Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Judges are like cops; they're never around when you need one. Yesterday I shared a blooper moment. Here's a completely different kind of moment from a few minutes later. Talk about a judge-worthy frame! I didn't have to "cherry pick" that instant either. I just hit pause and grabbed the screen shot. He didn't start the day looking like that, but it didn't take long to achieve it. It had been at least seven months since Izzy had been ridden anywhere but home, and he'd only been in the trailer to go to the vet. Even so, he and Speedy loaded up like perfect gentlemen for the 40 minute ride out to Amy's place. Amy has a beautiful piece of property. The turn out paddocks are nicely laid out, the barn is ample and roomy, and the arena's footing was great. The one draw back is parking. We had to park on the road. Even though she lives on a super quiet "street," I opted to tie my boys in one of her paddocks so that they were always in sight of one another. I didn't trust leaving one out on the road alone while I rode the other. Even with all of that newness, Izzy never batted an eye. He stood tied while I rode Speedy and when it was his turn, he marched into the arena like he'd been doing it every day. He was a bit tense, but he went right to work. Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, told me that my big take away for the day was to now keep thinking forward while I make adjustments to his frame. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but Izzy hasn't been able to handle more leg with more hand. Recently, he seems able to deal with me pushing him forward into the bridle without having a melt down. We're not "there" yet, but we're really starting to pull it together. Here's a short clip of us schooling some trot to canter to trot transitions. You'll see that at the end he starts to get tense and pop his shoulder. I don't have video of it, but I ultimately got him to settle back down and listen for the correct lead. He's sure fun to ride!
4/23/2018 04:47:25 pm
My trainer always she wins the warm up every time. LOL 4/23/2018 04:48:48 pm
Thank you! He is a COMPLETELY different horse! It's taken a TON of work and time, but I am so glad I stuck it out with him. I am not sure we'll make it to the show ring any time soon, but he is sure looking great! 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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