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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Cruddy Work Day, Delightful Ride

2/6/2013

 
Just a quick change of pace here ...

Holy cow, work has been pretty icky. I guess that's why they call it work. Driving home yesterday, my normally low blood pressure (at times almost dangerously low, so thank you, Cruddy Day, for boosting it up a bit) was anything but. The day had been a real stinker. To top it off, every driver on the road was aiming for me, and every single traffic light timed itself to hit red as I approached. I got grouchier and grouchier as I neared home. By the time I walked through the door, I was a ball of pissed-off hell-fire.

I took a deep breath as I walked down the hall. Tobi beat me to the bedroom as is his habit. He was ensconced in his bed with Lambchop tucked securely under his feet. I kicked off my shoes and sat down on the carpet to give him his quick five minutes of belly scratching and tug of war before I booted him back outside while I made my daily trek to the barn.
Picture
Photo taken last night, and yep, that's Lambchop at his feet. EVERY part of that toy squeaks, much to Tobi's absolute delight!
Once Tobi had his five minutes of woo hoo this is great!, I pulled on my muck boots and headed out to the barn. I was still feeling some tension, but my attitude was definitely getting an adjustment. It is amazing how five minutes of dog time can erase 8 hours of crap. 

I pulled into the barn and heard several welcoming nickers. Ahh ...

I zipped through my barn chores: hay for everyone, stalls cleaned, and beet pulp readied. Sydney was the dirtiest he's ever been since I owned him, but even that couldn't chip away at my happier attitude. I scrubbed his back and girth area clean and saddled up.

Our ride went just like last week's did: A warm-up walk with my hands planted firmly into my thighs, pick up the trot with hands still at the thigh, and several changes of direction. I only needed to ride for about 20 minutes to get a nice walk, trot, and canter. We even managed a pretty decent right lead canter.

Life is pretty dang sweet.
Kelly link
2/6/2013 12:31:20 am

Who could stay in a grumpy mood looking at that face?!

Karen
2/6/2013 07:56:09 am

Exactly!

Judy
2/6/2013 12:46:41 am

I totally agree. It's impossible to stay mad when you're wrapped in your animal families unconditional love! Have a great rest of your week.

Karen
2/6/2013 07:57:08 am

They don't know how much therapy they provide!

Lauren link
2/6/2013 01:26:00 am

We have that same Lamb Chop toy, and my Boston just loooooooves it. There's nothing like a quiet evening at the barn to improve your mood!

Karen
2/6/2013 07:58:44 am

This is Tobi's second Lambchop. I do little surgeries when needed, but at same point they can't be saved! :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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    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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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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
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    • 2019
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    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
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  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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    • Shopping List
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