Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Why is it that as soon as Daylight Savings Time ends, the weather also changes? It's not like we get that many cloudy days here in drought ridden California, but I kid you not, the first two days of reduced daylight hours were accompanied by dense clouds. And rain. But since we need the rain, I am not complaining. But still. The first Monday afternoon after we move our clocks back always provides a startling dose of reality, especially if you're like me and don't work a typical nine to five day. It felt like we lost at least two hours this Monday, and Tuesday was no better. Not only did I get to work an hour early on Tuesday, like I do every day, but I had an after school meeting that required me to stay an extra hour. Nothing like working two hours of unpaid over time. I know, I know - Call the wambulance already. By the time I got to the barn, it was already dark enough to need a headlamp inside the barn. I turned each horse out while I hand grazed the other. Speedy hadn't had a good gallop in at least a week so he was more than ready. After watching him rip around our newly rain soaked arena, I simply couldn't resist hopping on. I grabbed my helmet and a riding halter and jumped on bareback in my muck boots. He was caked with arena sand, but I didn't care. I had the most fun, and it was probably because I didn't have any intentions of riding. I didn't have time to make a riding plan or target any specific areas that needed improvement ... I just hopped on and lived in the now.
Speedy might not be the hulk of horseflesh that Izzy is, but make no mistake - he's a hunk. I hadn't worked him at the trot bareback in a long time. I was shocked at how much muscle rippled under my rear end. That boy is built! Sometimes squeezing in a bit of fun can change your whole day. I know my husband appreciated my perkier evening attitude. Thanks, Speedy G!
jenj
11/5/2015 06:17:30 am
Haha, love the "butt angel"! 11/6/2015 05:46:00 pm
Seriously, Lauren. To see it in real life would shock you. The thing is HUGE! :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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