Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Earlier in the week I wrote about Izzy's Show Kit and about the new pad I wanted to order for schooling at shows. Almost immediately two of you jumped in and gave me some great tips. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is that it provides such a great opportunity to connect with other riders. All of us have an experience or tip to share no matter our level of riding. One of the things I mentioned wanting to try was lavender. Lucy, a rider that I met at Horse Expo in Sacramento, mentioned that she thought lavender was banned from USEF sanctioned events. We chatted via Messenger, but because of her ideas, I started investigating ways to utilize lavender that didn't involve actually putting any on Izzy's skin. That search led me to HorseScents. HorseScents makes a product that attaches to a halter or noseband of the horse's bridle. Attached to the strap is a pouch filled with dried lavender. They offer a variety of designs and black or brown leather. Since the lavender doesn't come in contact with the skin, it won't show up on a blood draw or urine sample. Of course, if attached to the bridle, it would need to be removed before entering the show ring. Each pouch lasts for approximately a month. You can sign up for an auto-refill, but the re-fills are a bit pricey. The whole pouch is expensive actually. Before spending a hundred bucks and then another $35 each month, I need to see if Izzy even responds to lavender. I'm thinking about giving the whole thing a try via a much cheaper, if slightly messier, option. I want to buy a fleece noseband, although I think I might already have one, and a small vial of lavender essential oil. A few drops on the noseband might tell me whether Izzy likes lavender or not. If he does, the ScentStrap might really be what we need. So thank you, Lucy! The second great tip I got came from Nikki. After reading my post about the out-of-stock LeMieux pad, she instantly shared that Schneiders had the pad in stock for a cheaper price! Not only was it cheaper, shipping was free, and I earned a $20 gift certificate to spend on a later purchase. Didn't I just say I wanted to buy a fleece noseband and an ear bonnet to muffle sound? Needless to say, the pad is on its way to Bakersfield, California, arriving sometime between November 30th and December3.
Thank you, Nikki! And Schneiders? No worries, I can wait. 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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