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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Where's the Judge When You Need Her?

4/10/2018

 
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! 
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For reals?!
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. 
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Here's what I started with.
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.
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Just as nice to the right.
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.
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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.
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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! ​
Claire link
4/14/2018 11:46:47 am

Sods law! ..horses always seem to go brilliantly when no one is watching lol

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/23/2018 04:47:25 pm

My trainer always she wins the warm up every time. LOL

Sarah W link
4/16/2018 11:18:24 am

"He's sure fun to ride! "

I remember when you were posting the complete opposite. What an amazing transition this horse has made - and you've done it all! YOU ROCK!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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.

    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

    • USDF Bronze Medal - 2020 
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    Lapel Pin
    • USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
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    • USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
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    • USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
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    State Rider Awards
    • CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
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    Ruby Rider Award, 2018
    State Horse Awards
    • CDS Third Level Horse Performance Award: Speedy G - 2020
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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

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    2021 Show Season

    Show Rating
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    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
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    (Q) Must Qualify
    2021 Pending …
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    6/19-20 El Sueño (***)
    6/27 TMC (*)
    7/3-4 Burbank (***) OR
    7/17-18 El Sueño (***)
    7/25 TMC (*)
    ​8/14-15 RAAC (Q) (***)
    8/29 TMC (*)
    ​

    2021 Completed …
    ​10/24-25 SCEC (***)
    ​11/7-11/8 SB (***)

    2021 Qualifying Scores 

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    2nd Level Qualifying 
    3 Scores/2 Judges/60%:

    Score 1: 60.610% Bhathal
    Score 2:
    Score 3:

    CDS Championship
    ​2nd Level Qualifying 
    5 Scores/4 Judges/61%:

    Score 1: 
    Score 2: 
    Score 3:
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    ​Score 5: 

    Stuff I Read

    • A Horse Crazy American in Germany​
    • Avandarre in Dressage​
    • BB Quarter Horses​
    • Go Pony​
    • She Moved to Texas
    • Stubborn Together
    • Tales From a Bad Eventer
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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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