Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I am working on another post about that book, Is Your Horse a Rock Star?, which is probably what got me thinking about how fantastic a horse that Speedy really is. When I last analyzed Speedy's personality based on the book, I wavered between Rock Star and Goddess. Several years later, there is no doubt; Speedy is a Goddess. The Goddess is loved by most of the other horses and most people. They are expressive and sensitive and emotional. You will know how they feel. They try very hard to please and will worry and be anxious if you are not happy with them. In the negative they can have scattered energy that is hard to get focused. This personality can be loved on as much as you want. In her book, Dessa Hockley says one thing about the Goddess personality that I must have missed before. She stresses that you should own them forever. This is because their personality type makes it very difficult for them to change owners. "Not only do we get very attached to these horses, but they to us as well." Every so often I toy with the idea of selling Speedy. Working with two horses is time consuming and expensive. The more broke Izzy gets, the more I recognize that he is the more talented of the two and more likely to get me up the levels sooner, provided he can handle the show atmosphere. Speedy is definitely a rock star when it comes to all of the hoopla that goes with showing. Izzy? We'll have to see. But after a day like yesterday, I realize that I would be foolish to sell such an amazing horse. I hadn't been on his back in nine weeks. He spent a month in a stall followed by another month with access to his paddock. He hasn't been turned out to do anything in all that time. His hand walks have been very slow and involved more grazing than walking. Yesterday,I groomed him, wrapped his legs to support the healing tendon, and threw on my riding halter. Without even a moment of hesitation, I slid onto his back and pointed him down the road. In true Speedy fashion, he walked out happily without even thinking of spooking or freaking out. His gait was big and swinging as he happily marched along. He did blow a bit as we passed the Haner Family Farm, but I forgave him his lapse in sensibility.
Honestly, how many horses, especially those of breeds known to be hot (a mellow Arab?) would have been so well behaved after so much time off? It never even occurred to me that he wouldn't be a good boy. Rock Star or Goddess this horse is simply too good to sell. Although ... I could do a lot with a million bucks. Any offers?
I took the quiz on the website- Penn is a People Pleaser. I think in time, his SEAF (People Pleaser) will change to SECF (Goddess) as he gets life experience and more sure of himself so he becomes curious about things instead of being afraid. 5/12/2016 12:32:21 pm
That's kind of what I think as well. Speedy has earned great scores for me (nearly all 60s and a few 70s at USDF shows), but it's not like he's ALWAYS brilliant. And while he can collect to some degree, it's not nearly as easy for him as it is for Izzy. On the other hand, nothing phases Speedy; new venue =FUN! 5/12/2016 06:44:12 pm
Joe's a goddess too. He's NEVER going anywhere. Savannah my daughter's horse is a macho man and I regularly threaten to SHOOT her... 5/14/2016 08:24:09 am
It's a great book, and it's fun to go back and re-read as a horse progresses in its training. I don't know how much their actual personalities can change, but I think that horses who are on the borderline can develop more confidence which could change who they are. 5/14/2016 08:28:21 am
You are right. I think you can improve on their behavior, but some are definitely just naturals. 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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