Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
The 68% got me kind of distracted. I knew the ride was trouble-free, but I didn't feel it was that good. Fortunately, I had an hour to let the giddiness subside so that I could focus on test 3, the harder test. For my first warm up, I pretty much did serpentines. TMC's warm up ring is GIGANTIC so there is plenty of room to do whatever you want for a warm up. The serpentines really helped for the first test, so I did a few more before my second test. My biggest concern for test 3 was staying on course and performing the single loops with enough bend. There is also that canter-trot transition at X that has been tricky in the past. As I approached that transition, I was so focused on getting a good downward that I accidentally did the transition at C. Right before the judge could ring the bell, I realized my mistake and quickly re-cued for the canter. The downward at X was a bit awkward as Speedy had only just picked up the canter. Even though the judge hadn't yet rung me off course, she did deduct 2 points. Nothing like lowering your own score through stupidity. :0) Our final score was a 62.200% - respectable for sure. I was pleased with the score and felt the judge's comments and scores were accurate and fair. When I saw the photos though, I was HORRIFIED; they were worse than the video. My hands are a mess and I need to sit up!!!!! The judge was either kind (my go-to explanation) or it's not nearly as bad as it looks to my eyes. She gave me 7s on Rider Position and seat for both tests. When I talked it over with my trainer, she felt that I was disappointed because I know more this spring than I did last summer; I know what I want to look like and what I need to get there. So without further ado, here are some photos ... My trainer wants me to ride with a crop in my hand (bridged) for a little while to see if I can fix this. Fotunately, a lot of this stuff will be fixed if I can sit up and keep my hands even. I clearly need more outside rein to control the bend and less tugging on that inside rein. But I knew that in yesterday's post, too.
Many, many thanks to CT for taking the time shoot the video from yesterday and these photos. They were very helpful.
Carly
5/28/2014 02:01:17 am
I'm always under the impression that I do such a good job with keeping my right elbow tucked in, but then I look at pictures and it's off trying to make friends with people. Comments are closed.
|
About the Writer and RiderI 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. About Speedy GSpeedy 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.
About IzzyIzzy 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.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
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
|