Bakersfield Dressage
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

From Scotland!

7/21/2014

 
I mentioned the other day that I was going on a trail ride with a new friend. I am always a bit skeptical of new friends as they have a way of disappearing into the wood-work. I know I am a little bit intense, but it's disheartening to think that I simply scare them all off.

This newest acquaintance is actually a French woman in her late thirties who until just two weeks ago hailed from Aberdeen, Scotland in the UK. She and her husband are in the process of relocating to Bakersfield. They work in the oil industry; she's a geologist and he's some kind of oil rig engineer. "Aberdeen" is also a dressage rider!

She found me through my web site, of course. She is shipping her horses here in a few months and was looking for well, everything. She needs a vet, farrier, feed store, barn, arena, chiropractor, saddle fitter, etc. She came out to my barn one afternoon a week or so ago for a little get-to-know-you. She seemed very nice, so we planned a small trail ride for this past Friday.
Picture
It wasn't what she was used to, but Aberdeen said it was actually quite comfortable. Endurance saddles can be that way!
All of Aberdeen's gear is still in the process of being shipped, but I dug through all my stuff and found half chaps, gloves, and a helmet that fit. Speedy was a bit of a stinker as I bridled him, but after that he was his polite little rock star self. I escorted Aberdeen out into the arena and gave her a few tips about Speedy's quirks and then left them get to know each other.
Picture
She and Speedy G got friendly right away!
It's hard to trust that someone really knows how to ride. People say they know how to ride, but quite often they mean they have been on a horse before. Once. Aberdeen didn't try to convince me that she knew how to ride; that's usually a good sign. I watched them walk around a bit and then left her to it. As I was saddling Sydney, I did peek out now and again and saw that they had picked up a decent little trot and seemed to be getting on quite well.

By the time Sydney was saddled and ready to go, Aberdeen had done a little walk, trot, and canter and felt ready to leave the property. It takes a fair amount of trust to get on someone else's horse and hit the trail based solely on a "yeah, my horse is great out on the trail." I think she was able to tell that Speedy is a pretty broke Dude and that he wasn't interested in dumping her.

We rode around the neighborhood which took about 40 minutes. We stopped and visited with one of the neighbor's kids one of whom actually ran back into the house for a bag of carrots; smart kid! When I asked whether their mom had sent them with the carrots, the boy replied that he had just taken them out of the refrigerator on his own.  None of them were more than 10 years old, but they sure knew how to win over a pony!

Speedy is an absolute champ with kids. Even though the little girl, who wasn't older than four, stood right next to Speedy in her little bare feet, he stood perfectly still while they stuffed him full of baby carrots. He let all three of them rub his head and ears and pet his soft nose without complaint. He always drops his heads for kids. He just really digs them.

Sydney even got in on the action once he realized that snacks were to be had. He's not as welcoming in his demeanor as is Speedy G, and he's also a bit intimidating due to his size. Even so, he was able to con them out of a few carrots as well.

We rode the rest of the way just chatting and getting to know each other. At one point, Aberdeen commented that Speedy wasn't very speedy. I just laughed and replied that he is fantastic except when he isn't! Sure enough, we got to the trouble spot. Speedy hates one particular section of this route. Something always bothers him there. Usually it's the sprinklers popping up all around him, but this time, there were roofers nailing and hammering just over our heads. 

The workers willingly paused in their work as we passed by, but even so both horses were very light on their toes and anxious to get moving away from the noise. Aberdeen laughed at Speedy's antics and told me that she believed me now. We made it back to the barn without further incident, and untacked both horses to let them graze in the yard as we continued sharing stories. 

After we tucked the boys back in their stalls, we ended up going for some lunch at my favorite burger joint. The plan is to trailer out next weekend for another ride. By then, Aberdeen's gear will have arrived which should make her feel much more comfortable. We'll see how it goes.
Austen link
7/21/2014 12:06:54 am

Aw! How sweet! Putting new people up on my horse always makes me super nervous!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/21/2014 05:23:40 am

Sydney, no way. Speedy? Absolutely. He's a rock star and LOVES the attention. :0)

Sandra
7/21/2014 01:30:56 am

You are a brave soul! I don't think I would put anyone on Varro!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/21/2014 05:25:28 am

This is Speedy we're talking about. He LOVES people and thinks that we've been put on this Earth to adore and admire him. He'll happily pack around anyone who knows how to push a go button and use the brakes. :0)

Lauren link
7/21/2014 02:00:23 am

Fun times!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/21/2014 05:26:43 am

It was fun! I don't often get to see Speedy in "action," so it was nice to see what a very lovely equine citizen I've helped create. :0)

Sarah link
7/21/2014 06:51:53 am

Sounds like a fabulous ride! =]

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/21/2014 06:55:26 am

We had fun. :0)

lytha
7/21/2014 06:05:53 pm

love your tucker!

Bakersfield Dressage link
7/21/2014 10:25:52 pm

I also had the more traditional endurance model (which I loved), but I sold it about three years ago when I knew I wouldn't be doing any more endurance riding. It seemed silly to have two unused saddles, and a friend really wanted it. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
    Picture
    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy 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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    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
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home