Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Given how "expensive" a visit by the farrier is - I use quotes because my farrier is actually quite reasonably priced compared to what my friends on the coast are paying, it strikes me as odd that it is a check I enjoy writing. To every equestrian, a freshly trimmed or shod hoof is a satisfying sight. My farrier came out yesterday, so I was eager to see how shiny and new both boys' feet looked. Like many of you do, my boys get done at six weeks on the dot, or maybe a day or two early. Never late. I don't want the angles to have the opportunity to change, so they get done like clockwork. Speedy gets a trim all the way around, and Izzy gets shoes in the front with only a trim in the back. While I am sure my farrier is quite skilled, my two horses have such easy feet that he gets the job done quickly. Neither horse has any special needs; their feet are hard and sturdy, hold shoes well (in Izzy's case), and never need more than a little trim and some work with the rasp. With my boys, the farrier's hourly rate is higher than with most horses since my boys are so quick and easy to do. It's okay though; he's worth every penny. Finding a qualified and reliable farrier is like winning the lottery, maybe even better.
Maybe that's why when the farrier comes out I feel like I can throw Benjis around like they're dollar bills. 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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