Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
It's been several months, but ... dare I say it? Sydney and I can now walk and trot in a relaxed frame. That doesn't mean he's on the bit, but he is accepting the bit and working with a more relaxed neck. Whew. Now I feel as though we can really start working. Tonight's a lesson, you know ...
How did we get here? You know, relaxed, quiet, and soft. The answer? JL is a good trainer, and I often marvel at her plan. I don't know what the plan is, but there must be one because each week she gives us just enough to get the job done without overwhelming me. I come back the next week, with a frustration of course, and there she is ready with the answer. Here's a little of what she has taught us in the last few months:
So for now ... FINALLY .... both my horses have learned to maintain the rhythm (mostly), be flexible in their necks (mostly), reach for the bit (mostly), and move away from my leg (one better than the other). With those elements in place, we can finally start moving up the dressage levels. Even if it is just from Intro to Training!
Val
12/7/2011 05:33:26 am
It was fun to read the comparison of your horses. Great synopsis! 12/7/2011 09:39:17 pm
Thanks, Val. Riding two very different horses has really helped my riding improve. Taking lessons on two different horses has REALLY helped my riding improve! 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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