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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Third Level Debut

6/14/2019

 
If you would have told me back in the beginning that Speedy and I would make it to Third Level, I would have known that you were lying to me. How in the world could a rangy endurance horse and his grimy rider become a sleek and polished dressage team? That just doesn't happen.
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It's a good thing he's forgiving.
I never had a formal lesson until I was an adult. I could post, but I didn't know how to change my posting diagonal. I could ride fearlessly over the toughest terrain, stick almost any buck or rear, but I had no idea how to put the finishing touches on a horse, the stuff that makes a horse truly beautiful.
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We've both come a long way!
And yet, here we are. Tomorrow morning we'll be showing Third Level at a two-day USDF-rated show. I should be more nervous, and maybe I will be tomorrow, but for now, I feel pretty confident. I don't expect to wow the judge, but I am still excited to get out there to find out just where we stand. What's good, what's great, and what needs more work? I am looking at this show as an opportunity to get an honest critique of our work so far.
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I think he's actually lifting his back!
Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, came out for a last, pre-show lesson on Saturday. This time, the lesson was all about tightening up everything in order to give us some kind of chance at getting a qualifying score.
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The shoulder-in is getting so much better.
At every moment she was shouting some kind of reminder:
  • more bend in the corner to PREPARE for the shoulder-in
  • shoulder-in to PREPARE for the trot half pass
  • get him SOFT before the canter half pass
  • get him SOFT before the release of the reins in the canter
  • THINK shoulder-in for the extended canter
  • HALF HALT before the extended trot and ride it UPHILL
  • LEG ON at the end of the medium trot
For every single movement she's given me a short directive to help me prepare for each movement. I can hear her in my head as I ride. Once Speedy is warmed up and listening, we can do each movement, even the canter half pass (sort of).
Of course getting Speedy listening and willing to move his bootie can be a real challenge. These next pictures show a behind the scenes view of what has to happen before we look show ready. You have to admit that the dude is super athletic. It's just a matter of channeling it in the direction I want us to go.
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"Let me RUUUUUN!"
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Put your left leg in, put your left leg out ...
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Put your RIGHT leg in, put your right leg out ...
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When there's not room to kick out but you shake it all about.
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And in case you wanted to see it from the front.
Even with all of his No No Nos, I am still feeling confident. Speedy loves to show and always brings his "A" game. And like Chemaine pointed out on Saturday, If they're not being opinionated, you're not asking for anything new or hard. And the only way to get better is to ask for new and hard.
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Saturday's ride times.
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Sunday's ride times.
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Sassy, but getting some jump to that canter!
If you've got a few minutes, wish us luck. We could definitely use some. Have a great weekend! 
Alanna link
6/14/2019 08:23:35 am

Congratulations on your debut at third level and good luck! What an accomplishment.

Bakersfield Dressage link
6/18/2019 05:55:06 am

I am not sure getting to Third is much of an accomplishment, but I am relieved to be there. :0)

We didn't score as well as I had hoped, but I had a great time and learned a lot. Onward (and hopefully upward). :0)

Mag
6/14/2019 09:15:01 am

Good luck!

Bakersfield Dressage link
6/18/2019 05:55:24 am

Thank you, Mag!

Laura link
6/17/2019 05:02:30 am

I'm a bit late - but I hope you had a good show! Looking forward to hearing the report!

Bakersfield Dressage link
6/18/2019 05:56:08 am

Thank you, Laura, I had a great time. Show recap on its way!


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.
    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    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.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    My favorite breeches!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    I love her stuff!
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    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
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    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
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    2023 Show Season

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    ​2023 Completed …
    Pending

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    Qualifying Training Level
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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