Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
But first, please let me say thank you to all of you for your many comments. Holy cow, I think I have tapped into a serious vein here. This little topic seems to be resonating with many different people!
I always try and respond to all of your comments as I appreciate that someone has taken the time to let me know what they think, but in this case, you guys are overwhelming me! I went back to work this week so my writing time has been slashed, but please know that I read every comment with interest, and I visit all of the links you share. Right now, I am not sure I can respond to every comment. With that said, onward to Monday's non-ride. Our summer weather, normally brutal at this time of year, has been extra mild. It's been in the low 90s with low humidity accompanied by afternoon breezes. Can't hardly complain about that. Sunday's weather was very humid, but the temperatures were fairly low, mid 80s. By Monday morning, the humidity had risen to an unbearable level, and the mountains around us were experiencing heavy thunder and lightening. By afternoon, it was 108℉ (42.2℃) with excessive humidity and non-stop thunder. The national extreme (in Death Valley) was only 113℉, just five degrees warmer. It was hot, too hot to be riding. I was supposed to have a lesson at 4:45, but even I realized that those are pretty unsafe conditions in which to be working outside. I called JL and cancelled. I really wanted to ride because we've been on such a solid roll that I didn't want to let a single day pass with no work. I have no fear while riding Sydney in the arena (mine or JL's). We long ago conquered that elephant. I really wanted to share with JL how our lesson in Tehachapi went and get her feedback, but it just wasn't a safe riding day. Tuesday, on the other hand, gave me a whole new opportunity. More on that ride tomorrow. We've had such a cool summer here, too! It's been so lovely. When we have weeks like this one, where it's been humid and hot and it takes effort just to think about breathing, it's hard to keep working. I've had to remember to keep my horse supplemented with electrolytes and give him breaks. Heat is so tough! Can't wait to hear about Tuesday.
Karen
8/21/2013 11:31:09 am
Riding in this heat has been really, really hard. It's even tougher because I've gone back to work full time and am riding after work in the heat. Double whammy! :0)
Karen
8/21/2013 11:34:34 am
Most people think that California has lovely, mild weather. Much of the state is pleasant, but the central valley (where I live) and the Eastern desert (think Death Valley/Mojave Desert) are some of the absolute hottest places in the country. It's freakin' HOT where I live. Our summer lows are normally in the low to mid 80s and that's at 3:00 a.m. Our summer highs range from the mid 90s to as high as 112.
Karen
8/21/2013 11:35:42 am
Hopefully your job search brings you back to a school setting. :0)
lytha
8/21/2013 04:18:50 am
low 90s is mild? get out! i'm totally avoiding your state from now on. unless i need to take a business trip down to silicon valley again, which i'd love. did i say "down" - i meant "5K miles OVER": )
Karen
8/21/2013 11:36:46 am
It sounds like you're doing a great job on the trail yourself. Just keep going. In a few months, you'll be trucking down the trail in that lovely saddle and this will be a distant memory! :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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