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Not such a memorable day, unless you're Pick a Card, the New Zealand Thoroughbred who now goes by the name of Sydney. Yep, it's his special day. Sydney is officially nine years old today. Fall birthdays are not so common here in the US, especially for Thoroughbreds who all share the same birthdate, January 1. Spring and early summer are much more common seasons for foaling. Sydney was born in the spring though, just not in this hemisphere. He was born in New Zealand, which experiences the seasons opposite to ours. I am following the blog, Ride Groom Feed, the journal of a New Zealand rider, and I had to laugh a bit at her welcome spring type of posts. Her photos are beautiful - lush green grass, snow capped peaks ... That's what got me thinking about spring in October and that Sydney actually was a spring baby. It also got me thinking about the life that Sydney has led. Born on the other side of the planet, shipped off to the USA, and now living in Bakersfield, California. I bet his breeder never imagined that! Happy Birthday, Dude!  Sydney at his first dressage "show," the October Ride-a-Test. Judge Mary is explaining his scores.
Jack and Lego's Ma
10/4/2011 12:27:25 am
Jack is in the same boat, imported to the US from NZ in 2000 at the ripe age of 6! His Bday is June 10th. Who woulda thought he'd end up in Bakersfield? :) Both horses really couldn't have gotten luckier being owned by such awesome horse gals though, wouldn't you say? :) Happy Birthday Sydney!
Karen Sweaney
10/4/2011 11:09:47 am
Jack and Lego's Ma - I would agree! Lucky ponies ...
Haha! Well, I wouldn't call us a *tropical* island, but winter's not that bad. I depends on where you are in the country (it varies widely), and what you're comparing it to ;)
Karen Sweaney
10/5/2011 12:44:32 pm
Kelly RGF - thanks for the info! My husband and I really love to travel and your island is on our list. We went to Scotland this summer, and Peru the summer before. And before that, Ireland, The western US, Hawaii, and on and on. Hubby REALLY wanted to do New Zealand this summer, but I was worried about going during your winter. It's definitely on our list. We've thought about going during Christmas in a year or two. When we get ready, you'll be my first contact!!!!!! 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. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
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.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
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.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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
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