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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Not a Total Disaster

8/26/2013

 
I am not sure it counts as a success or not, but we lived, I didn't get dumped, and I feel encouraged. I also have video, but I am positively loathe to show it to you as it is that bad.

Hubby brought Tobias, who was a very good boy, so I had some good moral support. I was also blessed to have Lois Quinn coach me through both warm-ups. She had me watch the video of the first test as soon as I had finished so that I got some immediate feedback. This is a good strategy. Not that I usually have access to video, but when next I do, I'm going to watch it if possible.

So, where to begin? 

Here is what went really well:
  • Sydney loaded up like a seasoned pro. He was practically eager to get in the trailer.
  • He traveled very quietly and ate the whole way, both directions.
  • He stood tied for quite a long time without any fussing. After my rides were over, I ate lunch with friends and never worried about him at all. I could see him off in the distance, and he looked perfectly happy.
  • He drained a full five gallon water bucket and even drank out of a ditch that had some creek run off.
  • He emptied the hay bag. 
  • He actually walked for the first 15 minutes of the warm-up.
  • He never bucked or reared, and I never felt afraid. And even though I am stiff and braced in the video, I was never worried that he would explode and get out of control; thank you, wide open field!
  • He went from the warm-up to the ring very calmly (both times) and even trotted up to the ring for our second test when we were running late.
Before I show you the pictures of our warm-up, please don't be too critical. Here is the issue: at home, Sydney (after 18 months of work) is submissive, happy in his work, and usually quite relaxed. I am now struggling with how to ride a forward, nervous, powerful horse who is worried about doing the wrong thing while not at home.

Lois is working with me to break some pretty strong habits: I want to pull back when he rushes off, and my hands go all over the place as I try to maintain the contact. Learning something new in the warm-up (who does that?) is really hard, but I take my dressage lessons where I can get them. Lois had me trying to establish a rhythm while insisting that Sydney maintain the pace I set without pulling back.

To do that, I posted the pace I wanted. If he hurried, my task was to halt him in one stride and then RELEASE the frickin' rein immediately. She had me working on giving my hands forward with my thumbs on top. You won't see that in the photos though as I struggled with releasing my death grip on the reins. Ultimately, she wanted us to trot with a loop in the rein so that he understood that carrying himself while maintaining my pace was a good thing. I cannot tell you how often I do that at home. That is ultimately how we fixed the bolting at home; I just rode with a loose rein.

We got it sometimes. Other times, I was riding a stiff freight train. After watching the video, I can see that I need to learn a new feeling of give when Sydney is high and tense. I have a lesson with Lois next Monday. The weather where Lois lives is much more wintery than here, but I hope to go up at least once a month for as long as the snow holds off.

Overall? We actually warmed up which is a HUGE improvement. Having a coach at a show is such a huge advantage. Lois helped me help Sydney have an experience that wasn't exactly fabulous, but at least it was controlled and calm.

With that, here are some photos of our warm up. Video of the first test will be up tomorrow, but be forewarned; you will cringe for me when you see it. 
Picture
He's quite handsome, isn't he? (Says every doting owner.)
Picture
Lois at the fence coaching us. Is that actually a loop in the rein?
Picture
For most of the time, we had the warm-up to ourselves. Heaven!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Sorry it's blurry, but there's another loop in the rein which means neither of us is pulling on the other!
Tracy @ Fly On Over link
8/26/2013 12:26:23 am

I read somewhere once that you "show" approximately two-three months behind where you "lesson." While I'm not convinced this is 100% true, I do think that for me, I don't ride as well as I do in shows as I do at home; I certainly regress a little.

Anyway, Sydney looks gorgeous in those photos! And every success counts! So glad you were able to WALK in warm-up, what a huge improvement from the last show :-)

Angela
8/26/2013 12:33:21 am

Looking Good!
It is so inspiring to follow your progress.
I'm glad it wasn't a total disaster for you!!
(For me - it was :( But it was my own doing, and now I just wait, heal, and get back at it.)
Congratulations on achieving these milestones; all the little stepping stones build or take down (however you want to look at it) the mountain...;0




Karen
8/27/2013 10:08:14 am

I was mostly in my own little bubble on Sunday and never even remembered to look at the posted scores. I hope your "healing" is only metaphorical and not physical. I hope you'll send me a note (privately if you prefer) letting me know what happened. I've hardly been on Facebook so if you posted there, I totally missed it.

There is no way your day was any more disastrous than shows I've had (if that makes you feel any better!). Speedy dumped me hard at a show a year ago - very embarrassing and painful to boot. I am discovering that it seems like more tests go wrong than right. I hope you're well and that your injuries, whether they be physical or emotional, heal quickly.

I wish you continued success. Just keep on working. That's my game plan. :0)

Angela
8/27/2013 12:44:23 pm

Well, my healing is mostly physical, and a bit metaphorical, because I feel so clumsy and stupid! I severely sprained my left ankle while tacking up for Sunday's show.
It started out to be a great day. Our daughter was home for a visit and I was really looking forward to showing her the progress
Good Will and I have made. We were ahead of schedule, Will was stunning, my tack was polished, I was sporting new breeches and boots, and most of all we were laughing and having a good time. We parked in the Equestrian Center campground shade; it's a spot that I have been using for a while. I've been aware of all the gofer/squirrel/rabbit holes and always carefully scan the area for hazards. This morning I even brushed my foot over the area under the tack door checking for holes, but must have missed a very treacherous one. While I was tacking up, I bounded from the trailer holding my pads when my left foot hit the ground and collapsed into a hidden hole that must have given way under the leaves and loose dirt. Boy, did I hit hard! Mike and Erika both said they heard my foot snap and pop!! I feel really bad for scaring them and, I must admit, I CRIED because I was so upset for messing up my chance to show!
Needless to say, I'm terribly disappointed and extremely embarrassed. Even though Mike and everyone at the ER said that it was an accident and seemingly unavoidable, I feel like it should not have happened. My life lesson is to slow down, control my excitement and focus of the small stuff, like every step I take...
For now, I must keep my foot elevated for 3 days, put no weight on it for 2 weeks and see an orthopedic Dr. for a MRI, which I do tomorrow.
I don't know what's the greater pain, my foot or the crutches!
But really, it's not being able to ride and build on all that momentum I had created that's the most frustrating...It's all part of the journey, right?
Thanks for inquiring, I appreciate it. Have a great week, and watch your step :-0

Karen
8/27/2013 01:58:16 pm

Oh, my goodness! I am so sorry to hear that. There is no way that was your "fault!" Don't let yourself feel any sense of guilt for a complete accident. I can understand feeling frustrated and ticked off, but don't let yourself feel responsible. Random crap happens.

I am so sorry your day was ruined. I hate hearing "there will be more show days" as it never takes the sting out of missing THIS one, but it is true. There are a million more opportunities to show.

Please take care of yourself and cut yourself some slack. I am confident that you'll be back in the saddle in no time, better than before. I am sending a big hug your way. :0)

Lauren link
8/26/2013 01:46:01 am

He is very handsome :) I'm sure the video isn't as bad as you think. We are always over critical of ourselves!

Val
8/26/2013 04:17:23 am

He IS handsome!

Amanda link
8/26/2013 07:17:02 am

These pictures don't look nearly as bad as you describe. ;) We all have to start somewhere and I'm pretty sure in time you will look back at these and see how far you've come.

karen
8/26/2013 02:52:42 pm

You guys look good!! He is a very stunning horse and a bay TB, my personal favorite :)

Karen
8/27/2013 10:09:15 am

Thank you all for your kind, compassionate, and understanding thoughts. This is sport is a real pain in the butt! :0)

Angela
8/27/2013 02:12:31 pm

Thank You, Karen!
Got It !!
:0)


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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