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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Second Level - Test 1

3/21/2018

 
You read about our warm up yesterday. Here's what happened the next day. 

With all of my eggs riding in Speedy G's basket, I gave him a modified bath (legs and belly only), braided (they looked AMAZING, but I forgot to take photos!), and headed over to the Gardiner Ranch.

Oh, but before that, while I was cleaning my everyday boots because my nicer boots are really hard to zip up, I had a zipper blow out. Crap. I threw them in the trailer anyway hoping they would make it through the day. They didn't. I zipped them up and down a couple of times to assess the damage, and they seemed okay until I walked a few steps in them. Fortunately, with the help of a friend (thank you, KM!), we were able to get the other pair zipped up.
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Speedy hanging out, ready to go.
Even feeling super confident in my partner's ability to carry the day (I Got This!), I was still feeling anxious. I did my best to shrug it off though and made it a point to visit with friends and check out what the Golden Empire Arabian Horse Society (GEAHS) had put together for the day.
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A few of the many spectators who showed up for the day.
Not only was there a free barbecue lunch, but the club had a silent auction and buckets filled with goodies for awards. At the lunch break, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables rode a Freestyle to entertain the crowd. I didn't get to watch it as I was doing my warm up, but I heard the music and applause.

When she was finished, Chemaine zipped over to give me a few last tips before my test. She reminded me to get Speedy moving without throwing away the contact. Check and check.

​Here's our Second Level Debut, Test 1.
We earned a 63.485%, good enough for first place. It was hard though. No big surprise, but my sitting trot definitely still needs work. Last May, when I rode with Hilda Gurney, I couldn't sit at all, so I am pretty happy that I was able to sit as much as I did.

When I watched the video on Monday morning, I was shocked at how easy Speedy made it look. He looks like he's been doing this his whole life. What the heck? He is an amazing partner.
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I don't know how well these scores will hold up with the next judge, but there is no way I am going to complain about eight 7s my first time out the gate and no 4s. Was it just beginners luck?

We have a lot to improve on for sure, but I am so relieved to have that monkey off my back. Now that we've actually shown at Second Level, I don't care how long it takes us to get it right. Just knowing that we're in the right neighborhood takes a lot of pressure away.
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And I wasn't the only rider in the class. There were two of us!
Test 2 up next ...
emma link
3/21/2018 06:22:10 am

congratulations! i like how in the video after you guys get through the canter serpentine it looks like you kinda take a big deep breath and settle in like, "ok we are really doing this and it is really ok!"

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/29/2018 08:48:53 am

I looked for the deep breath, but I couldn't find it. I know I gave a big sigh at the end though. :0)

Alanna
3/21/2018 10:41:27 am

That's a fabulous score. Well done!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/29/2018 08:49:18 am

Thank you. :0)

Val
3/21/2018 11:18:39 am

That was a great debut! You both made it look easy, but we also know how hard you have worked. I hope your pain is under control now. That sounds miserable.

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/29/2018 08:50:44 am

Thanks, Val. In was surprised how easy Speedy made it look. It was nothing like we get at home. I am so lucky to have a horse who does BETTER at shows than he does at home. He genuinely enjoys showing and always brings his A game. :0)

Mia link
3/21/2018 11:58:17 am

Woo Hoo!! Way to go!!

That was an awesome score too!

You made that serpentine look easy! I struggle with it.

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/29/2018 08:51:48 am

It was all Speedy! He pretty much does what he wants. I should just send him in alone next time; we'd probably get a 70%!


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
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
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    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
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    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
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