Bakersfield Dressage
  • 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
  • Home

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

El Sueno - Part 4 Saturday's Second Ride

8/1/2013

 
Again, no real drama on Saturday, unless you count being just just a tad bit overconfident. Scoring a 64% on my first ride gave me a tiny bit of a swagger. It's not like that's a brilliant score or anything, but it is a mid-60ish ride, and I did earn a second place finish. I was feeling pretty satisfied. So much so that I let time get away from me.

I had an hour between tests which was too much time to keep riding, but not enough time to untack and let Speedy eat lunch. By the time I thought to really start warming up again, I had less than 10 minutes to ride and put my coat on. Dork ...

Training Level Test 3 is a bit tricky. But then I suppose most of the Test 3s are tricky, whatever the level. For me, it's the start of the test that really challenges me. The test starts out with the standard enter at "A," halt at "X," and track left at "C," but it goes immediately into a one loop from HXK which is then followed by a left lead canter between "A" and "F." From there, you make a 20 meter circle at B, but then you continue on to "C" where you begin to cross the diagonal with a trot transition at "X." 

Those first four movements come at me in fast forward, especially when I've rushed the warm-up. There's a lot of bending, and Speedy and I are really working on getting it. Our score wasn't bad, 61.800%, and for the most part I am happy with a score over 60%, but I know we can ride the test better. Training Level Test 2 is beginning to feel relatively comfortable for us, and I know we're close with Test 3 as well.
Picture
Larger than most of the classes in which I ride ... 5th felt pretty decent.
Unfortunately, my old score buddy, 5, made an appearance (I hate that guy), and he brought his cousin, 5.5. We earned the 5 for the canter that follows the first loop. I know it's because I don't quite have control of the outside shoulder so the transition is rushed. Our judge, Peggy Klump, commented that it was "abrupt, hollow, prepare better." Um, yeah, I'd say so.

After those four movements, the test always improves. Even the next loop  (6.5) and canter to the right (6.0) feel easier. And surprisingly, our stretchy trot earned a 6.0 even though there was "limited stretching." It was still improved however, so I am not going to quibble. Not to give away too much, but we really nailed all of the halts throughout the weekend: 7.5, 7.5, 7.0, and 8.0.

Saturday ended on a good note: we earned a second place finish on our first test with 64.464% and then closed out the day with a fifth place finish on the second test with 61.800%. It was a good day.
Picture
It's an "okay" score.
Picture
I love those 6.5s!
Picture
I *think* the further comments read, " Willing horse. Once rider asks horse to keep a rounder, supple top line w/clear bend, accurate loops, Os, preparing better for transitions, this pair shows potential for a solid test."
Lauren link
8/1/2013 03:09:25 am

Still a good score, even with those annoying fives.

Karen
8/1/2013 07:10:29 am

Thanks, Lauren. We can do better, but it was acceptable. :0)

Austen link
8/1/2013 06:15:00 am

I totally get the frustration, but you guys did fantastic! The Test 3's are often harder to get a high % in anyway, because of how many overall point are offered. Maybe. Then again, that sounds like math - and I believe you are more qualified than I, a plain old art major, in that regard!

A note on Training 3, keep at it and get comfortable. It seems like a walk in the park compared to First 3. But honestly? I think you guys can handle it.

Karen
8/1/2013 07:24:08 am

Thanks, Austen. Actual T3 has few points than T2 which has more movements, but they're easier. T3 has no trot circles (other than the starchy trot) which is what makes it harder. The trot circles give you a moment to balance and organize before a tough movement.

We're getting it, and I hope to be at least showing First Level Test 1 by late winter. We might not be showing First 3 at a USDF show for a while. :0)

Sarah link
8/1/2013 09:12:58 am

First of all, sorry I couldn't make it over this past weekend to watch you. I was sending you good vibes though!!

Bah those damn 5s. But seriously awesome halt scores! You guys have been rocking that these last few shows =)

Karen
8/2/2013 09:54:46 am

Thanks, for the good vibes, Sarah. I certainly don't expect you to drop everything just because I roll in. Apparently Ventura has become my second home. I am sure I'll catch you on another visit. :0)

Amanda link
8/1/2013 12:42:51 pm

Those stinky 5's!! Seriously, good job, though!

Karen
8/2/2013 09:55:34 am

Thanks, Amanda. I do hate 5s. They just suck. ;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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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

    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
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


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