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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

There You Are, El Niño!

2/1/2016

 
This was not my intended post for today, but El Niño showed up in a BIG way yesterday bringing nearly an inch of rain to Bakersfield. There's been some teasing this winter, but nothing like the rain that we had yesterday. 
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Driving to the barn ... yes, those are oil derricks.
Let me put it this way: in the four winters that I've been at my current barn, there hasn't been a rainy day where I thought, "I don't think I'm going to get to ride tomorrow."
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I don't think i am riding today.
I moved to this barn just as California's drought was settling in for a good long stay. Every time it rained, I did the happy dance because it meant that I didn't have to water. Yes, I water in the winter; it's been that dry.
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I don't think i am going to be able to ride today.
Even when it does rain, it's usually just enough to maybe soak the dust down, if I am lucky. Within a day or two, we're dealing with dust again, and there are never puddles. Until Yesterday.
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A puddle!
We need the rain more than a non-Californian can even imagine. In the southern part of California's southern valley, where I live, we've had less than 10 inches in the last four years combined. While our drought might not seem to be something that affects you directly, I bet you've eaten grapes, almonds, beef, or wine from California.  This drought has been devastating to our economy, air quality, and over-all quality of life. I am grateful that my arena is a bit soggy.
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My drive home!
The funny thing is that while I probably can't ride today, I am feeling confident things will be dry by Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. That's California for ya!
jenj
2/1/2016 10:51:43 am

Wow, that looks like a lot more than an inch of water!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/1/2016 12:14:39 pm

The ground is very hard and dry so it doesn't soak in very well. The area where I took those photos is rich in clay so the water tends to just run off. And, an inch here is a massive amount, especially when it happens in less than 24 hours!

Nicole link
2/1/2016 12:05:12 pm

Is an inch a lot for Bakersfield? We got four inches over the weekend of Jan 16 (though only in certain locations, other areas less than a few miles away got only 1 inch) . It was neat! The ground is finally saturated so the creeks are starting to flow and reservoirs are getting filled. I don't like not being able to ride as much, but I DO like modest dents in the drought!

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/1/2016 12:21:17 pm

An inch a a HUGE amount. Our normal annual rainfall is around 6 inches. We've been getting a little more than 2 inches since the drought started, so yesterday we got half a year's worth of rain in one day. I am from Humboldt County, so I know what "real" rain looks like, so I know an inch doesn't sound like much. But when it takes all year to get 6 inches, a single inch in less than a day is pretty substantial.

I was at an endurance rider over on the coast about 7 or 8 years ago, and it rained 5 inches over night. It was pretty wet. If it did that here, the flooding would seriously be catastrophic! :0)

Nicole link
2/2/2016 11:23:37 am

Ah yes, you DO know what real rain is all about in Humboldt! Yeah, half a year's worth of rain in one weekend is pretty extreme. But hopefully you guys are getting some nice ground water buildup too!


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    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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    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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    About Izzy

    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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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