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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Some Nice Photos

3/23/2015

 
Speedy has essentially had five weeks off. He's back to work now, but I'm going slowly with him. We started out with a walking ride, moved on to a very short walk, trot, canter ride, and then we did a schooling ride that was fairly short (20 minutes) where we focused on bending and leg yielding from a 15-meter circle to the rail. Over the weekend, we had a regular schooling ride with no modifications. He's sound, but stiff on the left rein.

I want to let myself be bummed out about losing some fitness (both mine and Speedy's), but I am not letting myself go down that path. Instead, I am just focusing on bringing him back to where we were a month ago.

During his five weeks "off," we did get two days with Christian Schacht, so I am hoping we haven't lost as much training and conditioning as I fear. While at the clinic, another rider was kind enough to shoot some pictures of Speedy while we were working. She sent them to me recently, and they couldn't have come at a better time.

They are just three weeks old which means that Speedy can't have lost that much conditioning and training while we struggled with getting him sound. I've enjoyed looking at them. Here are just a few of my favorites.

All photos by Cecile.
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Working on some lengthened strides at the trot.
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White Birch Farm has some lovely views!
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I am not sure what we're doing here, but it looks like spiral in, leg yield out. I love Speedy's expression - he's really trying hard!
Picture
Another attempt at lengthening the stride.
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This boy can definitely step deeply with those hind legs!
Hopefully, Speedy and I get back on track quickly!
Lauren link
3/23/2015 01:41:11 am

Looking good! You'll be back on track before you know it.

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/24/2015 12:07:46 am

Thanks. I sure hope so. :0)

emma link
3/23/2015 11:25:56 am

great pics!! he's got such a nice expressive face ;)

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/24/2015 12:08:30 am

He does! I never have to guess what he's thinking. Quite often it involves his middle finger. :0)

Dom
3/23/2015 01:09:36 pm

That second photo is positively stunning. Wow!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/24/2015 12:11:11 am

Thanks! I'll be sure to let Cecile know. And coming from an accomplished photographer, that means quite a lot. :0)

I think Speedy looks mostly great in these photos. Me on the other hand ... But whenever I get down on my position, I think to myself "Hey, I am the one putting him together like that. I can't be THAT bad of a rider." I love still pictures for that reason.

Tracy link
3/23/2015 11:19:14 pm

Wow, Karen! You and Speedy look great -- you've come such a long way in the last few years. You've got a lengthening and Speedy is just so much stronger! Just look at that booty!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/24/2015 12:12:11 am

Thanks, Tracy! Changing 16 years of an endurance riders position and way of riding was no easy feat. :0)

Deborah Kuo link
3/24/2015 01:02:58 am

that second photo is lovely!

Bakersfield Dressage link
3/24/2015 08:29:17 am

Thanks, Deborah. :0)

Tori link
3/25/2015 02:01:35 am

Cutie!


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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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
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    • 2015
    • 2014
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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    • Shopping List
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