Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I am not sure whether our 2012 season is finished, but I am guessing that for Speedy, the RAAC was his final show outing for the year. I had originally planned on riding him in Tehachapi on the 23rd in an effort to maybe get a qualifying score for the 2013 RAAC, but as of today, I am not feeling too terribly motivated. I had also planned to ride him at Hansen Dam in a schooling championship show. I know they'd really like to see us come, but again, I am just not that motivated.
If I do any more showing at all this season, it will be with Sydney. Yesterday, I sent in my entry for the Tehachapi show; I just want to see how he copes with the show atmosphere. I have no expectations of a high score, but I also don't want to walk away with a score in the low 50% either. I just want to get him in a dressage court for an Introductory class just to see where we are for next year. Is it worth the $100 show entry and a half tank of gas? I don't know at this moment, but my entry is already in the mail so it's a bit too late to worry about. I've had several people mention that ending the season would probably be good for Speedy - let him rest and all that. To tell you the truth, that boy can go and go. To look at him, you'd have no idea that in the last ten months he's traveled to 12 horse shows, most of which were more than two hours away. He also participated in two clinics, a ride-a-test, and a night-time trail ride at the park to see Christmas lights. He also had a lesson almost every single week for the last 13 months. Here's a recap of Speedy's show season:
I don't think Speedy cares if we take a showing break or not. His body and brain are in fine health and ready for our next adventure. He's not sore, his back doesn't hurt, and there's no sourness about loading up and heading out. Frankly, I know that he enjoys the stimulation that comes with traveling. I wish I had kept count of the number of people who came up to us the RAAC. So many people were attracted to Speedy's goofy and friendly demeanor. He's (nearly) always relaxed which seems to invite people to approach him. If anything, I am a bit tired of being gone so many weekends and coming home with a lot less money in my pocket. Speedy, on the other hand, looks as though he's ready to keep on trucking. I just love that boy! 9/11/2012 05:14:42 am
You're a brave woman to count up how many tests you did vs how much it costs. That's one figure I do my best not to know.
Karen
9/11/2012 11:44:43 am
Yeah ... kind a discouraging number. For this year only i am tracking every single penny I spend on my ponies. If your interested in seeing it, you can find a link here: http://www.bakersfielddressage.com/1/category/horses%20are%20expensive/1.html
Yay Sydney!! I'm thrilled :)
Karen
9/11/2012 11:47:22 am
Thanks! All I hope is that he remains calm and at least follows the movements. Okay ... a score in the high 50s would also be nice!
Karen
9/11/2012 11:48:01 am
Oh, he was pleased! He's a big dork. :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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