Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
It would seem that I have not one very special horse, but two! I've already shared Speedy G's blood spot, but I just found out that Izzy has a Prophet's Thumbprint! There are different versions about how the bloodied shouldered horses came to be, but here is one that I like by Arabian Horse World. Long ago on the sands of a great desert lived a Bedouin chieftain by the name of Ahmed and his tribe. In the tents of Ahmed was his most prized possession, a beautiful grey mare who was renowned throughout the desert as the fleetest and most beautiful horse in the world. Many people coveted the mare, and kings and chieftains had tried to acquire her, but Ahmed could not be persuaded to part with his beloved mare. I noted the dimple in Izzy's neck shortly after I brought him home, but I didn't think much of it. During one of our frequent visits to the vet, I asked Dr. Tolley about it and was told that it was likely an old injury to the muscle in his neck. My trainer noticed the mark the other day and pronounced it a Prophet's Thumbprint. Like the bloody shoulder, the Prophet's Thumbprint also seems to be a mark of Arabian origin. It's not surprising that my Oldenburg/TB cross (registered RPSI) would sport an Arabian marking as the Thoroughbred breed relied heavily on several Arabian foundation sires. The tale of the Prophet's Thumbprint is told by Ilil Arbel, Ph.D. The Five Mares of Mohammed The bloody shoulder or other blood marks have long been considered the mark of courage while the Prophet's Thumbprint is thought to be a mark of quality and good luck. I certainly think it is quite lucky that I have managed to acquire one of each.
5/20/2015 02:33:19 am
Another Arabian Legend you may enjoy, I could not find the exact wording, but I think it must have been in one of Margurite Henry's books. Long ago, when the Arabian breed was being developed, the chieftains withheld water from their most valued mares for 3 days. On the third day the mares were let loose to run for water. As the mares were running the chieftains blew their war bugles for the mares to return for battle. 3 mares turned back and returned to their masters. And those 3 mares were the foundation of the Arabian Breed. There are other legends regarding color, with chestnut being the most valued for speed. A wonderful and noble breed who can be found in almost all other breeds of horses. Best wishes, Carol 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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