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 5

4/19/2013

 
We're cabin bound tonight so you won't hear from me again until Monday, which is probably a good thing as I have been a bit long-winded this week. I am nearly done; I swear. When I first start writing about a show, I get all excited and have a ton to say. By the time I get to the third test, I begin to get bored and don't really care anymore. By the fourth test, of which this is, I really don't care, especially since there was no grand finale. I am just trying, by this time, to get the thing written so I can move on to a new topic. 

Since this test was ridden at the show's end, my photographer was busy so you don't even get pictures. Here are the tests. Some explanation follows ...
Picture
Still over 60% ...
Picture
2 point error for going off course - I HATE when I do that.
Picture
ASK - I am not asking him for what I want.
This test was judged by a different judge. Even so, the scores were consistent. I am not surprised that we scored a little lower as I was mentally  tired, as usual. I need to find a way to keep my enthusiasm up for the duration of the show.

Not as an excuse, and I am not complaining, but simply as an explanation: I load the trailer alone. I drive alone, I unload everything alone, I camp alone, I warm up alone, and I ride alone. I reload everything alone and then drive home alone. It is tiring to do so much work with no help. I didn't pull into my barn until nearly 6:00 p.m on Sunday evening. Once there, I unloaded everything alone and then drove home where I still had to unload all of my personal stuff.

I don't mind the aloneness; I am a confident person and find it easy to meet new people. The drawback to being alone is that it can wear you out with all of the work. So ... by the time the fourth test rolls around, my enthusiasm is usually waning, and I am definitely not as sharp as I am for the first few tests. Speedy is a very smart boy and naturally picks up on my mood; he's not tired for the last test, but he gets bored easily. Throw in my fatigue, and you've got a less than sparkly performance.

If you looked the test over, you saw we had more 5.5s than earlier in the day, 4 of them to be exact,  but the 7s still made an appearance. We had three of those with the added bonus of a 7.5. There were still plenty of 6s and even one 6.5 to carry the score above 60%. And while I am delighted with four tests of over 60%, a first for me, I can see that the way to really raise my scores is to eliminate the 5s.

And of course, it must be noted that the off course error is just a stupid way to give points away. Sheesh. I know that test backwards and forwards. I just lost focus for a moment and paid the penalty. That's what being tired does. I clearly need a ground crew!

So that's it. Well almost. If I have the energy, I want to write one more post about a few things that I learned - some about riding and some of the more nuts and bolts variety. Until then, thanks for letting me share!
Austen link
4/18/2013 11:47:53 pm

Honestly, I think that test looks like it settles in nicely with the others. Some silly errors, but clearly you guys are working consistently - even when exhausted. That's pretty awesome, and hard to do!

I find a ground person to be essential at shows, but try to bring someone who knows what they are doing. My med-school husband is sweet, but often too overwhelmed with studying to manage to help me get to the ring on time.

Karen
4/20/2013 12:27:35 am

I wasn't horribly disappointed by the test, and yes, it was similarly scored as the other three, but I know it can be better. I really need to find a way to stay excited all the way through to the end. I've started having a Coke in the afternoons hoping that will give me a bit of a boost (I never drink soda). It has helped a little, but I need something more.

I would love a ground crew of any kind. Unfortunately there is just no one who wants to spend their weekend camping with me in a space the size of a walk in closet. All of the shows I do are several hours from home. I love my husband dearly, and he loves me, but he is simply not interested in spending his weekends at dressage shows. I can't blame him for that. And so for now, I'll pilot this ship on my own! :0)

Lauren link
4/19/2013 12:40:26 am

I still think those are really good scores for it being the end of the show and being tired. I know by my last classes of a weekend show I'm so 'over it' and have a hard time keeping things together.

Karen
4/20/2013 12:28:30 am

That's it exactly, Lauren!

Judy
4/19/2013 12:52:17 am

Enjoy your time at the cabin!

Karen
4/20/2013 12:28:59 am

We slept until 7:00 - what a treat!

Kelly link
4/19/2013 02:56:11 am

I think I have told you before I so admire how you show alone! I really don't believe I could do it! I was show mom for years and now my husband and daughter help me :)

Terrific job on all 4 tests! Over 60% on all 3 is wonderful!

Enjoy a must deserved relaxing weekend :)

Karen
4/20/2013 12:30:08 am

Thanks, Kelly. It's go alone or don't go at all. I make it work, but it's tiring. And thank you!

Sarah link
4/19/2013 08:17:16 am

Quite an excellent test for being tired, and great confirmation coming from another judge. Interesting how the judge pointed out that you need to ask the horse for more - ties in to when you watched Hilda and the other top riders at the last show: you watched them really actively riding and this judge is basically saying you need to do that too. =)

Karen
4/20/2013 12:33:29 am

Yes ... I guess the trick is finding out how much "more" I can ask without him becoming fussy; he doesn't like to be "picked at." If I knew how to do everything correctly, we'd be riding at a higher level. So, I take her comments, try to apply them, and if they work, we improve. There is just *so much* to learn!

Stephanie link
4/19/2013 02:34:48 pm

I think it's awesome that you are able to show on your own. I, personally, love showing with a group of like minded, fun people. Does your trainer have any other dressage-minded riders who might like to hitch-hike a ride and help out with gas costs, show prep etc?

Karen
4/20/2013 12:36:57 am

I am it, Stephanie. There are a handful of other dressage riders in town, but none live close to me. The two ladies that I rode against (Amy and Sue), are both from Bakersfield, but camping and traveling with them isn't practical.

Several other people have asked me about doing everything alone. I need to write a post about the "whys" of that. Basically, we just don't have enough people who do dressage to create a group!

Val
4/19/2013 10:22:15 pm

Wow! Four tests is a lot! I have never entered more than two with Harley, although in college I used to compete two horses, so sometimes I rode four tests, two per horse, BUT I had a lot of help. I usually only had to tack up and warm up one horse, then just pop on the other one for the test. Those were the days!

Congrats on a great show. It sounds like you had a wonderful experience overall. :)

Karen
4/20/2013 12:42:47 am

We only did two tests each day. It was a two-day show so I ride twice each day. USEF/USDF rules say you can actually ride three tests a day on the same horse. I don't think Speedy would even enter the ring for a third test!

I am finding that I like showing more and more. I always meet really great people so I never feel lonely. And the more I show, the more I learn. Since I don't ride with any other dressage people, shows are a way for me to assess my current training. They show me what I am doing right, and then what needs to be improved.

Sorry you're "grounded" for a bit. I hope you'll continue to share your interactions with Harley even though they aren't from the saddle.

Teresa link
4/19/2013 10:23:10 pm

I too show all by myself with no help. Like you I don't mind but it is definitely tiring! I think that you did fine. Consistency is a good thing. It means that it's a good reflection of where you are.

Karen
4/20/2013 12:56:32 am

It can get tiring, can't it? It's still fun though. I love meeting riders like us: the do-it-yourselfers. We generally have a lot in common and since we're alone, it's easy to find a few minutes to sit and chat. Showing in California anytime soon? :0)

Teresa link
4/24/2013 09:24:26 pm

Ha! I wish! we're on opposite coasts- I live in Nova Scotia, which pretty much is as far away as you can get and stay on the continent. :)

Karen
4/25/2013 11:17:42 am

...but someplace I'd like to see!


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

    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