In this quick read, a rider from Region 6 shares her ongoing journey to checking each USDF Rider Medal off her list!
By Helena Rouhe Beat
My approach to riding, training, or competing is I push myself to be better and move forward. Just like a horse that gets fussy if asked to do the same thing “too many times,” I become agitated if I need to stay put for “too long.” So, no shock here; I do not always wait for the bigger scores (over 67% – what is needed to earn a Rider Medal with Distinction) to move up. I need to experience the big picture in order to appreciate and value the details needed to improve overall performance.
67% or higher is no small feat. The gauntlet has been thrown down for the US Dressage program, thanks to Christine Traurig and the USDF Dressage Development Program. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainer’s Conference in January this year with my coach. It was super in so many ways, AND it confirmed for me – on a deeper level – the importance of the details. A transition is not finished until you are completely through to the desired next thing. It’s so simple and so easy to rush through in an effort to get to the next thing. Slow down, maintain momentum, keep the balance, prepare, and ride through every moment. Thank you, Christine!
This year, I had BIG plans. I was ready. Then, show season started, and after a couple of shows, I realized my BIG plans needed to adjust to big plans. I have a beautiful draft mare I use for dressage lessons. The blessings of having a schoolmaster(s) is a story for another time. I decided it was time to take Luna to a show at the prestigious age of 21 and see if she still had what it takes. And maybe, I could earn a distinction score over 67%. We did!
Now, I find myself with new goals. I want to foster the knowledge and understanding I have gained from over thirty years of dressage and relish in the details. Now, I can do this. Now, I appreciate the nuance. I am at a stage in my training where I see and appreciate the value of the details. I am curious about them; I see and FEEL what a difference it has made in my riding.
This year, I am happy to report I have earned my USDF Bronze Medal with Distinction and my Silver Freestyle Bar. I have my Silver Medal and scores toward my Gold. So, what’s next? You guessed it… Distinction in both Silver and Gold, along with a few other things, of course!
This will take time, and isn’t that the point? Dressage is a journey of learning and understanding, but mainly staying curious. Stay curious, my friends – it’s worth it!
About the Author
Riding and competing in dressage since 1993, Helena is a USDF L Program Graduate and recipient of the USDF Silver Medal, Bronze Medal with Distinction, Bronze Freestyle Bar, and Silver Freestyle Bar. Outside of the arena, Helena works as a program director for a telebehavioral health company. She is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a Certified Eating Disorder specialist, developing a framework to improve coaches and counselors’ work with their clients more effectively, resulting in quicker and longer-lasting results.
