Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I don't usually show in the fall and winter, but because we got such a slow start to the season, I'm powering through with a show this weekend, and if all goes well, another show in December. Both are two-day USDF shows. That's California for you, riding/showing weather 365. I can't say I'm brimming with confidence. A week ago? You betcha. The changes were crisp and clean, our medium trot was getting even more balanced, and the canter half pass, while still lacking some bend and power, was at least a half pass. And then I broke everything. I am not sure what happened. One day Speedy could bend right, and the next he couldn't. My fingers are crossed that he's just really grouchy and maybe a wee bit sore since I started insisting that his inside right hind join the party. I've been super careful about not over-insisting, but he's mad about something, and that seems the most likely culprit. I Spent last Sunday getting organized for this weekend's show. Even though my confidence is low, Speedy still needs to eat, and I need someplace to sleep and shower. I gave the truck and trailer a quick hose down; it's amazing how much dust can build up in just a few weeks. I also loaded a bale of hay for Speedy. If you'll remember from my post the other day about how heavy our bales are, you'll commiserate with me as I huffed and puffed and nearly failed to load that bale. Those suckers are HEAVY. I also bagged up all of Speedy's supplements. His senior feed is loaded in bulk, but his vitamins and electrolytes come in much smaller portions, so they go in baggies with a bit of beet pulp to hide the electrolytes. His daily Pergolide dose will go in last. I don't think it will be warm enough for electrolytes, but the small bit I am giving might encourage him to drink more if it's cool. Speedy's had an easy week. I hope that was enough to make him feel not so picked on. he likes to show, so hopefully we come out swinging. With four rides over the two days, I just need one score of 60% or better. Lady Luck, The Universe, The Divine ... a little help this weekend would be much appreciated.
11/23/2019 07:06:16 am
Living in California is great, but also very expensive. 11/23/2019 07:06:58 am
No matter how I do it, especially since I do it alone, those suckers are heavy! 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. 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.
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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
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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