Bakersfield Dressage
  • 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

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Monday Morning Quarterback - Show Update

4/2/2012

 
I am very tired so this is going to come out in a big jumble.  Sorry!  I promise a better and more thorough write up of the show beginning tomorrow.  For now, here are just some impressions.

First and foremost, I met every single one of the goals I set for the show.  I am pretty surprised!  I had fun, Speedy enjoyed himself, I earned above 65% at Intro C, and I earned above 60% (twice no less!) at Training One. I am now qualified for the Regional Adult Amateur Competition in September at Introductory C.  I need one more score of 60% or higher for Training One and then I'll be qualified for that level as well.  

I also accomplished an earlier goal of earning a CDS plate which is awarded to a CDS member the first time he/she earns five (5) or more scores of 60% or better at Introductory C Level or above in a single show season. Recipients will continue to receive plates every year thereafter. The plate is engraved with the horse's name, level of competition and number of scores. A personalized wall plaque is available for purchase for mounting the plates.  I earned the certificate last year with three scores above 60%.  With a 63.500% earned in October combined with my four scores this weekend, I've already met one of my 2012 goals, and the show season has only just begun!

Judge Mary was also at the show with her gelding, Dugan.  Mary is a fantastic photographer and shot several of my rides.  I am hoping to get a few pictures from her.  I'll post them as soon as I do.

Have I mentioned that I have some confidence issues?  Not in my professional or private life, but in the dressage world, yeah, I feel like a big dork.  I didn't show or take lessons as a junior.  My first real riding lesson came in my very late 30s.  While I could post, I didn't know how to change diagonals, and I certainly didn't ride my endurance horses with any contact.  I could successfully ride a 100 mile race, but I couldn't ride a 20 meter circle.  When I bought my first dressage saddle two years ago, I didn't even know what all of the "parts" to the saddle were called.  I had to learn about the different types of English tack in general.  Ask me sometime about cruppers or a tailing line.  

As I was watching all of the other riders and horses, I started to realize that while I might stick out a little bit as slightly different, Speedy and I do belong there.  I saw many riders struggling with the same things I struggle with.  Now that I have a bit of education under my belt, I can see past the glitz and glamour of the white pants and black coats.  I realized that I probably look decent to an outsider, too!  In fact, Speedy earned a million compliments from observers and show volunteers.  I can't tell you how many times I heard he's adorable or he's so cute.  Those may sound like patronizing things to say, and they wouldn't be said about Ravel or Morelands Totilas, but Speedy looks like a fun horse to ride and people like him for that.  He's just got this swinging, perky, happy way about him.

On Saturday morning, Speedy was high as a kite and desperately needed to move out.  My first test wasn't until much later in the afternoon, and he just couldn't wait that long.  I saddled up in schooling clothes and half chaps and planned to hack him up and down the barn aisles.  We pranced our way up and down a few rows before I realized that my boy needed to really trot out.  I headed for the warm up ring where the Big Boys and Girls were warming up for their tests.  There were only three or four riders and the warm up area was VERY large so I felt that we could safely use a deep corner for some trot circles.  I kept my eyes open for the other riders, but almost immediately one of them came hurtling my direction.  I pulled Speedy to an abrupt halt and just stood still as she moved past.  She glared at me.  Sorry.  I found out later that she felt my presence was a complete affront to the dressage world, and I had no business being there.  Again, sorry.

The next day, my second test was to be a little before Paul Drake's musical freestyle at Grand Prix.  He was riding a beautiful (I think?) mare named Alanti.  We entered the warm up together.  I had heard his name earlier in the day so I decided to head off any trouble with a pre-offending apology.

Me: Paul?
Paul: yes. Hi.
Me: I know I am warming up with you, and I am just doing a VERY low level test so I will try really hard to stay completely out of your way.
Paul: (laughs) No, please, I'll stay out of your way.  You just do your warm up, and I'll try and watch where you're going.  It's hard when riders try to predict where I'm going.  I'll just watch you.
Me: (stunned silence)
Paul: And I am sorry I distracted you about the video earlier today.  I hope it wasn't a problem.
Me: (stunned silence followed by a giggle - did I mention he was quite handsome?)  Not at all.  In fact, maybe you helped me re-focus since I had one of my best rides ever.
Paul: Have a great ride!
Me: You, too!

We walked an entire lap around the warm up chatting.  What a great guy!
Hannah link
4/2/2012 02:52:59 am

<i>You just do your warm up, and I'll try and watch where you're going. It's hard when riders try to predict where I'm going.</i>

Yes! This is one of those things that's completely counterintuitive right up until one understands it, at which point it makes total sense. The harder someone tries to stay out of the way, the harder it is to work around them, because you have no idea where they're going. If everyone just does their thing with one eye on whether their thing is about to intersect with someone else's thing, it's waaaaay easier to work around each other. Good of you guys to have a pleasant chat about how to handle the warm-up instead of the guilt-and-glare alternative!

Most people are so focused and/or nervous in the warm-up that I try not to take any interaction in there too personally. I figure that if I can excuse their less graceful moments, hopefully they will forgive me mine!

Karen
4/2/2012 11:23:30 am

Thanks for the feedback, Hannah. I genuinely like to hear from people, of all levels, and value the experiences shared.

When I warm up with riders of my level, there's a lot less trouble. Riding with more advanced riders is just more difficult. As a rule, I really just try to do my own thing with an eye out, but some riders just take up a LOT of room.

I come from the endurance world where politeness is highly valued and rudeness can get you thrown out. I am having a hard time realizing that politeness is not as valued in the dressage arena. An example: while trying to braid, Speedy was very distracted and wiggly by the constant coming and going of horses. Later in the day, i wanted to take him out of his stall but noticed his neighbor was getting braided. I asked if it would be a distraction for the mare if I were to leave. The owner acted almost offended at the suggestion. Almost as though I were criticizing her horse. At an endurance ride, it is customary to wait at the water trough, water crossing, gate, or any other point in the trail until every horse has finished drinking, and all riders are mounted. A horse left alone at a trough will often refuse to drink, and a rider left on the ground may find it difficult to remount if all of the other horses can be seen fleeing the scene. (This may be a new blog topic.)

So ... I am struggling with how to navigate the warm up ring since politeness is not the driving force. It seems to be the force of personality is more important. No snarkiness intended.

Hannah link
4/2/2012 09:24:25 pm

No snarkiness assumed. I'm an eventer -- our warm-ups can also be a bit fraught, but the overall atmosphere is a little more party-time than the straight dressage shows that I've done. I don't think it's exactly that politeness isn't valued (although I s'pose it depends on the particular crowd with which one hangs), but every sport has its own feel, for sure! :)

Karen
4/2/2012 11:42:47 pm

Very true ... I don't think I've figured out the "feel" of this sport. I worry that I never will!

Kelly RGF link
4/2/2012 04:57:38 am

HURRAH!! Three big cheers from NZ! That's just so fantastic, I've still got a bit smile on my face for you this morning :).

And hooray for Paul being so lovely - ignore that other snooty rider, ug. You guys are rocking the arena. Congratulations!

Karen
4/2/2012 11:32:53 am

Thank you, Kelly, you're so sweet! We tried our best and our best was good enough - this time!. I'm still a bit giddy about it. I think I can officially ditch Intro and move firmly into training level. I am definitely planning on going to RAAC at Intro though. No reason to not try and be competitive! :0)

Sarah link
4/2/2012 10:33:36 am

Congratulations!!! What a fabulous show weekend! Mission accomplished, and with a chat with Paul Drake to boot! Love all the pictures too - I love showing at SB except for the ridiculous stalling fees. Oh and the scary round shadows in the inside arena (though I hear they are no longer there). Glad you had a good time!
And thanks for the warm wishes - not sure if I'm going to do the Hansen Dam show at the end of April, but I sure am gonna take another look at that. I'm dying to get back in the show ring. But my bank account is just regular dying right now so we'll see!

Karen
4/2/2012 11:36:23 am

Do you know Paul Drake? I DO NOT like to be a name dropper and didn't know he was "known!" He was very kind, and cute! I make it a point to never name pain the ass people, but I do like to name nice, generous, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful people, and he definitely was nice. If you decide to show up at Hansen Dam, wether as a rider or observer, please try to find me. It would be fun to meet up!

With a recent wedding and honeymoon, it's no surprise that your finances and time are a bit tied up right now. BTW, Mr. Rune is a cutey!


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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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

    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
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


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