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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Not Horse Related!

2/17/2014

 
I rarely share stuff that's not horse related, but this was just so much fun that I can't resist!

My husband and I have been together for almost 24 years (we started dating in November 1990 and were married in the summer of 1994). Even after so many years, we spend a lot of time together. We travel, we go on dates, we eat dinner together every night, we laugh, he still brings me flowers, he still brings me random treats because I might like them, and on and on. He's a great guy who lets me just be myself and follow my own dreams. He also understands my horse thing and supports it where he can.

I am not a very impulsive person, okay, I am not impulsive at all, but I really wanted to do something fun and spontaneous for him for Valentine's Day. So about mid-week, I told Hubby that we had to pick up his gift very early on Saturday morning. By Friday night, I was bursting with excitement. Mostly because I had kept a secret, and I knew his gift was going to be a big surprise!

We loaded up bottles of water and the dog, and headed out on the hour drive to his "retrieve" his gift. My husband is pretty smart though, and with no hints from me, guessed where we were going. I was taking him skydiving!

With only an hour's worth of notice, Hubby suited up, went through a brief training, and did a tandem skydive from over 10,000 feet [post-publish edit]!
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Brief training
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Hubby, me, Tobi (our dog), and the instructor, Lelo (pre-jump).
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No parachute yet - still in free fall!
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I was able to be right at the landing site (with our dog)!
Hubby had a great time and even said he'd do it again. If you live in this part of California and are interested in skydiving, give Skydive Taft a call; they're a very friendly group and seemed genuinely interested in making your dive fun and safe. 

Lelo, hubby's instructor, shot the photos and video. 
Judy
2/16/2014 10:59:05 pm

Very brave Sean! However if it were me, I would be wondering why Lelo has a full coverage helmet on while Sean was given a pair of plastic goggles.....just sayin'! Glad you guys had fun!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/16/2014 11:06:45 pm

I asked that, too, judy! I think it is so that the inexperienced jumper doesn't bash the instructor with the helmet! It might also be because the guy in front, gets to land "on" the instructor so he has a helmet of sorts. :0)

Sean
2/16/2014 11:13:45 pm

We actually jumped over 10,000 feet and yes Judy I was wondering why the three pros in the plane all had helmets. I think it's just because they don't like having their faces all contorted in the free fall.

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/16/2014 11:19:56 pm

Oops! 10,000 feet - change made. :0)

HAHAHA - there were some good "contorted faces" pics I could have chosen!

Amanda link
2/16/2014 11:18:44 pm

I've always wanted to skydive. Looks like so much fun! Great gift!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/16/2014 11:21:00 pm

I think he had fun, but I have ZERO desire to try. I had a lot of fun watching and listening, but this girl's feet are staying on the ground. :0)

AppyDoesDressage
2/17/2014 12:53:55 am

I went skydiving for the first time last year, LOVED it. I actually jumped at 14,000 feet, it was awesome and I would absolutely do it again! Congrats on getting him such a cool gift!!
The instructor(s) I jumped with didn't have helmets on unless they were recording/taking pictures with the gopro, maybe the guys you jumped with were the same?

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/17/2014 08:43:59 am

He actually held the camera in his hand rather than on the helmet. I think helmets are just safer for all skydivers. The other two solo jumpers were wearing them, too. We should have just asked!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/17/2014 08:44:43 am

Oh, yeah! Good for you for jumping!!!!! Not my thing. :0)

sarah link
2/17/2014 02:02:58 am

That is a really cool V-day gift!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/17/2014 08:45:39 am

Only if the receiver likes it! Don't even think about gifting me with such a thing! :0)

Val
2/17/2014 06:34:10 am

Neat idea! I guess you knew he would jump at the opportunity. ;)

My husband went skydivingwhile in college. The pics are priceless, but you won't catch me doing it!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/17/2014 08:46:49 am

He had said many times that he would like to do it, but I wasn't sure if that was just talk or not. :0)

I am with you, no way will I ever do it. I am simply too afraid of heights and falling.


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.
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    ​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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    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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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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
  • Home