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

Trainer Appreciation Week

5/26/2017

 
Hallmark doesn't know about it, and I don't see it on my calendar, but it's a thing. I am declaring next week Trainer Appreciation Week. I've even got a sponsor. That's right, Riding Warehouse has stepped up and offered a $30 gift card for one lucky trainer.

Unless this is your first time here, you already know that I had a less-than -fantastic experience at a recent clinic. Unfortunately, I let that experience really dampen my enthusiasm for dressage and riding in general. Thankfully MANY people reminded me how much fun riding is and that I do it for the love of the horse. My enthusiasm has returned!
Picture
An oldie, but a goodie!
My own trainer posted a comment on Facebook reminding other trainers that they have a responsibility to build up their students rather than tear them down. So here is what I'd like to do. I want us all to stop and take a moment to thank our coaches and trainers for all the ways that they support and help us. If you have that kind of trainer, I am giving you a space to publicly acknowledge their awesomeness.

Simply leave a comment describing how fabulous that person is. You can give them a shout out by writing their full name or simply use their initials. Write as much or as little as you'd like. You can also comment on my Facebook page or private message me. Email me directly if you'd prefer. No matter how you acknowledge your awesome trainer, just make sure you leave your name and email so I know how to contact you.
Picture
My own trainer, Chemaine Hurtado.
Leave your comments by next Friday. I'll write everyone's name on a slip of paper and do a hat drawing over the weekend. On Monday, June 5th, I'll announce the lucky winner and email you the gift card code. You can present the $30 e-gift code to your trainer, or, you can buy a gift for them. Your choice!

I am going first by SHOUTING out to the world how AWESOME my own trainer is: Chemaine Hurtado, you are simply the world's best trainer!!!!!
Indi
5/26/2017 05:51:34 am

I ride with Leeanne Lloyd. As a 40-something rider who has been riding green OTTB'S for a decade or so I picked up a lot of defensive riding habbits. Leanne always builds up her riders and horses, instilling confidence in ourselves and each other. She encourages us to work hard and have fun. Love that woman!

Addie link
5/26/2017 08:21:50 am

I have to shout it from the rooftops: MINE is the best trainer!

Amber Luce is a one-in-a-million. She is always building people up rather than tearing them down; she really works on teaching people to RIDE, not just "sit there pretty" (like previous trainers have actually told me); she's concerned with the entire process of keeping horses (saddle fit, grazing habits, hoof care, horse mentality, body language, etc) not just riding.

My personal favorite part of her training style is all of the science she brings into it. Amber is fascinated with the biomechanics / physics of horses' movements. I'm a PhD student in science... I approach everything from that angle; to have a riding instructor who not only encourages a scientific viewpoint, but is incredibly knowledgeable about it is the most perfect thing in the world for me!

In addition to being an amazing trainer, she's also an amazing person. I came out to her as trans a little over a year ago, and she immediately switched to my correct pronouns and has continued to make her barn a safe and welcoming place for me. There are so many stressors out in the world: it's amazing to be able to show up at the barn and having nothing but kind and friendly faces. It really is my "happy place." She has cultivated an amazing community.

I can't imagine ever working with anyone else; I truly have found my perfect fit. :)

Sarah link
5/26/2017 09:56:20 am

You DO have a great trainer, one I respect and admire though I ride with another =D

I am so grateful for my trainer, Laurie Canty, who is unendingly patient yet also continually increases expectations to help her students improve. I am proud to not only be her student, but her assistant.

Karen Burch
5/26/2017 03:31:18 pm

Ashke and I have been taking weekly lessons since last September with Amanda Moore. She has trained her own horse and is showing at Intermaire I. She is kind, gentle and always positive. She is encouraging to both of us and Ashke seeks her out for her affirmation that he's done well. She has helped us so much that I don't have any words. She is a great trainer and a great friend.

Bonnie
5/26/2017 05:42:55 pm

Maloree Hanks is absolutely the best trainer. My horse Patron and I have been taking weekly lessons with her for the past year. Patron is a young OTTB, and I am an adult re-rider who came back to riding several years ago after nearly 3 decades (!) of not riding. Maloree is patient and thoughtful with us both. She is always upbeat and positive and likes to end our sessions on a high note when Patron and I have done something good! She makes us both look and feel like superstars! I don't know what I would do without her. I have learned so much in the last year and look forward to continuing to grow and develop with Patron under her guidance.

Kelly McNamara
5/26/2017 07:50:30 pm

I love my trainer, Lisa Scebbi! She is taking me from traumatized (by my last horse who performed a random equine-assisted gravity check that put me off riding for almost 6 years) to confident, little by little. She knows when to push me beyond my fears in a safe way so that I don't regress, and with her help, I found a wonderful mare who is my perfect partner! Hope she wins!!

Kim Watts
5/26/2017 10:37:26 pm

I have ridden with the talented Amy Miller. She is a wonderful horsewoman as well as person. She helped me get my previous youngster successfully to I1. Then helped me when it was time to make the decision to sell her and start over. Even though it would mean losing money while I started my new filly at home.

Stephanie Wilson
5/27/2017 06:37:24 am

What can I say, but I agree with you. Chemaine Hurtado. She is the BEST. Always makes you feel great, even after an awful ride. Never a word to make you feel like it's not worth riding.

Val
5/27/2017 12:07:07 pm

What a great idea!

My trainer is Diane Sept. She is among the most amazing horse people whom I have ever met. Diane considers the whole horse in everything she does. From biomechanics to saddle fit to dentistry and hoofcare, I cannot believe how much I have learned (and unlearned) while working with her.

Deborah
5/27/2017 07:32:04 pm

I want to nominate Anne Quinn, who is not specifically a dressage trainer but an all-around trainer I have been working with for over 20 years now. She does an incredible job finishing a horse, and they never forget what she teaches them. She is also really good at helping riders with the little things, and to learn to ride with just the amount of aid that is needed at the time. She has helped me through a lot of issues with a lot of horses and I want to thank her very much for all she has done.

SarahO link
5/29/2017 11:54:31 am

I am loving my first even regular dressage trainer, Sandra Oxtoby! She is a beautiful rider but even more importantly excels at explaining things so I can understand them and see what to work on and how to progress between clinics. I only wish she lived closer, lessons every 3 months is not enough!

Valerie Gabriel link
5/29/2017 07:22:57 pm

Shout out to my trainer Sean Cunningham. Through all the trial and tribulations of a pony and a client that gets injured, has surgery, and will take 12-18 months to rehab. Trying to keep the pony up to date and helping the client get back in the saddle so they can compete the next year. Not too many trainers want to take that on.


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