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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Settling In

8/3/2016

 
Yesterday I mentioned that I used last summer to get Izzy used to going places. This summer has been about going places and working. We've been to several schooling shows, trailered down to Moorpark for lessons, and even moved barns. I knew that moving would ratchet up his tension level. I was right.

The first day that I rode after moving my boys to the new place, they screamed at each other for 30 solid minutes without pause. I rode Izzy for nearly an hour because I did not want him to think that screaming earned him a respite.
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I LOVE that we get to tack up at an old trailer!
The next day was better, but Pacific Gas & Electric had sent out tree trimmers to clear the tree tops from the power lines so Izzy's tension level remained high. I rode anyway. By Sunday, the screaming was essentially over, and Izzy stood tied with his head hanging on the ground and a hind leg cocked. 

I have a lesson today with Chemaine Hurtado, and I am so looking forward to it. I know that Izzy is making progress, but I definitely need to check in with Chemaine to make sure I am still on the right track. I can now ride him wherever I want in the arena without worrying about any bolting or spooking, but unless I get really tough on him, he is emphatically refusing to soften his neck and accept the contact.
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He LOVES the bigger space!
We hadn't even tried cantering for the past few weeks as I was trying to get ready for the last schooling show and then we moved. On Sunday, I asked for the canter and had to work though a TON of resistance. He only wants to gallop with his head sky high. I eventually got a softish canter on both leads, but I am getting weary of the same discussion week after week. I am hoping Chemaine can pull yet another rabbit out of her hat. She always has excellent exercises to help me communicate better with him. Let's hope her magic is working today.
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Speedy will happily tie to a ticking bomb.
In Speedy news, we finally started cantering! The first day was just about picking up the canter for one circle each direction, but the next day I worked on changes of lead through trot and a bit of counter canter. All of my recent work with Izzy has helped me develop a MUCH better feel for the canter transition. Right away I was able to keep Speedy much softer through the transition than I had the last time we cantered in the spring. I could have worked on the canter all morning, but prudence reined its head, and I kept the work to a few minutes only.

​I am really enjoying my new barn, and I know the horses are just as happy. Sometimes a change is more needed than we know.
jenj
8/3/2016 07:01:48 am

Ok I read all the parts about how the boys are doing but secretly i was staring at the background of all your pics drooling over the new place. It's SO NICE! I'm glad the boys are liking it!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/3/2016 04:38:33 pm

It's a more on the rustic side than on the show barn side, But I am sooooo happy there. I LOVE all of the huge trees, the birds, and the many horse neighbors that my boys now have. It really is a very relaxing place. :0)

Elinor link
8/3/2016 07:25:11 am

You're admirable for doing all the things, and doing them all right. This whole thing with getting a new young horse steady in the tack and show brain ready is SO challenging, I'm with you on all levels there, and that you can squeeze in time for both working, AND training with both of your own horses like this is very, well, admirable :)

One of these days it would be so fun to meet, I'm sure it will happen at a horse venue somewhere. I predict I won't get to travel very far with my young mare until she's at least 2nd level, so look for us in, hehe, 3 years! :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/3/2016 04:42:06 pm

Thanks, Elinor. I don't have any kids of my own so that automatically gives me more time than most. :0)

I do hope that I am doing things the "right" way. Sometimes it feels like really slow progress, but after the lesson I had today (blog post tomorrow), I KNOW I am on the right path.

We will meet, I guarantee it! I am sure you'll be at 2nd far sooner than you think. I am the slow poke!

Micaylah link
8/3/2016 09:05:51 am

so happy to hear things are working out well!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/3/2016 04:39:14 pm

Thanks, Micaylah. I am really enjoying the move. :0)

Teresa link
8/4/2016 03:45:10 am

You will work through the tension but I hear you on the 'must we work on the same $T%# thing every time?

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/4/2016 06:07:28 am

LOL! To my delight, we sailed through yesterday's lesson with minimal tension. It was AMAZING! :0)


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
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home