Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Nothing gets my little heart pitter-pattering like a box at the front door, especially one with Riding Warehouse written on. It's even better when I've forgotten that I placed an order! This was that little order I mentioned the other day - my Black Friday splurge. It would seem that I need some lessons in the meaning and application of "splurge." When I was heaping things into my cart, it sure felt decadent, but to see my little pile in person leaves me wanting more. That's okay, the bell boots were needed, and the whip has a delightful spring to it unlike my current broken one that is more like a soggy noodle. I have to admit to being a teensy bit disappointed by the Second Level Whinny Widgets book. I've been using these since riding Introductory Level. The thing I most love about them is the diagrams of the movements. I am guessing that by Second Level there are too many movements to diagram as this book just has a blank "court." I have a whole pad of blank courts and know where I can get more. I guess I am going to have to sketch it out myself - I can be pretty visual when it comes to memorizing. Oh well.
Having a box at the door is a great way way to begin the weekend. TGIF everyone! 12/4/2015 05:48:49 pm
I could, Emma, and I have plenty of them, but I really like to study the diagram just before I do my tests. The Whinny Widgets are pocket-sized so they're perfect for shoving in a coat pocket, but I think the dry erase marker would get smudged. I bought an app that was recommended by a friend, so maybe that will fill my visual need.
Karen
12/4/2015 07:11:16 am
The ES Dressage app allows you to diagram the test and then replay it and the movements on the app. I'm using it for the dressage tests for Working Equitation. My only complaint is that I am not very good at drawing, so my lines aren't as straight as I would like and my circles aren't entirely round, but that really isn't the apps fault. You might check it out since the Level 2 book doesn't have the diagrams. 12/4/2015 05:51:49 pm
I just bought the EquiTests 5 app which allows you to draw the tests, and it also shows the tests slightly animated. I am going to give it a try. At $9.99 it seemed a bit pricey for an app, but in the scheme of life it was cheap enough to try.
You aaaaaalmost convinced me to pick up one of those clearance whips, but with shipping I realized I could get one for the same price at a local store. Man... I am so happy to finally have a local store!! 12/4/2015 05:56:03 pm
If I had a local store, I would definitely have picked one up that way, but we have nothing for at least 150 miles! Seriously - in California. Who would have thought?!?!?! Comments are closed.
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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
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