Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Tomorrow is Sydney's first dressage show. I am actually pretty darn excited about it.
The summer series in Tehachapi is CDS-rated, but the show managers strive to keep the series fun and relaxed. It's always a very low-key affair. The warm up is huge, and the parking is wide-open which makes it easy to give yourself lots of room, especially since most everyone ties at the trailer. So far, all of our preparations have gone well. Sydney is more confident off the property, and I know how to keep him relaxed and happy. Ineke, the friend staying with the barn's owner, showed me how to pull his mane. It's embarrassing to admit that I didn't know how to do it, but I've never needed to pull a mane. I keep Speedy's mane long and just do a running braid for shows. I've owned Sydney for more than a year, but pulling his mane seemed a low priority. Until now. It's not pulled all the way, but it's getting a little thinner. Ineke has offered to help me braid him on Sunday morning. We'll see if it works out. I have pretty decent times for the show. I asked for the latest possible times as I didn't want to rush Sydney. It takes an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Tehachapi which means I already have to leave pretty early. The Intro tests are always first which mean they start at 8:00 a.m. or sooner. Do you remember Angela? I shared her story a month or so ago. She's showing again, but this time we're competing against one another. I've already told her that she's a shoe-in to kick our butts! Here are our times. Click to enlarge.
Judy
9/22/2012 01:39:36 am
Have fun Karen, I'm sure you'll do well! You can do it Sydney!!
Karen
9/22/2012 10:20:42 pm
Thank you, Judy. I passed your "atta boy" on to Sydney and he nodded his consent. I hope he believes you! :0)
Angela
9/22/2012 03:07:23 pm
Today has been super busy; we’re as ready as we’ll ever be! I am discovering that I really enjoy all the primping and prepping, the shining and polishing, and even the last minute stressing: /
Karen
9/22/2012 10:23:12 pm
I am so glad that you're enjoying the process! My goal is to just make it through the tests without a meltdown. :0) 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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