equine dentist, and I never get tired of watching him work. After he does his initial exam, he always hands the head lamp to me for my "opinion." I am getting pretty good at spotting the obvious hooks and rough spots, but he's still the master. For this visit, Speedy had a few sharp edges as well a wave that had developed over the chewing surface of his teeth. Dr. Tolley and I usually chat about horses and ideas that are new or falling to the way-side. For this visit, I made the comment that bringing your horse to the dentist is definitely a First World issue. How many people around the world don't have access to a dentist for their children? Dr. Tolley remarked that for many Third World nations, an equine dentist would help the family more than a human dentist.
If their horses had better care, they could work harder and live longer helping the families to increase their often meager incomes. That was a sobering thought. How much have I spent in the last few months just so that my horses can continue to perform a job that doesn't earn me any money? It certainly helps to put our own lives in perspective when we think that for many people around the world, their horses are used to earn a family's livelihood. Dr. Tolley gave Speedy his round of injections, scheduled the farrier appointment, and sent us on our way. Before leaving however, I made what is hopefully Izzy's last appointment regarding his leg. Dr. Tolley and I have a small bet going about when the wound will actually close. We're due back on April 3rd. He thinks it should close before then; I hope he's right! Whenever I feel like complaining a lot, I think about those that are less fortunate than I. And honestly, that's a lot of people! I've never worried about having a roof over my head or enough food to eat. There are a lot of people in this country that can't say the same. Very sobering, indeed. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI 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. About Speedy GSpeedy 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.
About IzzyIzzy 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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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