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 - Saturday

7/16/2014

 
Showing is definitely getting to be old hat with Speedy. That dude simply loves to show. He enjoys the attention, he thinks everyone is a fan, and he loves having me all to himself for 48 straight hours. There's nothing about showing Speedy that makes me tense or nervous. Maybe that's why this weekend was so much fun.

While I might not be tense or anxious, I want to perform well, so I do put a certain amount of pressure on myself. While my number one goal was to score at least one 60% to finish qualifying for Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC), I certainly expected to do more. At this stage in the game, if I can't easily score a 60% at Training Level, something is seriously wrong.

In case you're on pins and needles, I did score over 60% on all four tests. Getting a qualifying score on my first test eliminated any last bit of tension that I might have been toting around. Improving on that first score became my goal for the weekend.

So how did Training Level Test 2 go? It felt great, and in fact, a new acquaintance reported that her friend felt my test was error-free and flawless (aw, thanks, Dr. P!), but the judge disagreed.
Picture
Yes, I am checking us out. When I first started riding with mirrors, I couldn't bear to look. Now I can see how mirrors help you make corrections and adjustments.
I am not disagreeing with any of the judge's comments:
  • lacking bend and flexion, tilting
  • inconsistent bend and flexion
  • need to cover more ground
  • cutting corner, haunches left
  • looking left entire circle (we were cantering right lead)
  • some loss of balance

I actually skipped several of the "lacks bend/flexion" remarks. Those were definitely our problem area throughout the show, but we did get better and better. I actually love these comments because they have totally changed over the last few seasons. When we first started out, we had oodles and oodles of needs steadier contact, hollow, and above the bit. We've fixed those issues!
Picture
Crossing the diagonal
While I rode this test better than I ever have, I still scored lower than what I expected. When I reviewed the scores from this ring, they all seemed low, but at least the judge was consistent in his scoring. 
Picture
It's okay to look left when you're cantering left!
Picture
Judge's comment: fairly straight, balanced halt - 7.0
We really lost points in the stretchy trot (5.0), and our right lead canter (5.5), both of which have a double co-efficient. Our final score was a 61.250% which earned a second place finish out of a class of three. Had we scored a 6.0 in each of those movements, we would have won the class.
Picture
3 little points separating first from third; that was a close class!
I looked my test over very closely before I rode Test 3. I also shared my test with my new pal, Cristina, who rode T2 - Opportunity. By comparing scores, we were able to see what things this judge really focused on. He was tough on the stretchy trot, and he wanted to see some more inside bend.
Picture
Started and ended with a 7. Now to get more 7s throughout!
When I started my next warm up, I kept those things in mind. For Test 3, the judge's comments showed that I at least made changes, even if they weren't necessarily always for the better.
  • over-rode centerline, need to show more bend
  • against hand, hollow back (rats!)
  • lacks bend/flexion 1st half, recovered (oh, yeah!)
  • hollow back, early transition
  • prompt trot off, shows bend over "x", lacking right bend (MXF working trot one loop)
  • smooth downward transition (at C in front of judge!)
  • straight
Picture
You can see that I am struggling with that inside bend! (Photo by Sarah of Eventing in Color)
I was pretty happy with the test though. I had a few lapses in focus, so I knew the score wouldn't be better. I liked how I rode it though. In the past, this test rode in fast forward and each movement took me by surprise. Now, I feel like I am in control of our pace, and I have some steering.
Picture
Right lead canter and he's not looking left! (Photo also by Sarah)
Picture
Stretchy trot: neck needs longer and lower with maintained contact (5.5). Ya think? (Photo still by Sarah)
This is a slightly more difficult test than Test 2, so it's hard to compare the two. We earned a 61.000% which was another second place, but this time out of a class of two. And for this class, there was a bigger gap in points. 

While this was a USDF show, it was really hot so coats were optional. For the afternoon test, I opted out of the coat!
Picture
Just so-so
Picture
This time there were THREE 7s. Will you believe that I earned a total of ELEVEN 7s on Sunday?
Sunday's tests tomorrow ...
Austen link
7/15/2014 11:45:52 pm

Whoo! Great corrections for that second test!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/16/2014 08:37:57 am

Thanks, Austen. Wait til you see how we improved on Sunday. :0)

Judy
7/15/2014 11:55:59 pm

Wow, you're doing great!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/16/2014 08:38:33 am

Thanks, Judy. If they gave points for effort, we'd win every time. :0)

Sarah link
7/16/2014 02:28:51 am

I agree with you completely - even if the numbers don't change a ton, different remarks from the judge help me to feel like we are improving.

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/16/2014 08:39:11 am

Exactly! Or, at least not just doing the same wrong thing over and over.

Tracy link
7/16/2014 02:58:31 am

It's awesome that you feel so confident at Training Level [and know Speedy so well] that you can make adjustments to the judge inbetween classes!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/16/2014 08:43:30 am

That's a really different way of looking at it, Tracy. That hadn't occurred to me. It's not like I want to be at Training Level forever, but your comment made me realize that we are probably ready to move on. I do feel comfortable at this level and can affect my ride. That's probably a good thing. In the past, I was just surviving the test, but now I definitely feel as though I am controlling what happens to us out there. I am going to give your idea some more thought.

Lauren link
7/16/2014 06:14:04 am

Tough judge! At least consistently tough though.

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/16/2014 08:40:13 am

I appreciated that. I don't mind tough (okay .. a little bit), but I want them to be tough on everyone.


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