Not-So-Speedy Dressage

Dressage in Santa Barbara - Day 1: Intro C

4/3/2012

I finally got a good night's sleep and feel that I might be able to string a few words together. With that, here's the first test from day one.

Overall, I scored about how I thought I'd score. I was a bit tight in my upper body which no doubt encouraged Speedy G to be a bit braced. My fault. I also bobbled a bit at A. The opening was so wide that I was slightly worried that he was going to exit at A rather than circling at A! And I know he thought about it. I had to use a lot of outside leg to keep him inside the arena.

The thing I am most proud of is our canter transitions - no bucking or kicking out! Speedy did the best canter transitions he has ever done at a show. We scored nothing lower than a 6 for all eight canters! That beats our string of 4s by a hefty margin.

For the Collective Marks, I am really tickled with all the 7s Judge Hilda Gurney gave us, and I especially like the 7 for Gaits. The judge even added the comment, nice. The Rider's Position score gave me a fist pumping, yes! as well. I can't wait to share that particular score with my trainer. She deserves the credit for that one.

Overall, I didn't earn the 65% that I was hoping for, but I knew it wasn't a ride worth 65%. Even so, I was still pleased with the score. Tomorrow I'll share my scores for the Training Level test. If you just have to know the scores for all four rides, click here.

Sarah link

4/3/2012 03:45:39 am

Congratulations! Fantastic scores and comments from none other than Hilda Gurney! Really great job =)

Karen

4/3/2012 03:48:46 am

Thanks, Sarah. I've heard that she is really fair, but I thought she was quite generous in her scoring. Doesn't hurt my feelings though! :0)

Val

4/3/2012 09:09:46 am

Wow! Hilda Gurney!

4/3/2012 09:11:53 am

She was very nice and wished me a good ride each and every time. And it sounded as though she truly meant it. I'd definitely show under her again. :0)

Calm. Forward, Straight link

4/3/2012 10:24:25 am

Great job - how cool is that that Hilda Gurny was your judge. Very constructive comments. :)

4/3/2012 10:40:19 am

Thanks, CFS. It was fun to ride for someone I've seen on TV! :0)

Lori

4/3/2012 10:44:10 am

hey Karen
Job well done, good for you. I am going to show this summer for the first time. I have worked hard and could give a rats @@@@$$$
About the DQ's that are out there. And believe me they are gonna be there, i am from new england, it doesnt get more staunch than here. Anyways I figure they have worked hard as well, perhaps more money etc but still have worked hard, anyone that has done
dressage knows the focus and commitment needed. If they show a sour side it's on them. Their chances of being sucessful is low, it's the hardworker, semi talented and AMENABLE person that has the most success . So you and all others that share the same drive, commitment and good social skills will hit and exceed their goals.

Good for you...
Cheers Lori

4/3/2012 10:51:49 am

Thanks, Lori. I do work hard, but more importantly, I like to bring a GOOD attitude with me. I think it goes a long way towards making the day successful and fun. I am not a fan of the DQs either and hope to God my friends will crack me in the head if I ever try to become one. And for goodness sakes, I ride a horse named Speedy. How much farther from DQ status can I get? :0)

I really hope you make your show season this summer. I enjoy the challenge of showing, and it definitely gives me something to work towards. Ignore the snooties and have fun. Please share your experiences. I love to hear how others do around the country, and world!

Karen

4/4/2012 09:43:42 am

umm Karen, my horses name are Alfred and Mel, speedy sounds like royalty next to those two names. Oh man those DQ's are gonna have alot to talk about when I show up, lol

4/4/2012 11:49:15 am

Hehe - Alfred. It's even funnier if you're yelling!

Sandy Orloff

4/3/2012 02:26:01 pm

You mentioned kicking out at the canter transition......my mare just started doing this! Do you have idea why they do that? Sigh- I need a dressage trainer!

4/4/2012 12:05:22 am

Sandy - i am no expert, but what I found with Speedy is that the kicking and bucking at the canter on the circle is due to a lack of balance. My trainer has worked with me A LOT to fix this.

The things she had me do were shorten my reins and keep his nose ever so slightly counter bent to the outside which actually just straightens his whole body. She also had me do a lot of work with the outside rein: keeping it steady, keeping it short enough, and using it to halt when he kicks out.

I wish I could answer your question with helpful tips, but the canter is one area I'm still struggling with myself! Have you considered whether you can make it on the 21st to ride. If you're really looking for riding help, Betsy may be able to give you some good advice. PLEASE don't feel like you have to be at a certain level. I've told her that we're taking riders of EVERY level, even some who don't show and are just starting out. She was willing to work with all of us. If you need a new entry, you can find it here http://www.bakersfielddressage.com/upcoming-shows.html
I really hope you'll consider coming!

Karen

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Dressage in Santa Barbara - Day 1: Intro C

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