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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Second Level At a USDF Show

4/24/2018

 
Well, we finally made it to a USDF show at Second Level. It was a week or two ago, but as you know, I haven't been feeling my best. Here's the quick version of what happened.

There is a spoiler alert though - we weren't fabulous. We were barely mediocre. On Saturday, we earned a 62.879% for Test 1 and a 58.846% for Test 2. On Sunday, we earned a 57.576% for Test 1 and a similar 57.821% for Test 2. Low, but you know what? I'll take it. At least we showed up.
Picture
Medium Trot
Once again I battled migraines. Our Friday warm up went only so-so. I know our simple change still needs a lot of work, especially after the counter canter, so Chemaine helped me work through them. The whole time I rode though it felt as though I was in a fog. And that fog followed me around all weekend.
Picture
We rode at 8:07 on Sunday morning.
Somehow I bumbled through my two tests on Saturday earning at least one decent score. I tried to forget about the pounding in my head, and to most everyone, I probably looked pretty normal. The truth was that I fluctuated from hey, I am standing up and walking to Oh my gosh I think I am dying as I sobbed in pain.

Saturday evening was the worst. I was in serious pain and barely slept. I wondered how I was going to get through Sunday. 
Picture
Home away from home.
As I've mentioned about 10,000 times already, I am not a quitter. I sucked it up and plowed through those last two tests. Having some great friends around really helped. Just like the day before, we had some solid moments (6.0s and 7.0s) and a few moments that made everyone wince (I finally earned a 2.0).
Picture
Speedy's always a real champ.
Migraine or no, I am not that disappointed with our scores. We earned a lot of 6.0s and 7.0s. The movements that we know well earned us great scores, and the what the hell? moments were just blips. As soon as we improve in those areas, we'll be earning mid-60 scores quite easily.

While I wish I could have earned a 60% on Sunday, I am happy with the one good score we did earn. That single score went a long way toward helping me achieve some of my goals.
  • We are now qualified for the CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition in August.
  • We earned another CDS Championship Show qualifying score.
  • We now have the first of four scores needed for our USDF Rider Performance Award at Second Level.
  • And not like it moves us any closer, but that 62.8% score counts towards a bronze medal. What's to complain about?

Our next show is a CDS-rated show in late May. After that we'll tackle another USDF show in mid-June. That gives me a good chunk of time to polish up that simple change and tweak the shoulder in. I am genuinely pleased with our progress and feel no rush to get through Second Level. I think we'll be here for a while.
Tracy link
4/25/2018 09:46:38 am

I'm IN LOVE with that last photo -- you both look amazing!! As always, when you move up some things go right and others wrong -- but I love your positive attitude, even though the cards were stacked against you as you dealt with migraines :-(

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/26/2018 12:24:14 pm

Wow. Thanks! I have so much to fix with my own position, but Speedy is definitely getting a better and better medium trot. :0)

Elinor link
4/25/2018 01:08:37 pm

Proud of you!
Way too go at 2nd level, it's such a big step up and now you're in it! And like you say - you showed up! So many riders that never actually make it into the showring, - it takes a lot of guts. Solid way to get out there, and also getting a nice score above 60!
You two will be flying by the end of summer! :)

Best of luck with the headaches! So sorry :(

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/26/2018 12:25:43 pm

Thanks, Elinor. :0)

Each time I move up a level, we always start out with scores in the upper 50s. It's not what we want of course, but you have to start somewhere. The headache thing is much better, and we think we have a handle on it. Thank goodness!


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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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
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    • 2015
    • 2014
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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