Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
On a whim, I set up my camera and recorded Sunday's quick ride on Sydney. I only rode for 16 minutes, but I cut and paste so you only had to suffer through 2 minutes. I HATE to watch video of myself riding, and I usually cringe as I share it. This time however, I am not (too) embarrassed by what I see. I was really just focusing on rhythm and relaxation so my reins were a bit long. I can see now that I can easily shorten them a good six inches and he won't fuss about it. I like the first section a lot; we were working on turns on the haunches and moving sideways. My left lead canter depart happened off camera, but I caught the right lead depart, and I am so happy with how smooth it looks. Overall, he looks relaxed and happy and ready for more difficult work. If you search around in the archives, you can find some footage of him being really naughty. Clearly we have improved!
Judy
7/9/2013 11:01:15 am
I love watching you ride!!
Karen
7/9/2013 10:59:23 pm
I am glad somebody does! :0)
Karen
7/9/2013 11:00:35 pm
Thanks, Amanda. I can only see what's wrong and not what's right. You probably see the same things I do. I wonder what Hilda Gurney sees? :0)
Angelaa
7/9/2013 03:23:01 pm
Nice! I see rhythm and relaxation. You must have been pleasantly surprised and surely you must feel a glimmer of pride in your progress; it's undeniable :0)
Karen
7/9/2013 11:02:00 pm
After I watched this, I rode with my trainer and we both agreed that Sydney can now handle a shortened rein. We've ridden since, and I can't believe how solid he is in the contact even with a shorter rein. He is such a joy to ride! Comments are closed.
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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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