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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

No Saddle, No Bridle, No Problem!

5/12/2016

 
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.
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Legs wrapped, no saddle, riding halter ... ready to go!
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."
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I love the view from between these two ears.
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.
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A well deserved snack break after our ride.
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?
Jan link
5/12/2016 08:25:54 am

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.

Speedy is really a gem though. You like having two horses, what's wrong with having both a talented horse who is learning to cope and a slightly less talented, but super steady horse? Keep bringing Speedy along (there are GP Arabs in my region!), learn all the new things on him, then bring that confident riding back to Izzy!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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!

Izzy on the hand has the ability to be absolutely brilliant, but tension might be his nemesis. Who cares how great you are at home if you can't bring it when it counts?

So for, now, I'll definitely be keeping both boys. And the reality is, I couldn't sell Speedy to just anyone anyway. He deserves much better, so it would have to be the perfect situation. :0)

Anna Erickson link
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...
INteresting reading - thanks!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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.

As I read over the other personality types, I wonder who has those horses. Now I know!

Tracy link
5/13/2016 06:25:40 am

You can't train a good brain -- they either have it or they don't. Speedy might not be the most talented dressage horse, but man, you don't find an attitude like his very often <3

Bakersfield Dressage link
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.

    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    National Rider Awards

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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
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