Belinda Trussell International Announces Fall Competition Schedule

Top Horses Continue Development through Well-planned Competition Program for the Grand Prix Ring
with Canada’s Belinda Trussell

September 20, 2017 – Toronto, Canada – Canadian Olympic dressage rider, Belinda Trussell, has announced her fall competition schedule and goals for the 2017 season.

Since the semi-retirement of her Olympic and World Equestrian Games mount, Anton – Canada’s well-known and fan-favourite dressage horse – there has been curiosity in the equestrian community about which horse would be next to join her in the Grand Prix ring. Belinda's fall competition schedule will provide an opportunity for her to work with two exciting partners she has in development.

The primary objective of this plan is to prepare for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, Florida beginning in January 2018.

Tattoo 15 Cedar Valley CDI 2017
Tattoo 15 Cedar Valley CDI 2017

Really, my first goal is always to represent Canada well,” insists Belinda. “I take so much pride in showing the horses to the best of their ability and I want to demonstrate how I am developing them in a positive way.”

As it relates to the fall competition season, Belinda explains that she uses the Saugerties and Devon CDIs to assess the progress of the horses. “It’s like a barometer for me. I learn a lot about where each horse is in its ability and confidence in the show ring. We’re gaining valuable experience as a team each time we compete at such important venues. By the time we get through these shows, I have a good sense of what to work on in preparation for the Wellington winter season.”

The team behind Belinda Trussell International features owners and sponsors who ensure that Canada’s top Olympic dressage competitor has prospects ready to show their talent both on the Small Tour and the Grand Prix circuits. The two horses Belinda is competing in the Fall Series are Tattoo and Carlucci.

The Horses:

Tattoo is owned by Belinda and Mark Trussell. The 14-year-old Westphalian gelding (v. Tuareg/Ramiro's Son) bred by George Theodorescu, just completed his first year in the Grand Prix ring. This fall Belinda wants to take Tattoo’s quality to the next level by achieving consistently clean tests and maintaining his natural confidence.

Carlucci Cedar Valley CDI 2017
Carlucci Cedar Valley CDI 2017

Tattoo is an extrovert,” explains Belinda. “He has inner confidence and when we get in the ring he lets everything go. If he is upset he shows it right away; if he is happy he lets you know. When he wants treats, he makes that very clear, too. He is a character! I believe Tattoo has a great future and my goal is to raise that 69 to 70% average from this past season another few percentage points. When I achieve that in front of the CDI 3-5* judges at Saugerties and Devon I know I am on the right track. If not, I know what I have to work on later this fall in preparation for Wellington.”

The other horse, Carlucci, is completely different from Tattoo. The 12-year-old Hanoverian (v. Contendro I/Christin) bred by Dr. Michael Luehrs and owned by Barb Sinclair, has been with Belinda for two years; 2017 is their first year competing as a team. Carlucci is presently competing in the small tour (Prix St George and Intermediate 1) and training for the medium tour (Intermediate A and Intermediate B).

For me it is very important to get to know horses’ personalities,” says Belinda. “For example, Carlucci is a mouse in a lion’s body. He is a large horse, a big mover, but a bit insecure. I feel I was able to build his confidence this year and I would like to keep growing it. I want him to have fun in the ring, to have the ‘I got this’ attitude. If we can do that, we’ll be successful.”

Belinda's fall schedule:

  • Saugerties, New York, USA
    New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Fall Festival, HITS on the Hudson Dressage
    September 21 to 24
    www.neda.org


One of the dressage world’s shining stars, Belinda Trussell has represented Canada at two Olympic Games, the World Cup, three World Equestrian Games, and the European Championships. She was a member of the Silver Medal winning team at the 2015 Pan American Games. Belinda is supported by a stellar lineup of riders, grooms, and owners. The team’s home base is Oakcrest Farms, located just outside of Stouffville, Ontario, Canada. Learn more at
http://belindatrussellinternational.com.