Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I've been riding since before I can actually remember. No formal lessons until my late 30s, but I did compete in endurance for 15 years, and I've ridden in every environment possible (mountains, beach, desert, forests, city, other countries, etc.). Now that I am riding dressage, I am refining my likes and comforts for arena riding. Here are my (current) five favorite tack accessories. I have a very nice pair of Ariat paddock boots and a comfy pair of chaps, but a few months ago, I decided that I prefer tall boots. For Christmas, I wanted to ask for a second pair of dressage boots (I use my first pair for shows only), but then I remembered that I have a super comfy pair of Ariat field boots. Who cares that they're not dressage boots? I don't. So I've tucked my paddock boots away, and I now ride exclusively in these. A new find. All I can so is OMG why didn't someone tell me that expensive riding gloves can be so, so much more comfortable than the cheapo cotton gloves I've been wearing? It's dirty, and I'll probably need a new one this summer, but the Ovation Sync is the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. This one FITS me! I use the Nunn Finer Rubber Spur Straps. They wash up easily, and they are super adjustable. They also stay flexible and don't get stiff. This pair is several years old, and I ride nearly daily. They're holding up really well especially for the price, under $10! And of course my Road ID bracelet (Thank you Dr. Hart for the recommendation) - I never ride without it. It's like riding with a helmet; I can't imagine getting on without it.
Karen
2/23/2013 03:32:59 am
I started wearing the ID bracelets about 4 or 5 years ago. It's a lot like wearing a helmet: I feel much safer with it on. I have a hard time finding a helmet that really fits. When i tried on Ovation's Sync, I was in heaven. I bought their show version, can't remember it's name, but it isn't as comfy as the Sync. Go figure!
Val
2/22/2013 06:36:09 am
The Road ID bracelet is a great find. Where can I get one?
Karen
2/23/2013 03:37:55 am
I have another Road ID post coming, but in the meantime, check out their website: www.roadid.com 2/22/2013 01:51:48 pm
Hi there! I just found your blog and love it! I had never thought of an ID bracelet... Brilliant! I must get one!
Karen
2/23/2013 03:41:18 am
Hi Sandra! Thanks for stopping by. :0)
Angela
2/23/2013 12:15:41 am
I really like all of your favorite tack things. I'm so glad you added the road id. My son told me about them years ago, and I most of the time I forget about it, which is not good. They really are vital to our welfare regardless of our sport/activity. Time to get it back in my tack :-)
Karen
2/23/2013 03:44:09 am
Hi Angela! I've been using the bracelets for 4 - 5 years and really feel safer with them. I have a follow up post coming later this week. I have one for regular riding, one for show, one for travel, and one for running. I've bought several as gifts, too. It's a great product for sure. Is your son a runner?
Angela
2/24/2013 12:05:07 am
Well, he likes to go fast, but on two wheels...lol
Karen
2/24/2013 06:44:08 am
It sounds like you raised him right! :0)
Karen
2/23/2013 07:11:40 am
Hi Kelly! Even though I stick to the arena anymore, I like knowing that ER people would at least know my name, age, and that I am an organ donor. :0) I hope I never actually need it! 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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