Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
We had a lesson with JL last night, more on that in a few days. She watched the second video (posting it tomorrow), and while she agreed that I don't ride like that at home, there were still some good moments: he actually walked and he looked a whole better than a year ago. She also pointed out that at the show, Sydney had two gears: high and low with nothing in between. She has a great plan for developing his middle gears. That made me feel somewhat better, but still... This video truly makes me cringe. I can't believe what a terrible ride I gave him. My only excuse was that Sydney wanted to take flight and do the ride at Mach 10 (high gear). After watching though, I can see that if I just let go a little, lower my hands, bring them closer together, and increase the bend, he might relax a little and listen. I also have to say that this judge was quite generous, in my opinion. I spoke with another rider who felt the opposite, she had expected higher scores. So what do I know? If you think I'm just being too hard on myself, feel free to stroke my ego in the comments, but I am sure you're going to cock an eyebrow in surprise at a few of the 6s that he bestowed on us. Enjoy, even if you have to cover your eyes in a few places and squint through the blurry footage (not sure what was wrong with the camera). Oh, our score for Introductory Test C was 55.000% (better than that 48% we got a few months ago.). I really miss riding my speedy pony!
I know that sharing a "bad" video can feel really embarrassing, I've been there (and am about to be again, once I get the test from Sunday uploaded ... oh dear!). However, I think there is a lot to be learned from your video, and some good moments that really highlight where you should head!
Karen
8/27/2013 10:10:51 am
Suggestions are all appreciated. At Monday's lesson, we worked on many of the things you suggested. More on that to come. And thanks for taking the time to share. Your comments were very welcomed. :0)
Agree with Austen! I think you are right about needing to lower your hands and keep leg on - with a few solid half halts.
Carly
8/27/2013 12:12:58 am
We all have bad rides--nothing to be ashamed of. Good for you for sticking it out! 8/27/2013 01:31:52 am
100% agree. Thanks for posting. I have posted these "embarrassing" videos as well and we all learn from them. I recognize what you are going through in the test. Its a feeling of oh shoot, how am I going to get relaxation when it feels like he wants to shoot out from underneath me -- really? you want me to relax my hands? if I do I am going to get a shooting bullet!
Karen
8/27/2013 10:14:59 am
Thanks. ;0)
Angela
8/27/2013 06:05:04 am
I just wanted to comment on all these great comments regarding your post. They are so supportive and full of such useful information. You are blessed to have so many great friends :-)
Karen
8/27/2013 10:18:11 am
I wish I knew most of these "friends" personally, Angela. Most people who share here are spread all around the country, and a few live on different continents. They all feel like close friends though, and I am glad you all feel comfortable enough to offer suggestions, tips, constructive criticism, and cyber hugs. The blogging community is a fantastic thing of which to be a part.
Val
8/27/2013 06:06:38 am
I see a brave rider giving her horse a positive experience. You deserve an applause at the end!
I respect you for posting the good, the bad, and the ugly. I feel like a lot of bloggers (myself included) only want to post about the good because sometimes it's not so fun to post about the not so good but when you look back on this when you guys have it together you will see how far you have come and really be able to appreciate all of your hard work and dedication!
Karen
8/27/2013 10:24:46 am
I wish I had time to fly out and thank all of you personally for your unbelievably kind words. From the very first comment I teared up. And then again at the second comment. You would think by the last comment I would have been over it, but no, Hillary got the water works started all over again.
Sandra
8/27/2013 12:51:23 pm
WOW rough ride. I can see how you would be frustrated. I think you handled it beautifully and am glad you get to see a video of yourself ride. It helps so much. You tend to be your own worst critic. Watching this ride, I can really see how much you both have improved over the last few months! Well Done and Way to Go!
Karen
8/29/2013 09:10:09 am
Thanks, Sandra, :0) 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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