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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

What's Wrong With Speedy G (part 4)

2/15/2014

 
Before I even continue, I want to express my sincerest thanks for your kind and supportive comments over these last few days. I assure you, I have read every comment, and I would love to reply to everyone individually, but this week has really kicked my butt.

If you've read the first three parts of Speedy's little tale of woe, you know that I declined the MRI and opted for the Wait and See approach. I am still waiting, and I don't see too much difference except that Speedy is quite perky and hasn't taken any more of those OH MY GOD MY FOOT IS KILLING ME steps. At least not as of Friday night. For that I am grateful.

This post really isn't about Speedy, though. That title is a serious misnomer. It should be titled, What's Wrong With Speedy's Owner? And even that might be a misnomer of sorts. You see, I had big plans for Speedy and me this year; big plans. We have been kicking some serious butt in our schooling rides, and First Level was calling our names. I had my show calendar filled out and was prepared to qualify for the CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competition at Training Level and First Level.

And now … zip, zilch, nada. Ouch.
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Not for us ...
So what's wrong with Speedy's owner? An emphatic nothing. 

I desperately wanted to throw myself a pity party. I deserved a pity party, and I was fully prepared to wallow in pity for weeks. Months even. But I didn't, I haven't, and I won't.

I quickly realized that heading down that path was a lot like polishing off a half gallon of Dreyers Cookies and Cream. Those first ten bites are sooooo sweet and yummy. And even the next 10 bites are pretty darn good. But then you get to halfway, and you realize you're not feeling so good, but in for a penny, in for a pound, right?! That night, you feel like absolute crap as you fight nausea, and then you're pissed for a week as the scale goes up each time you step on it.

So yeah. A pity party is a lot like eating a half gallon of ice cream. I knew it would be so satisfying to cry a little bit and feel sorry for myself, but I knew if I started, I wouldn't be able to stop. And then, I would feel really crappy about the whole situation which would make working with my other, already difficult horse, that much harder. And before you know it, my happy place, the barn, would no longer be my happy place, and then life would just suck. Have you ever read, If You Give  a Mouse a Cookie? Throwing a pity party is a lot like that.
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One thing just leads to another.
So I am not going to cry, and I am not going to whine about missing a show season. Instead, I am going to love on Speedy and feel confident in his quick recovery, that abscess could still blow after-all, and I am going to spend a lot of time riding Sydney. Instead of USDF shows, I am going to focus on taking Sydney to some schooling shows and some CDS shows.

Speedy and I will enjoy our afternoon walks, we've already done several, and once he can carry me again, we'll happily tootle around our neighborhood trails.  And I am quite certain that in six month's time (or sooner), we'll be ready for at least one late season show!
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How much more handsome can a dude get? (photo by Lori Ovanessian)
Amanda link
2/14/2014 11:57:17 pm

Great attitude!

Judy
2/15/2014 12:11:49 am

Good for you!

Angela
2/15/2014 12:40:27 am

CHEERS!! Clink, Clink...

Dom
2/15/2014 12:41:17 am

I love your attitude <3

jenj
2/15/2014 12:42:04 am

It is SO easy to be dragged down when your pony isn't feeling well, especially when things are going so well, only to grind to a halt. Kudos to you for having such a positive outlook on things, and changing your plans to fit your horses' needs. And best wishes for a Speedy (harhar) recovery for your boy!

Melinda F link
2/15/2014 12:59:59 am

Catching up on my blog reading and a Saturday morning and just finished the saga of Speedy. So sorry! Sending thoughts that it will be a short and uncomplicated recovery!

Amanda link
2/15/2014 01:00:10 am

I had nearly that exact thing happen to me when Tristan came up lame - we were just about to really rock a few shows after a summer of building. I struggled for a long time too. You're way ahead of me there - great attitude, and I'm glad that things are looking up!

martina Peterson
2/15/2014 02:08:58 am

well I'm really sorry about Speedy but I'm happy that you have a good attitude about it all. Life can sure throw us curve balls that's for sure. Love you lots.

Val
2/15/2014 05:14:04 am

May Speedy have a fast recovery. I think you will still have a fun season with Sydney.

Lauren link
2/15/2014 01:18:26 pm

You always have such a positive attitude so this post doesn't surprise me :) I'm hoping you get back at it sooner than you think!

Virginia
2/15/2014 10:37:07 pm

Been there, cried those tears. Your attitude is awesome. Wishing the best possible outcome for Speedy, and hoping this year holds some pleasant surprises for you.

Sarah link
2/17/2014 02:07:34 am

In the face of major upset I vacillate between that positive outlook and wallowing in misery. Wishing you continued strength for positive viewpoint!


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.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian
    Email Karen

    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.
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    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 Second Level. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    October 2020

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    I love her stuff!

    National Rider Awards

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    • USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    Ruby Rider Award, 2018
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    3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    • CDS Second Level Horse Performance Award: Speedy G - 2018
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    2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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