Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
We had a great time at this Saturday's Breeders' Cup Championship. I've been to some big sporting events (ball games, hockey, basketball), but never to an event with 61,000 people. The roar from the grandstand was impressive when you stood out in the infield! It rained really hard on Friday night and Saturday morning here in California, the first time we've had any real rain in about eight months, so the track was muddy, but the air was crystal clear. There were clouds all day, but it kept the day cool and made for some lovely views of the San Gabriel Mountains, which sit behind the track. We arrived fairly early which gave us time to walk around, get some mimosas, do some people watching (lots of hats), and place our bets. We bet on all twelve races, earning money on more than half of them. The final race, The Classic, was quite exciting even though California Chrome didn't win. I have a video of the horses rounding the far turn as they gallop to the finish line. I'll try and have it ready to share for tomorrow. With that, here is a slew of photos from the day. ![]() I took money home on half of the 12 races. I was cheap for this trip, so all my bets were to show only, but it turned out to be smart as most of my horses only "placed" (2nd) or "showed" (3rd). This one was actually a winner. On my lowest return bet, I got my $5 back plus $0.50. I was almost embarrassed to turn the ticket in!
8 Comments
11/5/2014 09:33:15 am
No where near as nice as yours - that's for sure! :0)
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11/5/2014 09:34:41 am
It was a bit of a purple fest, and fans were encouraged to wear purple too. The BC will be in Kentucky next year, but I think it's back at Santa Anita the year after. Keep it on your radar; it was really fun.
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Judy
11/5/2014 10:07:42 am
Great Photos! Especially the ones of you and Sean! :)
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11/6/2014 09:42:02 pm
Not only was as he a jockey, but apparently she was VERY good. And here I thought she was just a pretty face for TV.
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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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