Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I leave this afternoon for our first two-day show. I have to admit, I am pretty excited about it. I've mentioned before how much I love horse camping. This won't be quite the same thing, but it's close. I know I'll be parked a little ways from Speedy, and I am pretty sure I won't be able to see his stall from my parking spot, but he'll be within easy walking distance.
I have everything loaded that I think I'll need: my saddle and bridle were stowed last night; shows clothes and boots are loaded; and my clothes and groceries are ready to be tossed into the living quarters. I am ready to go. Did I mention that Hilda Gurney is the judge for this show? She's kind of a big deal here in California, and probably elsewhere as well. It's a good thing I am not in the "know" about these things, or I might be intimidated by her success. She has three Olympic medals, including an individual gold! I watch a lot of RFDTV, and the USDF Symposiums are a regular feature. She's one of the regular clinicians that appears on the show so my impression of her has been formed by watching how she treats riders at the clinics. She's always kind, but she definitely has high expectations. I'm looking forward to reading her feedback. My tests are memorized, as usual, and my goals are firm. I want to have fun which is always my number one goal. I want Speedy to enjoy himself. He's a pretty laid back dude and seems to like outings so I am not too worried about that. I would really like to get my second qualifying score for Intro C, a 65%. I have one already, but I need two scores of 65% to qualify for RAAC. I'll get two chances to earn it over the weekend. I would also like to get a 60% at Training One, which would also be a qualifying score. And even though I get two opportunities, the scores have to be earned under two different judges which means even if I get 60% on both days, only one of the scores would count. But that's okay. I'll take two 60% scores at T1 any day - qualifying or not! Pray to the weather gods that blue skies prevail and that traffic heading into Los Angeles is light. I'll catch up with you on Monday. Have a great weekend! Click photos for larger views and captions ...
martina Peterson
3/30/2012 01:33:08 am
Karen, I'm so excited for you! I know you will do well and whatever the score I'm glad you are focosing on the "fun" aspect of it. It's good that you set your benchmark high for yourself and your buddy Speedy. I look forward to seeing your scores and I pray they exceed your expectations. I love you so much. Good luck!!!!
Karen
3/31/2012 12:17:54 am
Thanks, mom! 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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