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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Speedy G Can Be Totally AWESOME!

8/10/2015

 
He's a quirky fellow, of that there is no doubt. I could try and force him to be something else, but I've learned that he has a very distinct personality, and it's best to just try and work with him.

For instance, he will not tolerate being schooled five days a week. Don't even think about it. He's happy to be ridden five days a week, but some of those rides better include some trail work, poles, or at least a field trip. This is the reason I have two horses.
His work schedule is much lighter than Izzy's. Speedy can go three days in a row, but he'd rather not. Two days of work seems to be what suits his idea of a nine-to-five, but I've found that the third day is where we make the most progress, although it's usually ugly.

When we work three days in a row, and although it horrifies him, occasionally four, and then follow that with a day or two off, I am usually rewarded with a seriously WOW kind of day. That's what happened on Sunday.

Izzy got a field trip on Friday which meant it was too hot to ride Speedy when we got back. We went to the beach on Saturday, so both horses had a day off. When Sunday rolled around, I knew Speedy was ready for a good work out. He didn't disappoint.
Picture
Playing with Tobias at Shell Beach.
It's not like First Level is hard. It's about correct basics with more thrust to achieve better balance and throughness while also having a more consistent contact with the bit. So even though there is nothing complicated about the level, I want to make sure we get it right. And as "easy" as the level is, we're not done with it yet. 

I feel as though we should be done with First Level, but the reality is that this level is a major foundation for what's to come. Let the rest of the world zoom by us; I don't care. What I do care about is not squeaking by with a 60%. I want scores in the high 60s and even into the 70s.
Picture
Speedy got a "bitless" trail ride last week - his idea of the working life.
That means Speedy and I work, work, work the elements of the level. Having a few days off gave me time to think about what I could do to improve his balance and connection while encouraging more collection. I looked at some of the elements of Second Level and saw something that would help us.

In test one, the horse must perform a serpentine of three equal loops with simple changes of lead over centerline. While we can't do a canter to walk transition, I loved the idea of doing all of those changes of lead that weren't at X. I just figured we could do trot transitions instead of the canter-walk-canter.

I started out on a 20-meter circle doing trot to canter transitions at what would be B and E. I did those over and over first on a left lead canter and then a right. When I felt that Speedy was really listening, I gave it a try in a three-loop serpentine. And you know what? He got every change of lead the first time through the exercise.
Picture
Pretty much like this.
I was laughing like a hyena the whole time. He LOVED the exercise and did the transitions pretty much on his own. That dude is a total rock star. 

Sorry, ladies, but he's not for sale!
Judy
8/10/2015 11:16:12 am

I HEART me some Speedy G!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2015 10:31:44 pm

Me too!!!

emma link
8/10/2015 12:25:33 pm

what a cool horse lol. my mare is pretty particular about her work schedule too... doesn't like to work hard every day in a row, but gets better with more regular riding. it's a balancing act...

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2015 10:33:46 pm

Speedy used to get worked a lot more, but now that he knows his job, he's opinionated about how much he should have to do it. I am okay with it since I have another one that needs daily riding. And Speedy is great - he can be off for a month and go right back to work without a single shenanigan. I love that about him. :0)

Tracy link
8/10/2015 11:11:34 pm

I love that Speedy shows his personality so much. He's such a cool dude -- you're a lucky one Karen!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/10/2015 11:22:22 pm

Thanks, Tracy. It's probably less luck and more likely just years together. Izzy's personality isn't nearly as enduring to me as is Speedy's sassiness. :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.
    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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    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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    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
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    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

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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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    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
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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