Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I haven't written anything about the Speedy pony in a while. Even though Izzy's been getting most of the blog space lately, it doesn't mean that Speedy's been a couch potato - quite the opposite. For the past month, Speedy and I have been refining our First Level moves. While we still have a ways to go, I am feeling really good about where we are. Test 2 now looks easy, on paper anyway, and Test 3 looks ... comfortable. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago those tests looked a bit intimidating. Today, I feel like we should be able to get out there and knock these tests out. When I was riding the Training Level tests, I usually had more of a cross my fingers feeling. I didn't feel confident in our ability to ride the movements well. Now, I know that we can execute every single movement well. It doesn't always happen, but at least I know there is nothing in these tests that we can't do.
Today we're off to a two-day, USDF/USEF/CDS-rated show. There are a few things I am working toward, but I am not going to let the pressure get to me. I am going to go out there and simply ride to the best of my ability. If we get the scores I have in mind, fantastic, but if not, I am reminding myself that this is our very first attempt to show First Level at a USDF show. It's okay to not be brilliant. I have an afternoon lesson with Chemaine, and she'll be coaching me during my warm-up rides on both days. I am feeling really positive about this show and can't wait to get in the ring.
See you all on Monday! |
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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