Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
If you live anywhere in the west, you've probably been following the drought's "remission." In the north, the drought label has been lifted. Here in the central part of California, we're still branded with the most intense label of Exceptional Drought. Last year's El Niño weather pattern, which was supposed to put a dent in the ongoing drought, turned out to be a bust for the southern half of the state. Its counter part, La Niña, is proving much kinder to us especially with the Pineapple Express pattern heading our way (moist air from Hawaii). Bakersfield just had its third wettest December on record. January is shaping up to do the same. We have a big storm rolling in sometime today and three more storms forecasted for next week. For equestrians living in much of the country, that news would illicit moans and groans. Here in California, we're practically dancing in the streets to see our horses standing in mud. I haven't done as much riding over this Christmas break as I had intended, but it's okay as I am taking the opportunity to work on one of my New Year's resolutions - demonstrating patience with a good attitude. I did get a short ride in yesterday but it might be the last of the week. It's okay. I'd rather be able to give my horses showers this summer than ride in teh cold anyway.
Come on, rain, you are more than welcome in Kern County!
lytha
1/4/2017 09:52:50 am
I think the important factor is how deep. Over the pasterns? Halfway up the canon bones? *lol* 1/5/2017 06:14:19 am
You're right, it's not deep, but that's partly because my horses are in a sandy river bottom where the rain drains super fast. In the worst places, it's pastern deep. It's messy, but we need it. :0)
jenj
1/4/2017 11:11:45 am
Teehee... I think your version of "mud" is most people's version of "slightly damp ground"! But, yay rain! 1/5/2017 06:15:30 am
In know! There are spots where it is more than hoof deep. Izzy is in a spot by himself so it's not as bad. Across from him is a dirt turn out with three horses - they're mud is a lot deeper. :0) 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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