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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Happy Birthday, Imperioso

5/14/2019

 
That's Izzy for those of you who are confused. It's such a commanding name that even I have trouble calling him that. When we someday make it to a big show, the name will suit him. For now, I'll just stick with Izzy.
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Newborn Izzy. PC Noemi Leach
Izzy is 11 today. When I bought him as a very green 6 year old, I was certain that our rise through the levels would be quick and easy. It hasn't been quick, nor has it been easy. In fact, he doesn't even have a show career. I am not counting the handful of schooling shows that we did at Introductory Level.
Picture
During his RPSI inspection. PC Noemi Leach
The real, honest-to-goodness truth is that I am okay with where we are. In fact, things have started to really fall into place. On the ground, he is cuddly and sweet and a perfect gentleman. Under saddle he is still dealing with tension, but it gets better each and every day.

I was talking about this with a friend the other day. When people look at me, they assume that showing and earning ribbons is my end goal. They're not wrong to think that. It is what I do, particularly with Speedy. I am competitive, mainly with myself, and I like to do well. Showing is the yardstick by which I measure my progress. 
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Even as a youngster he liked to goof around. PC Noemi Leach
While I love to show, it's not really what keeps me coming back. Instead, it's the process that I enjoy. I love the figuring it out part, the how do I get him thinking that part, and the I made that happen part. So while we're not showing (yet), I still look forward to our work. I don't have any concrete goals for him like I do with Speedy. Instead, I show up every day wondering what we'll figure out, what I will learn, and what I can teach him.
Picture
Good boy pats.
As I celebrate his birthday today, I am also celebrating our journey. It's not the same path that others might have taken, but it's the one I am thrilled to be on. Izzy challenges me as a rider, and nothing makes me dig deeper than a challenge.

Happy birthday, Big Brown Horse!
Tracy
5/14/2019 08:05:30 am

Happy birthday, Izzy!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
5/17/2019 05:55:40 am

Thank you! :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)

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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

    State Rider Awards
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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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  • 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