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This is a continuing series of photos that illustrates the differences between an endurance seat and a dressage seat. This photo was taken at the Lakeside Classic 50 miler in 2001. It's not a beautifully composed photograph, but what I like about it is that it shows Montoya traveling at some speed. Not only are her mane and tail being blown back, but the jacket around my waist is floating behind me as well. If you look at the horizon, near the tree, you can see that we're just beginning a downhill section. Montoya's head is up and she's watching the trail intently, as am I. If you look closely, I'm actually out of the saddle. My elbows are bent, which is a surprise, and the contact, as usual, is very light. The running martingale is fully engaged here and she's quite a bit above the bit. Both of these things tell me she was wanting to go much faster than I was letting her. That was typical for this mare - Fast and Faster was her nickname! We finished this race 29th out of 56 with a ride time of 7 hours and 37 minutes. 
Karen
10/16/2012 12:06:03 pm
Less than you think! A smile is more helpful! :0)
lytha
10/16/2012 05:21:18 am
drop-dead gorgeous mare, i want one like this. i look every day.
Karen
10/16/2012 12:06:39 pm
Thank you, Lytha. She was a spectacular animal - of that there is no doubt. :0)
Val
10/16/2012 10:28:28 am
You must have had one comfy saddle!
Karen
10/16/2012 12:27:57 pm
It's funny - when I ride in my endurance saddle now, which isn't often, I HATE how much saddle there is. I find my dressage saddle to be much more comfortable. I doubt I could do a hundred miles in it though! :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. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
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.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
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.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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
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