Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I am so excited to finally get to see a little video of Speedy working. There is never anyone around to hold a camera for me, so imagine my surprise when pal, JS, actually volunteered!!! I really hate watching myself ride, but it was really good for me to get to see how we're doing. There were some really funny bloopers, including me calling out, what the hell? as Speedy tried to change the subject, but I've left out most of those parts. This video is mostly our work at fixing some issues with our leg yield to the left. The biggest problem I am having is that Speedy is twisting his head to the right. I have been so focused on keeping control of his shoulder that I wasn't paying much attention to the rest of him. JL had me keep his outside shoulder from running off, but then she had me work on keeping his nose straight as well.
The second he gets his nose cock-eyed, he quits stepping under and over. You can see it in the video during one of the zig zags. The other thing she had me do was change something when I felt him lose the sideways. I either need to stop him and do a cowboy side pass or change the bend and leg yield the other way. He doesn't get to keep going, doing it incorrectly. Posting video is horribly humbling because every one of my riding "issues," to put it kindly, is out there for the world to judge. I never claim to be anything other than a lower level rider, but to see it in action makes me want to close one eye and squint with the other. We're making progress, but it's pretty darn slow!
Coming from someone who has totally BEEN THERE, you are so on the right track! I think the zig-zags are a great tool to help Speedy and you both understand the connection between your outside rein and your seat, and how to use that connection to keep Speedy from "passing you" with his outside shoulder. Remember your seat aids. More seat on the side he's "passing you" on to keep him there. A forward hip on the side you need him to step up and cross over with.
Val
2/13/2015 05:44:21 am
You two look great! You are making lots of progress!
Jenny
2/15/2015 02:52:01 pm
I'm enjoying your blog! I'm new to dressage but found these super cute dressage shirts online. You should check them out. 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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