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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Go Or Don't Go?

3/30/2018

 
I usually plan out my show schedule for the whole summer. I take into consideration our vacation plans, when the school year ends, and when it stars up again. I try to make all four of the shows that are in Tehachapi (an hour and a half away), RAAC, and one or two other USDF shows if the budget allows.

Last summer, I was broke, so the planning was made a lot easier. We had bought a new house in October so my show budget was pretty small. I am not as broke this year, but I am a lot more busy. Which brings me to the go or don't go: I have a show entry sitting in front of me that needs to be postmarked by tomorrow.
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I got a raise this spring although I won't see it until probably June. On the other hand, I am taking two courses from the University of Phoenix which is costing $600 a class; ouch. The show entry is $500, and I'd have at least another $125 in gas and meals. I sleep in my living quarters so at least there's no hotel bill. I have it in my budget if I want to go, but it is a lot of money.
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Oh, the places you'll go!
The real reason I am struggling with whether to go or not is time. I just don't seem to have enough of it lately. I am a little over halfway done with the first class, and it is taking me way, way more hours to complete the course work than was advertised. And I am "good" at school. It's what I do all day long.

The course ends on the Monday after the show. I have the final project completed already which means I'll be less busy the final week of the class. I just don't know for sure that I'll be finished with the rest of the work by the time I'd need to leave on Friday. On top of that, I am not sure how many afternoons I'll be able to commit to Speedy for schooling and show prep.
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Ribbons are so nice!
There's one last thing to consider. Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, is completely booked up for the month of April. If I go to the show, I can get a lesson and show coaching. If I don't go to the show, I won't see her until some time in May.
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No lessons for a month?
My gut is telling me that it would be a lot healthier for me to not go to the show. I am still dealing with frequent migraines, and added stress is not really helping.

​But still ... why do all this work if I don't get a chance to show it off?
carol
3/30/2018 08:59:47 am

Follow your gut. Showing will be more fun with less additional stress of class work. You are paying for course work and it will be over soon. Horses are a lifetime. There will always be another show/lesson. If you make yourself sick from worry and time demands there will be less time for horses after your college work is done. Good Luck in whatever you choose.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/8/2018 07:23:27 am

My gut must have been saying GO after all. :0)

Tracy link
3/30/2018 10:00:34 am

Another vote for following your gut!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/8/2018 07:23:53 am

Gut said GO! :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.
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    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.
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    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.
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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
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