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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Slow Down Sunday

8/4/2015

 
I finally took a day off from the barn. On Saturday, I woke up and just decided that the boys could live without me for a day. It was the first day I hadn't been out there all summer. I was right - they survived.
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Climbing the little hill
When I woke up on Sunday, I realized my motivation was still pretty low, but I dragged myself out there anyway. I decided that Speedy could use a day to just piddle around the neighborhood. I hate to use that excuse too often, but it had been a while since he had done something other than school, lesson, or show.
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These three always run out to greet us.
The neighborhood trail isn't much of a trail, but it's better than being stuck in the arena. Speedy's favorite parts of it are grazing the few grassy areas and visiting with the neighborhood horses. 
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Not much here, but he enjoys looking.
We ended up bumping into Connie, a student of JL's, who was out walking her dog. I actually thought to ask her to take a quick picture to prove that Speedy wasn't out there completely on his own.
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Sporting my new Kastel sun shirt - more on that later.
Connie tried to coax a somewhat more pleasant expression from the speedy pony, but this was the best he could muster.
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Still not a smile, but at least he looked at her!
As we were finishing up, Izzy saw us coming - I had turned him out at Laurel's. He didn't know we had left the barn, so when we came around the end of the property, I saw him give us the most confused look. It was almost as if he was saying, Wait! I think I know those guys! And when I called out a greeting to him, his ears pricked forward, and he came galloping toward us screaming, I do! I do know those guys!
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I think I know you!
Hilarious.
Lauren link
8/4/2015 12:33:00 am

That is a very handsome trail riding tack & outfit setup :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/4/2015 04:07:03 am

Aw ... thanks, Lauren. Nothing special - just our regular gear. The shirt is new, but by the end of the day it was looking pretty grimy. It cleaned up nicely though. :0)

Rebecca link
8/4/2015 02:01:10 am

Look how handsome and fit Speedy is looking! His muscles have developed noticeably :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/4/2015 04:10:22 am

To me, he always looks like the same dorky dude that I bought 8 years ago. The only way I can see the difference is if I look at old photos. It's always nice to hear that your horse is developing a nicer form, so thank you! :0)

Sarah link
8/4/2015 09:23:27 am

I piddle around at least once a week and I ride half as much as you lol! Love that new shirt on you!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/4/2015 10:28:18 am

LOL! While I love to trail ride, that's more in my past. Now my focus is so "laser beam" that I (erroneously) feel like trail work is a waste of time. Of course it's not, but there's so much to work on in the arena that when I am not there, I feel like time is being wasted. :0)

And thanks, I LOVE the Kastel. I am sendng back the Smartpak version, keeping the Ariat version (which is only okay), and I just now ordered the EIS version. I am on the bandwagon! :0)

emma link
8/5/2015 10:59:52 pm

speedy looks so good! sounds like a really pleasant outing - i definitely try to mix things up a lot for my mare, between focused flat schools, jumping, and hacking out in the trails... still maybe haven't found the best balance for optimal dressage schooling but she hasn't gotten sour on me!


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    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
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    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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