EN would like to congratulate Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz on their 16th place finish at Luhmuhlen CCI****. This is now the third four-star they have finished clean on cross-country. Keep up with Colleen and read the latest updates on her site at colleenrutledgeeventing.com. Thank you for writing, Colleen, and thank you for reading.
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Colleen and Luke at the Wednesday jog
From Colleen:
Luke looked amazing today. He has the most amazing metallic sheen to his coat that is just eye-catching. His braids were fabulous, if I do say so myself, and he was BOUNCING! Just my favorite after running a four star. I love it when they announce that he’s been accepted before I reach the end of the strip! Mom took the fire breathing dragon back to his cave so I could watch the rest of jogs with the Woff. This whole event has been an amazing education for me. Just to see so many incredible riders in one place, has increased my knowledge base. I am so fortunate that I have the support and ability to not only visit these wonderful places, but to also compete with my partner in crime.
Show jumping was a bit of a disappointment for me. My horse didn’t pull two rails, I did. I collapsed in my core which made it impossible for him to correct my mistake of not making a decision. He was jumping fantastically over a great course and I wasn’t there enough to help him through two related distances. But what is, is and as long as I’ve learned then we can move on. Unbelievably though, I moved up to 16th! I’ve now been top 16 at two out of three of my four stars! I’m quite tired today, but feeling happy. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me in any way, I really appreciate it!
Now, we are packed and hopefully we start our travels home tomorrow!
–C
Update from Colleen: When I left the show grounds, I was in 15th, but Karin Donkers had logged a protest about her time in SJ. She, while cantering a circle getting ready to begin, ran over one of the jump crew. Totally not her fault, as the guy was talking on the phone and walked in front of her. At the same time, the judges rang the bell to begin, and through the commotion, she didn’t hear the signal. After she saw time was already started, she commenced her course. Obviously, she didn’t deserve to have that extra 25 seconds tacked on her score when she thought she killed some jump crew. Oh well, my pony is still awesome!
