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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Still on the Warm-Up

4/17/2012

 
In a very round about way.  But first, I want to share an endurance story ...

I don't want to give you the wrong impression about endurance riders.  Just like in any sport, there are a few pain in the patooties in that field as well.  I was nearly run down by an FEI rider at the 20 Mule Team 100 miler a few years ago.  I was walking down the trail, when from out of nowhere, an FEI rider came blasting up and blew by me without uttering a single word.  Montoya spooked pretty hard and I ... wait for it ... GLARED at the rider as she disappeared from view.  Did she see me glare at her?  I doubt it.  Would she have wondered what the hell my problem was?  Probably.  Who was in error?  No one.

You may not know this, but walking is allowed during an endurance race.  In fact, I walked nearly 200 miles of the Death Valley Encounter beside THE Grand Dame of endurance riders, Trilby Pederson.  Trilby holds the record for the most miles ridden by anyone, ever.  She has completed over 60,000 race miles.  To ride with her was truly an honor.  

You might wonder how that happened.  To be honest, it was because I was stuck in my trailer barfing from anxiety, and I missed the ride start.  I just couldn't get on my horse.  I knew that Trilby always started last, and finished last as well, so I formulated a plan to at least begin the ride tagging along behind her.  She agreed, and no doubt assumed I'd trot off as soon as the anxiety passed and I felt better.  As it happened, we were deep into a discussion about saddle fit when I realized that I felt fine, but it was too late to run off and leave her alone.  We agreed to hang out together until the first vet check.  As it turned out, we didn't part company until near the end of the fourth day.

Riding those 175 or so miles with Trilby was a true learning experience.  She taught me a lot about endurance riding and how to achieve longevity with your horse.  The only reason I left her on the final day was because she wanted me to get back to camp in order to clean up so that I could go to the big New Year's Eve bash being held back in camp with Hubby.  I argued, but she insisted that I hurry back for the party.  What a gal! Did I mention that Trilby was in her late 60s at the time?

So what does all of this have to do with the warm-up ring?  I guess I wanted to illustrate that I have encountered thoughtless riders in the endurance world, and I lived to tell about it.  And maybe I've even been the thoughtless rider.  No one ever thinks that they're in the wrong.  I have also gratefully accepted the mentorship of those most in the know.  I am a lifelong learner who doesn't hold a grudge.  I take things as they come, learn from them, and move on.

If you read yesterday's post, you no doubt saw the many comments, some pretty critical, and others more supportive.  I don't feel the need to further explain my point of view.  I think I made my point, but I wonder if an explanation of the blogging process is in order.  A Blog is a web log, a diary or journal of someone's experiences shared with those who care to read it.  Each person uses their blog in their own way.  Me?  I use it as a way to analyze and record my equine experiences.  For me, the topics that most interest me are equine health, endurance experiences, and my foray into dressage.

All of that means that this blog is simply my interpretation of my equine world.  Am I always right?  Certainly not.  Am I always wrong?  Definitely not!  Can we each see things differently?  Absolutely.  I will continue to get pissed about whatever pisses me off, and I will also delight in the things that amuse me.  And I will write about all of it honestly, from my perspective.

I don't need the last word ... ever.  With that, I close with this: The warm up ring is a confusing place with a lot of riders of varying levels of experience which tends to muck up the works.  Throw in a bunch of Type A personalities, and let the dance begin!  Please offer the last word, and I promise not to reply!
Lori Bertolucci
4/17/2012 12:28:54 am

Karen, it is too sad that there are those that feel the need to argue with you about your point of view. Now, to ask you to maybe see it another way, and nicely, that is one thing. We can all use another perspective to how something is perceived, but to get up in arms about someones view is a bit rude...just my 2 cents worth. And no, I am not a dressage rider, but I am an endurance rider...
I always enjoy reading your blog. You have a talent there!

Sarah link
4/17/2012 04:21:15 am

Amen!

Mia
4/17/2012 04:33:16 am

I love hearing your views, opinions, and experiences. You have great insight into things, and express it wonderfully.


Kelly link
4/17/2012 05:15:13 am

I enjoy your blog and I agree that most blogs are for the author to keep a diary or journal to reflect back on. I love helpful advice, encouragement, and different points of view - but people can be down right rude with their opinions!

I am a greenie and reading other blogs where the rider competes in Intro and Training level are great for me. Keep up the great work!

Val
4/17/2012 05:58:40 am

I think that I just got an idea for a warm-up related post.

See how inspiring you are!

Lori
4/17/2012 07:18:11 am

Hi Val
Whoa, I am booked for my very first show ever, training level and I have to tell you I am worried, well worried for anyone that runs into my mare, ms alpha would be happy to kick the crackers off any horse that slams her or runs up to her, I will have to tag her as a kicker, this will probably work out beautifully as all the riders will stay clear of me, kinda just like when I drive my big RV, back sign on RV says, nubbie driver and all traffic gives me clearance, I owe the rode...... As I will own the warm up... Thanks for the postings, I never thought about the warm up area...
Cheers
Lori

Mia link
4/17/2012 09:38:09 pm

Lori - Good luck at your first show!

My mare will kick too (if the other horse is way too close), and I thought about the red ribbon in the tail... but the only people who would notice would be the people you didn't have to worry about anyway. The idiots still won't notice, and will probably run up your butt, get kicked, and scream that it's all your fault. There are some serious whack jobs out there. Best bet is to spend as little time as possible in the warm-up ring (like 10 minutes). If you spend too much time in the warm-up then you get a tense horse, and you're screwed after that.


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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    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
    • 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