Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I don't know why people read my blog. I am not terribly witty, I'm rarely funny, and while I'm pretty confident in the stuff that I think I know, it's not like there's much in that bottle to pass around which means you're not here for any pearls of wisdom. So while I don't know most of you, I appreciate that you're out there. I enjoy your company. You're good listeners, and when I give you a chance, you have charming stories to share with me. That's the feedback I enjoy most - your own experiences with your own horses. Most of the time, I write like no one's reading. I usually just write about what my last ride was like or about some great deal that I've found or stuff that I am thinking about. Fortunately, I am a constant thinker which means I always have stuff to share. It might not be interesting to the world at large, but if I don't get it on paper, I start to feel overwhelmed. Writing helps me unload some of the tension and worry. This blog also gives me a way to be more public. In real life, I am actually a very private person. I share only superficial things with most people. I am not super popular at work. I always say it's because I am not into name dropping, the latest movies, or what brands I am wearing (which are probably from SmartPak or the Riding Warehouse anyway). That's probably not the real reason that I am not part of the "in group" though. It's most likely because I don't offer my colleagues much about myself. Would you believe that most people at work don't know I own horses and of the few who do, only one or two know that I even show? So yeah. I am pretty private in real life. If you've ever actually met me, I probably came across as friendly and down to earth. I would say that you met the real me, but it probably didn't get much farther than smiles and friendly banter. I am extremely picky about who I chose to invest my time in. I'm slow to make long lasting friendships, but when I do, they're forever. I am intensely loyal. The truth is, most of you know me better than people I see every day. With you all, I have a group of friends who share my interests and likes. Connecting with people with such a deep seated passion makes honesty and sincerity easy. While we will probably never meet in person, I hope that you'll continue to share your life with me. Where else can I find such a large group of people who like what I like as much as I do and never get tired of talking about it?
Have a great day!
jenj
10/16/2015 06:40:55 am
*I* definitely keep reading for the nuggets of wisdom, and for your writing style! And of course your adorable horses. :) *Waves from Texas* 10/16/2015 06:36:07 pm
I always tease and say y'all get what you pay for. Those nuggets might not always be worth anything (as in fool's gold!) LOL 10/16/2015 07:08:58 am
I blog for many of the same reasons as you. Like you, I don't really expect much of a readership but I have found blogging really clarifies my thoughts about wherever I am in the training/riding process. My blog also makes a great visual training dairy over time. I really enjoy your posts and since Speedy is working on a lot of the same training issues as my Jet Set you have really helped me out with some concepts. Loved your last post about leg yields. Had a total aha moment about what was going wrong for us reading your post and went out and nailed them 100%. Thank you! 10/16/2015 07:38:27 pm
I am always happy when something helps another rider. I am always on the search for tips myself. And yes, writing is a great way to process what we learn. I look forward to hearing more about your own progress. :0)
SprinklerBandits
10/16/2015 07:15:02 am
Hey, I'll go back to visit SC someday. :-) 10/16/2015 06:39:18 pm
You would be more than welcome. Bakersfield is a great city because we are no more than 2 hours in any direction from a ton of fun stuff to see and do! :0) You wrote exactly about me. Put me on a horse and I can chatter a conversation . Put me in a room of women and I have nothing to say, my money and time goes to support my hobby and family . there isn't much left over. And none for frivoulous fads. Love your blog, its uncanny how we are working on the same things. Best wishes from Washington 10/16/2015 06:47:31 pm
Another sister from a different mother! You nailed it - that's it exactly what my life is like, I can't waste time - there's not enough of it as there. By the way, I LOVE Washington. I've only visited once, but it's on my list of place to retire to. We drove north to Seattle, cruised around the Olympic Peninsula, ferried over to Victoria, and then drove east to Idaho and onward. I am looking forward to hearing more from you. :0)
Judy
10/16/2015 08:13:46 am
Maybe I'm prejudice, but I happen to think you're perfect! 10/16/2015 06:51:03 pm
I am definitely older than the typical blogger, so I guess I have at least some life experience that might be somewhat unique. I've also had more time to be bucked off, kicked, and run over. Those things definitely create experience and force you to have a sense of humor. And really, the Arabian riders of the world need to unite! :0)
Troy
10/16/2015 09:57:32 am
I love reading your blog because I do think you are witty, and I get to live a riders life vicariously thru You! Your dedication and attention to detail are inspiring, in case you didn't know! Thanks for sharing a lifestyle that is positive and healthy, something that is to be treasured in these times. 10/16/2015 06:54:29 pm
Wow. Really high praise, Troy. Thank you. My husband would call my "dedication to detail" a symptom of OCD. I like your explanation much better. :0) 10/16/2015 06:55:16 pm
I agree. Too much of what people share is TMI in my onion. :0) 10/16/2015 03:59:13 pm
Wow. You shared a lot! I do find your blog interesting and your experiences enlightening. Now that I am unable to own horses, or ride them, I enjoy other people's joy with them, as a substitute. Thanks for that! 10/16/2015 06:59:20 pm
I know - I am a bit shocked! I don't usually get so personal, but it was one of those days where I guess I felt the need to connect and be understood. It's a lot easier to do from your laptop and the secrecy of your kitchen counter.
Jolie
10/16/2015 04:12:25 pm
Karen, I've never commented before so you don't know me. However, I've come to know and enjoy "listening in" to your dialogue with your fine geldings. You truly converse with your horses, and that level of communication (& commitment) is what draws me here daily. You may be at Level 1 today with showing Speedy, but you are Grand Prix with your communication with him. 10/16/2015 07:06:15 pm
It is really nice to meet you, Jolie, and I hope you'll share more of your own story.
I like reading about your thoughts on your horses and rides. To me, I feel like it is a sneak peek into the future with my horse and dressage riding. I hope one day to be able to train up a young horse as well as you are doing with Izzy! I find your insights very valuable, so thank you so much for sharing them. 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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