Bakersfield Dressage
  • 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

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

TMC Midsummer Dressage - Training Level, Test 1

7/24/2012

 
Picture
This is the M R B P F long side.
My warm up didn't go so well, but neither did my last schooling ride on Friday.  I don't know what was wrong.  Speedy has just been tense and not super thrilled with the idea of relaxing and working over his back.  Maybe I am asking for too much too tightly. I dunno ...

Even though I wasn't thrilled with how he warmed up, I went in with what I had.  Our trot down the alley felt great, and I actually felt like we were improving as the test started which is a novel feeling for me.  I was actually feeling good.


We started off with two sevens which confirms the feeling I had.  We also earned a six for our left lead canter depart which is huge for us.  The stretchy trot continues to be my nemesis; we earned a five.  We rocked the free walk with a seven (!) and even got a decent working trot at C (six).

And then things went all to Hell.  See photo just below.  Most of the spectators sit in the bleachers on the right, or they sit along the long side just under those trees. 

Picture
Sit where you're SUPPOSED to sit!
The "A" end of the arena doesn't really have pedestrian access.  It's just a sloping hill covered in foxtails and tall grass.  The warm up arena is down below, and there are cattle pens off to the left of the arena but below the berm.

For unknown reasons, three "spectators," and I use that term with jaw clenched, decided to approach the dressage court from over the top of the berm through the foxtails all the while chatting loudly and toting armloads of stuff: a folding chair, beach bag, and other miscellaneous hand-held items.  They popped into view just as I approached "P" during my right circle at B.

I felt Speedy suck back and pop his nose into the air.  I added tons of leg, but there was no way I could keep the right bend.  In a VERY loud voice, I yelled, "STOP MOVING, please!"  To their credit, they did stop moving, but the chair, beach bag, and other miscellaneous items also froze in midair where they had been swinging along.  This freaked Speedy out even more.

As I finished the circle at B heading back to A, I realized, in horror, that the spectators were still frozen with all items still hanging in the air in some weird version of Red Light/Green Light.  Holy crap!  I was able to get Speedy to pass, but it wasn't pretty.  I circled at A and tried to develop a right lead canter in the second half of the circle.  Uh ... yeah ... nope.  Speedy started and sputtered and moved his four legs in anything but a nice 1, 2, 3 canter rhythm.  I finally gave up and just got him by them again, for the third pass.  They were STILL frozen in place!

Our trot down the center line is one of our strengths so I did my best to pull him together for one last chance to salvage the ride.  It must have worked because the judge gave us a six for our effort.  We halted, I saluted, and then my lower lip started to tremble as tears threatened.  We left the arena as my new "friends" bumbled their way to their seats.  As I exited at A, the next rider gave me a that really sucked comment and then followed it with an atta girl, you handled that really well.

I moped my way back to the trailer still fighting tears.  I popped Speedy's halter on and made sure his hay and water were within reach.  Then I boohooed my way into the trailer and quickly dialed Cha Ching's mom for an attitude adjustment.  She knew just what to say, Damn those insensitive people!, and within minutes I had a smile back on and was ready to go ride test 2.

Here is the Training Level, Test 1 score sheet.  Our trouble started at movement 10.  Check out the judge's comment, distracted at P.  Yeah, ya think?!  Final score was a 57.500%  Click images to enlarge.
Sarah link
7/24/2012 02:47:01 am

First of all, congratulations on your left canter, free walk (that is really excellent), and starting off the test so strongly even after a tense warmup! That really stinks that those people spooked Speedy, and that he wasn't able to "get over it" especially quick.

Karen
7/24/2012 05:29:43 am

Thanks, Sarah. It's part of showing, isn't it? I am just adding the experience to my list of other showing foibles. The upside is that my list of funny stories is growing quickly! :0)

Kelly link
7/24/2012 03:05:54 am

Gotta love those obvious comments! At least you held it together till you left the ring...I would have been crying from '10' on :)

Karen
7/24/2012 05:32:54 am

I thought the judge was very generous in describing Speedy as "distracted." I guess the USDF doesn't have a judging term for Holy Sh*t/Freaked Out!

I hate to cry over dumb stuff, but I was SOOOOO frustrated! What a waste of time and money to have someone ELSE "ruin" my ride. I guess it happens to even the best riders though. At least we came back for test 2 with a smile and put out a good ride. :0)

AareneX link
7/24/2012 07:26:20 am

Frustrating, but nobody died AND you didn't hit the dirt AND you got a great story out of it.

A friend of mine was taking a dressage test years ago and THREE HOT AIR BALLOONS started inflating and rising up in the parking lot next door. Apparently she got good scores for "impulsion" but not so much on "quality of movement."

>g<

Personally, I'd probably kill you if I thought it meant I could inherit your 7 on free walk. Be proud!

Karen
7/24/2012 07:36:51 am

Hot air balloons? Seriously?! That's just asking too much. I am truly laughing out loud as I envision those balloons silently, or not so silently, rising into the air. Speedy's eyes would have been the size of dinner plates. :0)

Free walk is definitely not our "thing." On the trail? That horse can STEP OUT with a big over step and swinging back. In the arena, with H as our goal, he is rather unmotivated. I was pretty wowed by the seven myself!

Angela
7/24/2012 02:59:47 pm

I am so sorry to read about your first test. You'd think they would have known better; perhaps, they do now ;)
You should be proud of how well you rode on both test, and that you are out there doing it, come what may. I'm still riding in my back yard. You're my hero!

Karen
7/24/2012 10:43:24 pm

Stuff happens. At least it was just a "small" show where I wasn't trying to earn points to qualify. It just tells me that Speedy needs to learn to keep his focus inside the dressage court. :0)

There are two more TMC shows. Ask Debbie if she thinks you'd be ready to try one of them. I bet she'd encourage you all the way!!!!!

Val
7/25/2012 11:31:41 am

Wow. Were they horse people? Sneaking up a hill with a circus in tow in no way to approach the competition arena. Very strange. You handled it very well, though.

My pony once bolted due to a loud soccer game, which was apparently in progress a field or two down from the show grounds. I was just happy to stay in the arena!

Karen
7/26/2012 07:03:55 am

They were probably friends of horse people. The truth is, it just means that Speedy wasn't really focused on the job at hand. That's what lower levels are for I suppose. And, you just never know when something is going to happen that is out of your control - like a soccer game. Better to learn now how to get his attention back than later when the score REALLY counts. :0)


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!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    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
    Picture
    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%
    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
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


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