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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Trail Ride #5

8/23/2013

 
Since Tuesday's ride had gone off with no real drama, I knew I had to find yet another way to challenge Sydney, and myself by extension. I am sure some of you are wondering why I feel the need to keep pushing his envelope. It's not because I want to master tail riding or anything, I've been there and done that. A lot. For many years. Over thousands of miles.

The only way I can simulate the tension that Sydney shows me in the show ring is to find places near home where he feels the same tension. So far, that appears to be most anywhere outside of the arena. As he gets comfortable in each place, I have to keep stretching to find a new place that causes tension.

My plan for Wednesday, which was still hot as holy hell by the way (99℉), was to skip the neighborhood loop and go straight to the grass field. I again gave Sydney a quick shower, saddled him up, and left the barn area. As anticipated, he dove for the grass, but this time I said, no, and urged him forward.

We passed the two barking labs with a small spook, but he came back to me very quickly and we continued on. Once we arrived at the field, I sent him in a circle in the grass. We road a circle or two at the walk, and then I let him graze. We did this a few times, moving down, and further into the field, after each circle.

When I thought that he was relaxed and listening, I asked for a trot. It wasn't great work, but at least it wasn't a hell bent for leather kind of thing either. He wasn't super round or completely on the bit, but his mouth was dripping foam, and he gave some really good stretches. There were also a few tense moments where I had to make the circle smaller and remind him that my spur was there, and I was prepared to use it!

We worked for a good twenty minutes and then made the turn for home. As we entered the last grove of trees, I have to duck a bit, Sydney saw an opportunity and threw a small fit that involved some crow hopping. Drat! I righted myself and sent him in some circles that required a ton of effort on his part. It seemed to send him a message. As we entered the driveway, I spent some time working on halts.

Each day, Sydney has shown drastic improvement. My secret goal (although not so secret now), is to work him in the field at walk, trot, canter without feeling like an explosion is imminent. At the walk, check. At the trot, mostly check. I don't know if I can get to the canter before Sunday's show.

We've made a ton of progress in a week, but I just don't know if it's enough.
Tracy @ Fly On Over link
8/23/2013 12:05:20 am

It's amazing the change in Sydney already! You might not get to the canter before your show, but you have all the tools necessary to get there!

Karen
8/23/2013 12:28:45 pm

Thanks - I wish the judge could just come to my arena!

lytha
8/23/2013 12:06:32 am

i'm so glad we agree on the temperature of hell: ) it's amazing to me how fast your progress has been. i can't imagine being able to ride my horse across a hayfield even at a walk. that is a far off goal. i hate it when horses use rider ducking under braches as an excuse to be bad!!! i so wish you had video or pictures of these sessions so i could visualize the events better.

Karen
8/23/2013 12:29:59 pm

I wish I had video, too, Lytha! You'll get there with your mare. Just dig deep and find a way. She'll get it if you are consistent and persistent - my two favorite things!

Austen link
8/23/2013 12:45:41 am

Sounds like you guys are really coming along. Good luck Sunday!

Karen
8/23/2013 12:30:21 pm

We're persistent. :0)

Karen
8/23/2013 12:30:49 pm

Thanks for the vote of confidence. :0)

Amanda link
8/23/2013 04:07:52 am

Sounds like you've got a very solid plan and you are implementing it very successfully so far! Great job!

Karen
8/23/2013 12:31:26 pm

Thanks, Amanda. We're at least moving forward.

Lauren link
8/23/2013 05:43:54 am

Your progress with Sydney has been huge! Just remind yourself how far you've come if you start to get discouraged.

Karen
8/23/2013 12:32:13 pm

Thanks for that. It doesn't feel huge. In fact, it feels as though we've taken a big step backwards. :0)

Sandra
8/23/2013 09:29:20 am

Just remember ANY progress IS progress! You have a lot to be proud of! Go back and read your blog from 6 months ago! You WILL be amazed at the transformation that the rest of us already see!

Karen
8/23/2013 12:32:51 pm

Thanks, Sandra. That's really encouraging since I keep seeing FAILURE. :0)

Val
8/23/2013 11:57:20 pm

The circle exercise is a really good one. Some groundwork routines use the same concept of controlling the feet and the body to get to the horse's brain.

Karen
8/24/2013 12:29:34 am

Last year, when things were gong downhill, that's what I went back to - lots of groundwork. Even now, before I let him loose for turn out, I move his hindquarters in the circle as he likes to occasionally bolt away from me when i slip the halter off. It is a very effective exercise.


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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    ​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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    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