Bakersfield Dressage
  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Education
  • Local
    • Shopping List

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Confirm Scores or Chase Scores?

8/10/2017

 
The way I see it, there are two ways to approach showing. You can either show at one level until your horse is truly confirmed at that level and the scores reflect that, or you can chase down the 60% and move on. I am not going to say that one approach or the other is better, but I do know what feels right for me right now.
Picture
It sounds so easy.
I am two scores away from the California Dressage Society Ruby Award. Two Second Level scores. That's it. Speedy and I are well enough along that we could probably eke out a 60% at Second Level at a CDS show. 
Picture
It looks so easy.
I've wanted to try for those two scores all summer long, but I haven't. While I want the scores, I want even more for Speedy to be truly confirmed at First Level before we move on. That's why it's taking me so long to move through the levels. I've faced this dilemma (when to move up) at every level since Intro.
Picture
Every time I've gotten bored with the level I am working on, I remind myself how much I love seeing a 70%. Moving to a new level too early isn't going to yield scores that I like. It's that simple. 

I want confirmation. I want to know that my horse is confirmed at the level and ready to move on with a solid foundation under his girth. That doesn't mean I am going to finish out the level with 70%, although that happened at Intro and Training Level. For me to feel confident enough to move on to the next level, I need to be earning at least mid-60 scores. We're pretty close.

Ruby Award aside, I have several First Level goals that I'd like to see realized this summer. The first is to do well at the Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) this weekend. We've won at Intro and Training, so it's not an impossibility.

The second is to maybe win my CDS Chapter's Adult Amateur High Point Score for the season. We've also won that one before, but it will take a miracle this year, like maybe a 70%!

I'm also trying to get as many 60% and better scores as possible to add to my CDS plaque. In 2013, we earned a whopping 16 scores. Last year, Speedy struggled with several different lamenesses so we earned a disappointing 4 scores. Right now, we're on track to finish with 13 scores above 60%, but less likely if we chance a Second Level test.
Picture
​I'd rather finish the season on a high note rather than make the move to Second Level and maybe get a 60% but probably bring home several disappointing 50s. In a way, I guess I am still chasing scores. Thoughts?
Addie Kingsland link
8/10/2017 07:58:11 am

It sounds like you're really agonizing over this! Any time I find myself in the position of making a difficult decision, I always watch this TED talk on how to make hard choices. It literally changed my life. Maybe it might help you too.

https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_chang_how_to_make_hard_choices#t-865605

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 09:48:23 am

Thanks for sharing, Addie. Just a few months ago I heard part of that TED talk on the TED Radio Hour and really got a lot out the concept of hard choices being on a par. I had forgotten about it though, so it was great to hear the whole thing. :0)

Jan link
8/10/2017 08:09:26 am

Hmm... I was chasing scores with Mikey. He was 16 when he died, but around 14/15 I was like, "This horse is starting to struggle- he's only got so many years left in him, and none of them will be above 3rd." He struggled so badly with 3rd and was just getting older that I decided I just wanted my two scores to finish my Bronze and then was going to fall back and try to be Queen of Second Level. Obv that didn't pan out...

I'm not chasing so much with Penn. I brought him along as quickly as I could to 3rd (one 3rd level score to go, then Bronze!), but I'm going to spend the next year competing in 2-3 and 3-3 until GP Trainer says we can dabble at 4th. Hell, I requalified at First again this year to make a better showing at Regional Championships (taking a 3rd level horse to a 1st level test). I find I'm not in such a rush to get there now that I'm not working with a horse who's entering his golden years... Penn is still in his baby horse years, soon to be slightly educated young adult years. With so many years ahead of him and an incredible trainer at my disposal, I don't feel the need to "OMG get there as fast as I can!"

I think you have to find the right balance between chasing scores and confirming scores. At some point, you're going to say f-it, I've had enough of this level! And you'll move on. Other times, your trainer will tell you to move on because you're ready to rock the next level. Nothing wrong with either method!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 09:49:58 am

LOL Trainer just gave me a shove telling me to MOVE UP in October. :0)

I have a blog post ready to go for next week that outlines my reasons for moving on, but not until after my next August show. :0)

Dom
8/10/2017 09:13:01 am

This is my preferred approach as well. I see people who *barely* break 60% before moving up, and their horses struggle. Those same people often complain that the judges aren't being fair, but to me, it looks like they're rushing their horses. This is depressing enough when amateur riders do it, but I see professionals who are happy with 60%! As a pro, I don't want to see a horse move up until he's scoring 68%+ at a level. I see records on people who are showing fourth level but have never broken 65% at ANY level, including training. I may not show a lot, but that makes my eyes roll back in my head a bit....

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 09:55:31 am

I am with you on that, Dom. I feel like it's easy to squeak by on a 60% at First, but once you start moving up through the levels, the lack of a good foundation will start to show.

For my horse, I would love to say we won't move on until we regularly hit 68% because the reality is that we can't be that good every time. For us, consistently scoring in the mid-60s (64 - 66) is a marker that I feel comfortable with. But I get what you're saying. In my mind, 60% means "just barely." I don't want to just barely make it. :0)

Dom
8/10/2017 01:25:16 pm

I think mid-60's is perfectly respectable, especially once you move past 1st. But when I see horses who blow up every time they have to do a lead change and are still being shown above third level, it makes me nuts. Sure, there are some horses who don't have the movement or natural ability to be truly competitive at GP. That doesn't mean they shouldn't move up! BUT if they can't do the basic movements in a level (even in a lackluster fashion), they definitely shouldn't move UP from there. I understand that there are horses who are born with second level gaits and carriage and horses who will have flat gaits no matter how well trained they become, but settling for "just barely" is an injustice to the horse, IMO.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 03:38:07 pm

Agreed!

Karen
8/10/2017 10:14:56 am

Yup I'm one of those people showing 4th level but don't have ANY scores about 65%! ... ok maybe one 67% somewhere. Not at rated shows anyway. The thing is is that my horse is not going to score much above 65%. He just doesn't have the gaits, or the uphill balance. Frankly I don't care about scores, but the progress we make. I spent 3 years at Third level getting more confirmed. Even after 3-4 years at that level, our best rated score? A 64. I know people probably look down on me for moving him up, but sometimes I can beat the horses with the gaits if I just get the technical movements right. But no, he will never be a 70% horse. He just isn't.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 11:32:32 am

I totally know what you're saying. While Speedy has earned 70s at intro and training at rated shows, it can't be my benchmark. As we move onward, I am sure his average scores will fall. He's a VERY consistent horse ... 6s and 7s are where we're going to be. I feel good when we gets 7s. 5s tell me we need to improve. So when I see a test filled wth 6.5s and 7s, I know we're about at our best work.

I feel like we're right there at First Level. After this weekend's show and the one coming at the end of the month, we'll hang up our First Level hat and commit to Second Level. I think we're ready.

If you've ridden your horse long enough, I think you know when he's maxed out at a level. :0)

jenj
8/10/2017 11:38:22 am

I've found that it's less about "finishing out" a level than actually being able to perform all the movements of the first test at the next level. There's no reason you can't ride 2-1 AND 1-3, or like Jan, take a horse that's just started showing at 3rd back to 1st. I've also discovered that 1st is a heck of a lot easier and you score a whole lot better (see 73+% this spring on 1-3, compared to 65-67% last year on 1-3) if you're riding a 2nd level horse. The old addage to show a level below what you are schooling at home is pretty legit, even though I don't follow it (ahem). So I think the real question for me is, can I put in a 60%+ on the next test, regardless of the level? If so, I should probably give it a go, regardless of what my scores are at my current test... because honestly, if I can put in a 60%+ on the next test up, the test I'm currently riding is probably pretty solid.

Exciting to be moving up to 2nd though! Woot!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 03:36:04 pm

You're so right, jenj. I should have added that. It's not just doing well at this level, but being able to put in at least a satisfactory score at the level above. In this case, Second. When I start a level, I am aiming for a 60% and thrilled to get it. As I gain more experience and the horse becomes more educated, I want higher scores of course, but at the beginning, a 60% is great. :0)

Joanne
8/10/2017 12:46:09 pm

I love the thought behind confirming you're solid at the level before moving on vs ticking the minimum requirement. I think it's a great way of approaching progress

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2017 03:37:14 pm

It works for me, but then I am probably moving along slower than I need to. I just hate low scores. :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.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian
    Email Karen

    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend
    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    2022 Show Season

    Show Rating
    (***) CDS/USDF/USEF 
    (*) CDS
    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
    (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
    (Q) Qualifier
    2022 Show Schedule
    ​​(*) Tehachapi 7/24/22
    ​​(*) Tehachapi 8/28/22

    ​2022 Completed …
    ​​(*) Tehachapi 5/22/22

    2022 Qualifying Scores 

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    Qualifying 
    2 Scores/1 Judges/60%:

    Score 1: 
    Score 2:

    Archives
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


Site Design: Karen Sweaney
  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Education
  • Local
    • Shopping List