Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I made a big claim yesterday so it seems only fair to back it up. Here's the Training Level Test 1 score sheet. Now, I know that I am the first one to poo-poo high scores earned at schooling shows. I still recognize that the scoring at a schooling show is not of the same caliber as that seen at a USDF show. Even so, this test was way, way better than the one just a half hour before. And given that the judge was so free with the 4s in the Intro test (obviously earned), I feel that the 7s were equally fair for the Training Level Test.
As I made the transition to working trot between B & F and then came down centerline for my halt and salute, I had a huge and confident smile plastered on my face. I knew it was a good test. It felt ... right. I have rarely had that feeling riding Speedy G. Sydney is just so athletic and correct in his movements that I had no doubt we were going to earn 6s and 7s. I can't wait to get more relaxation from him as I know our scores will continue to go up. I wish we had another show in the next week or two, but we don't. It would really help to build on our recent success. Sydney does have two shows in August, a CDS-rated show and a schooling show, so hopefully we don't lose our momentum. I am pretty proud of my boy!
Tracy
7/2/2013 11:42:35 pm
Wow! It really sounds like you worked through Sydney's issues and that you are on your way to more success. Congratulations! I sure hope you patted yourself on the back, because you definitely deserve it!
Karen
7/3/2013 01:42:29 am
I am definitely proud of how we got through this test. Now, we just need to build on this success and turn it into more. Thanks for the kudos. :0)
Karen
7/3/2013 01:44:18 am
Thanks, Kelly. I was reading some of my old posts and can't believe how much better Sydney is for me now. Just six months ago I thought I should sell him.
Karen
7/3/2013 01:47:38 am
I find it so interesting that six months ago we couldn't canter, and now, the canter is his favorite gait. When he's anxious, he finds the canter scary, but I've also found that the canter relaxes him. So as long as I can get him cantering, he finds relaxation in the rhythm. But anyway, thank you for the positive feedback - we're doing our best. :0)
Karen
7/3/2013 06:29:28 am
Thanks, Lauren! It was fun!
Ronnie
7/3/2013 06:34:16 am
Its a thoroughbred thing. The canter is just their gait. Remember and use that to your advantage, even when it feels like an explosion is imminent the canter can be the best place to be on the TB.
Karen
7/4/2013 12:21:23 am
I am learning that! Thanks, Ronnie. :0)
Angela
7/3/2013 02:26:14 pm
Congrats!! You should be proud of both of you!!
Karen
7/4/2013 12:23:15 am
I am proud of us both, Angela, and I can even admit it. :0)
Karen
7/4/2013 12:25:47 am
Hopefully the feeling of success is not short lived! And you're right about the trotting - that does nothing but make him want to go faster (when he's anxious). If he's relaxed already, he's happy to trot around all day. At our next show in August, I might try starting with the canter. Eek! 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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