Much has been said and analyzed since the USEF released its Spring Training Lists two weeks ago. While most everyone in the eventing community has an opinion about who should have made, the vast majority were disappointed to see Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz left off the lists once again. While Colleen could have thrown herself a pity party, she showed incredible poise and determination in the aftermath of the decision, as evidenced by a recent blog post in which she discusses her perspective on being left off the lists. Considering 2013 is just around the corner and it’s time to set New Year’s Resolutions and new goals, I thought this would provide some much-needed encouragement and motivation. Go eventing.
From Colleen’s blog:
Brian found (the image above) for me, and, well, it pretty much sums up my directives for the New Year. I will achieve my goals, come hell or high water. (Please not high water; that was last year.)
I was disappointed (to say the least) to not make any of the training lists, but the other side of that coin is, I have freedom to achieve my goals. It is what it is. I can’t change anyone’s mind about me, and I’m not sure I want that kind of responsibility. I want people to believe that I can and will, not that I might. Last year, I was upset about the situation, but I persevered; we had a good year, not great. We mostly improved, but now we need improvement and polish. This year, I’m beyond determined — fiercely focused and absolutely driven to not only achieve, but to surpass my goals.
Pau. We survived the carnage. Am I happy? With my horse, yes. He gave me what I asked him for. With me? Absolutely not. That cross country exploited every one of my weaknesses when I was already shaky on MY confidence. The show jumping intimidated me because of cross country. But did I learn from that debacle? Absolutely. Do I want to go back and do it better? Without question. I have sat down and gone over the films repeatedly, identifying the pieces that are currently being addressed. We all can watch Luke’s dressage and say what it doesn’t have, but there is no quick fix for teaching a horse how to compress and fold his post-straight legs underneath of him more to appear more uphill. It’s just a very slow, arduous process that can’t be rushed on an easily bruised dressage ego. In order for him to be successful in dressage, he needs to think that he’s as big of a bad @$$ as he knows he IS in jumping phases and that everything is easy in the ring. I believe that we are finally getting there. Show jumping is all about less is more with him; we will be spending our spring working on finesse and I’m sure lots of 10-pound fishing line to stop my tug.
CR (Colleen’s talented homebred) has started a list for this year. He’s taking names and leaving no prisoners. He’s almost more determined than I am to prove to himself that he is a rockstar in his own right.
I have a number of new prospects that I’m excited to have joining us. We are all looking forward to heading to Aiken soon, considering it won’t stop snowing. At least I have a nice indoor.
I know for a fact that I would not be where I am without everyone who has supported me. I think about each and everyone of you everyday, and thank goodness for all of you.
– Colleen
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney
