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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Missed the Mark Completely

8/26/2015

 
While the First Level Test 3 RAAC class felt wild and wooly, it actually doesn't look that bad except for one or two places. The judge sure nailed us on those movements though. We slunk out of the ring with a dismal 56.765% - nearly an all time low. I have some great photos, but I'll let you watch the ride first so you that you can decide if it was worth more or less than the 56% that the judge gave us.
Here's what the judge thought ... (click images to enlarge).
I didn't watch the video until late Sunday afternoon. I am glad I finally watched it because I drove home thinking it was a disastrous ride; it wasn't. Yeah, Speedy put up a serious stink at the first canter lengthening - did you see the buck? And that second canter loop on the left lead was a bit fussy, but all in all it wasn't horrible.

I have to give myself some credit as a rider. It looks a lot more pleasant than it felt. He was ticked off about that judge's booth and was letting me know it. The reason he gave a buck as we started the canter lengthening was because I had to dig my spur into him to keep him as close to the rail at C as possible. He wanted to dive in and bolt for A.
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The aftermath of the "Great Spur Event" (photo courtesy of Edyta)
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Oh, wait. There was more! (photo courtesy of Diana)
So yeah. It wasn't a perfect test, and I am kind of blaming Speedy for at least 60% of it, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. The judging was tough, but that's what you get when you enter at A at a big USDF show.

Here's some eye candy. These photos are all courtesy of Edyta.
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Just after the stretchy trot, getting ready for a 10-meter circle.
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Just before our 10-meter circle at R.
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I like how soft the inside rein is, but I don't know what's going on here. I think he might be getting ready for that buck I mentioned.
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Start of the canter lengthening ...
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Canter lengthening as it peters out - 5.5
Once again, we placed dead last in our RAAC class, but here's the funny thing. When we first showed at the 2012 RAAC, we won our Introductory Class with a solid 67.000%. The next year, we were dead last in the Training Level class with a 61.200%.The year after that, in 2014, we won the Training Level class with a whopping 72.600%. So really, things are looking good. If everything goes as it has in the past, we're looking really good for next year's First Level RAAC class!
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Honor Round (photo by Chemaine). Dang! Isn't he cute? Those are Chemaine's DSB Silver Boots. Obviously I now need some.
We finished eighth out of eight riders, but we still showed up for the honor round and cheered on those riders who had a much better day than we did.
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As Tracy so aptly said, "Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn."
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Honor Round (we're on the far left) - photo courtesy of Diana
You're probably ready for some Izzy news by now, but I have one more post about the show to share. I really want/need to talk about all that I learned at this show. And it's a lot.

On tap for tomorrow... What I learned.
jenj
8/26/2015 01:12:17 am

Oh Speedy! They sure do keep us on their toes, don't they? And even though your score wasn't what you wanted, YOU WERE THERE! That's a really big honor in of itself, especially given how recently you moved up to First! Congrads!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:23:22 pm

I'll take those kudos! Thanks. :0)

Lauren link
8/26/2015 01:37:32 am

At least you get a big, pretty ribbon for your efforts :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:24:11 pm

That's one thing about dressage - we pretty much always get nice ribbons. :0)

emma link
8/26/2015 02:09:01 am

that is a very lovely ribbon and your horse is definitely the cutest haha. sorry the test didn't go according to plan tho!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:24:48 pm

Thank you, Emma. I think he's pretty cute too. :0)

SprinklerBandits
8/26/2015 02:35:47 am

I would be ok with 8th out of 8 if it came with that ribbon.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:26:35 pm

Sadly, I have its twin from two years ago, so I would have at least liked to get the 7th place ribbon which was a BEAUTIFUL purple!

Val
8/26/2015 06:25:55 am

I agree with SB. Is that a chocolate ribbon?

Speedy looks amazing.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:27:51 pm

Yes, yes it is chocolate which is a much nicer name than CRAP brown. And thank you. Speedy is coming along nicely, slowly, but nicely. :0)

Carly
8/27/2015 06:29:42 am

Looking forward to reading about you guys scoring in the seventies next year! ;)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/29/2015 12:22:43 pm

Me too! :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy 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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home