Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
And they're all good ones! Over the past several months, I think I've managed to bust through the worst of Izzy's resistance. Every now and again, he thinks about telling me no, but the jackassery of the last year seems to have been shelved. HIs whole demeanor has mellowed. He still huffs and puffs in his little boy scaredy pants way, but rather than lose his marbles, he rests his muzzle on my head, my shoulder, or jabs me in the back to ask if all is well. I've learned to listen more closely to his I need my mommy body language. The dude still lacks confidence, but as long as I stop for a moment to reassure him, he mans up to face the world. He's as much a drama llama as is Speedy. Sheesh! So what are his new tricks I hear you asking. Well, for starters, he's having to stand tied by himself for longer periods. He still whinnies and calls, but it's getting less and less intense as has the weaving back and forth. That's not really a new trick, but it does illustrate his more grown up attitude. Over the past few days, he's been so mellow and workmanlike that I've needed to add something to the million and one 20-meter circles that we've been doing. Even he seems bored by them. This week, I've thrown all kinds of stuff at him:
I am really digging his connection at the walk and canter. I think the next big hurdle is going to be to get a softer and deeper connection at the trot so that we can start playing around with lengthening and shortening his stride. I think he's ready.
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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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