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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Off to a Show!

7/24/2015

 
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. 
  • Our trot lengthening is now pretty reliable, if still small, but at least I know how to get it, and Speedy loves to do them. 
  • The canter lengthening was always there; it was the return to working canter that was tough. That has also improved. 
  • Our leg yield left is pretty nice; we still struggle to the right, but again, there has been a lot of progress.
  • I am really excited about our 10-meter trot circles with the halt in the middle. That's something we can do really well. That little right turn, halt, left turn section has a double co-efficient, so we've really schooled that movement.
  • Our counter canter loops are okay. To the left is better, but he can hold the lead both ways. He's not super balanced yet, but I am looking forward to a score and comments.
Picture
Saturday's Ride Times
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.
Picture
Sunday's Ride Times
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!
Jan link
7/24/2015 12:03:33 am

Good luck!!! You guys will do great!

Sarah link
7/24/2015 05:49:44 am

=) Love that feeling of confidence, hope it all comes together in the show.

emma link
7/27/2015 01:21:20 am

good luck - can't wait to see how you and Speedy do!


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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    My favorite breeches!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
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    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
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    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

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    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
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    ​2023 Completed …
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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
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