Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I try really hard to keep abreast of every USEF rule change because occasionally, one of them will actually apply to me. As an example, not too long ago, the rule regarding the baucher bit was changed. That's the bit that Speedy used before the double bridle, but it's the bit that he went back to in his semi-retirement. I haven't measured the hanging cheek piece to see if it falls within the legal limit because it doesn't matter now that he's not showing anymore. The new rule that caught my eye was DR122.i. Beginning February 1st, your horse can now stop to pee or poop before you begin the test if the bell has already rung. I have had quite a few OMG hurry up! moments as one of my horses stopped to poop. It has always been after our first centerline though. When I show, I always pass by the judge and scribe to bid them good day as well as report my number and which test I will be riding. I did that one time, and in that moment that I halted Speedy to greet the judge, he took that opportunity to stop, spread his hind legs wide, and leg go of the longest pee that he could muster. I think he even threw in a few grunts and extra squirts just for good measure. I was so embarrassed. And in that instance, the judge and scribe were seated on a low platform just barely off the ground. That meant they sat in front of his pee spot for the rest of the day; gross! Both Speedy and Izzy have stopped in a test to poop. I wish the rule extended to include the time in the dressage court. Because really, what are you going to do? At this point in Izzy's life, he doesn't give a flying duck if I kick him on while he's pooping. He'll just stand there grunting at my kicks as he does his business. I can't say I blame him. I like to stop while I poop, too.
Pooping while moving is a difficult business; so is peeing. 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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