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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Good or Just Lucky?

8/22/2018

 
My husband seemed pretty impressed by our win at RAAC. I was more surprised than impressed. My trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, was probably relieved. I imagine there is some worry when your student sports your logo on everything and then brings home a score in the mid-50s. It just doesn't look good.
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Good thing she's got Jen keeping the ship afloat.
I am always thrilled to do well, but it's really hard for me to take any credit for it. When we finish near the bottom of a class, I always say it's because everyone was better than me. The horses were better, and the riders were better. I don't resent them, and I don't feel as though it's unfair; it's just life.
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Yep, that's me - 5th out of 5.
When we do well though, I always feel as though everyone else must have had a bad day. It's certainly not because I have a better horse or am a better rider; Lord knows that can't be true. I am usually a glass half full kind of girl, but when it comes to showing, I always assume the worst.
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How did we end up in first?!
Chemaine and I have decided to spend the fall and winter tackling Third Level. She's assured me that it's a lot more fun than Second, and since Speedy can already do clean flying changes (when I don't ask for them), it might even be easy.
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For sale: $10,000,000,000.
When I asked her how we got through Second Level so quickly while we languished at Training and First Levels, she explained that it was because we built a very solid foundation at those lower levels. 

I guess that means we're not just lucky. Maybe we're even good sometimes.
Carol link
8/22/2018 08:40:30 am

It's hard to pat ourselves on the back, but you deserve it. Congratulations!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/22/2018 09:46:31 am

Thanks, Carol. It's a tough thing to do, especially for me. :0)

Tracy link
8/22/2018 11:36:45 am

Dude, you've worked your BUTT off and that's why you won! You created a dressage horse from the bottom up and pushed yourself to learn new things and get out of your comfort zone. It's hard to take credit... BUT YOU SHOULD! <3 Even this hunter princess can see how much you and Speedy have improved!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/23/2018 05:35:06 am

You are so sweet, Tracy. The thing that makes dressage so challenging is that as soon as you get decent at something, it means you need to move on where you get to suck all over again. That means I feel pretty good about what we've done for about 3 days, and then it's back to beginner land. LOL

I imagine it's the same in the hunters, You get comfortable with one height, and then you're challenged to move on to the next one.


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    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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    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.
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    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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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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
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