Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Still sounds fancier than it is. I should be happier with this test than I am, but I was really wanting that 65%. What I need to remember is that this was a triple-rated show which means the level of judging was elevated as were the judge's expectations. This is by far the best we've done at a triple-rated show. My previous scores were 60% and lower, so this is quite an improvement. While I was driving home feeling a bit down, I remembered that this is the first score of five that I need for a California Dressage Society plate. So why am I disappointed? I decided that I am not disappointed at all! Here's the test: What I don't like about this test was the five for movement seven: circle left 20 meters. He misread my aid and wanted to break into the canter earlier than he's supposed to. My error. There's been a lot of kicking and bucking at the canter so what we're really trying to work on is relaxation. It didn't seem to come through on that circle.
I am most proud of the six we earned on the second canter transition. Fives have been pretty common for us with at least a four in there one time before. A six tells me I was maybe softer in my aid and he was more relaxed. Whatever it was, we'll take it! And the eight coming down the centerline - I knew we nailed that one. I had the judge dead set in my sights and I was thinking forward, forward, forward. That's a difficult movement for less experienced horses because the halt happens at G, immediately in front of the judge. It's easy for a horse to start slowing down if he feels like you're going to run him through the judge's tent! I was pleased with how forward Speedy did that trot down the centerline. So ... no qualifying score (for RAAC), but a solid ride none-the-less. Oh, all right! Here's another post-ride pic of Speedy G hanging out on the Hi-Tie. That pony really likes this gizmo. It does get me some curious looks though. Those darn endurance riders and their fancy doodads!
I love the "canter circles seem too small?"! I've never seen a judge write a question like that before. 11/2/2011 11:38:41 am
Kelly - I was also surprised by the canter comment. But the truth is that my circles are at A and she's at C which does make it hard to about the circle. I worried they were too big! Who knows? 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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