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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

El Sueno - Part 3 Saturday's First Ride

7/31/2013

 
The good news is that we had a very pleasant and relaxed first test. The bad news is that I don't have any drama llama moments to share with you so this post might get a tad boring. As such, I am keeping it super short and sweet.

Chemaine met me at the warm-up and helped me get Speedy focused and stretching. I will say that with her help, I've learned that Speedy actually needs a longer warm-up than I've been giving him. Normally I ride for 15 - 20 minutes. Chemaine had me walk for 10 minutes working on flexions to the right and left before we even started our trot work. This definitely helped Speedy loosen up through his back. I think 30 minutes is going to be Speedy's best warm-up time: 10 minutes of walking followed by 20 minutes of other exercises.

The test went well, we scored a 64.464% which was good enough for 2nd place out of five riders. Again, we had no 5s on the test, which has become my personal indicator of whether or not we're ready for First Level. We also had a collection of 7s and even a 7.5. 
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A second place finish felt good.
Peggy Klump, a former CDS president, was the judge, and I know she is well respected for being fair and consistent. I rode in a clinic with her in 2011 and loved the experience. She's also judged me a time or two in the past, and I've found her comments to be helpful and accurate.

Chemaine and I studied Peggy Klump's further remarks quite closely and worked hard all weekend to address the weaknesses. Peggy wrote, "Smooth? test that needs polish w/clear bend & balance, keeping poll highest point. Develop rounder frame, prepare more for transitions w/poll ⬆ & this talented pair shows potential for brilliant performance."

I think we're nearly finished with Training Level Test 2. We're starting to show some real consistency in the test. I am guessing that by some time next year we can either use this test simply as a warm-up, or leave it behind all together. My score sheet is posted below. More drama tomorrow!
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I am quite happy with a 64% especially at a USDF-rated show!
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Again, no 5s, and I like the NINE 6.5s - so close to 7s!
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"Talented pair shows potential for brilliant performance" - I'll take more of that, please!
Lauren link
7/31/2013 02:39:00 am

See! You didn't peak at the last show :) Great score

Karen
7/31/2013 11:24:20 pm

Thanks, Lauren!

Amanda link
7/31/2013 10:50:48 am

Seems like you are on a roll! Congrats!

Karen
7/31/2013 11:25:10 pm

We're improving for sure, but it sure seems like it is slow going. :0)

Val
7/31/2013 10:03:38 pm

Awesome!

Karen
7/31/2013 11:25:28 pm

Thanks, Val!

Angela
8/1/2013 03:03:31 am

Very encouraging words: "talented pair shows potential for brilliant performance." WOW! Congrats!!

I really appreciate that you share you score sheets. Personally, I am finding them very helpful because I can transfer the remarks to my own riding and it becomes like a mini to-do-list. But, as we know, nothing can replace a set of experienced eyes; sounds like your work with Chemaine is spot on :0)

Karen
8/1/2013 07:09:28 am

As always, thank you for your kind words, Angela. :0)

I am glad you find the score sheets helpful; I do, too. I wish more bloggers would share their score sheets so that I could see what other judges think at other levels around the country. I don't feel any personal attachment to the score sheets so it doesn't embarrass me to share; it is what it is.

While i love working with my regular trainer, it's also GREAT to work with a dressage trainer. I need more of that for sure!


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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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    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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    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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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

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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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

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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
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
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