Belinda Trussell and Royan II are busy gearing up to represent Canada at the 2004 World Cup Finals. The pair have been in Europe training with Christilot Boylen and Udo Lange.
They recently competed in their first indoor European show at the CDI-W Neumunster February 19-22, 2004 where they received 65.58 % in the Grand Prix. This gave them a respectable 9th place finish within a very strong international field.
"The indoor atmosphere is quite difficult, it is very tight in the ring." explained Trussell. "You actually have to ride inside the actual test ring because there is not enough room to go around the outside. That can be tough on horses, and Royan II is not thrilled with everything being so close. He is not a horse that will blow or lose it, but he will get behind me if I am not careful."
Trussell felt their test was clean and neat, but would like to develop more brilliance in the ring before the World Cup Finals.
"What is important for me is to get out in these European shows because the atmosphere is much more electric. For instance the warm up can also be very tight and there are schedules when you can ride. The day I arrived at the show I had to ride through a crowd of 100 people to get to the ring and once I was in the warm up area I was riding with all the jumper riders. These are the kinds of things the horses have to deal with over here. "
The CDI-W Neumunster saw many of the top riders out with their first-string horses. This included class winners Martin Schaudt with
Weltall VA (72.83 %) , Isabel Werth with Satchmo 78 (71.83 %) and Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff wit Renoir-Unicef (69.46 %).
Following the World Cup Finals, Trussell plans on remaining in Europe in order to train and attend more European shows. "At the CDI's in Europe, there are 30 plus horses in the Grand Prix at the outdoor shows. To compete in that environment is so inspiring and challenging." said Trussell. The duo then plan returning to Canada in order to compete in the Olympic trials.
Trussell and Royan II were the winners of the Canadian League World Cup Finals held at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair during November of 2003. This will be their first time representing Canada at the World Cup Finals. The pair were also part of the Canadian Team who competed at the 2003 European Dressage Championships (Hickstead, England) and earned Canada a berth to the 2004 Olympic Games.
Image copyrighted: Kathryn Eitutis
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Belinda Trussell Wins 2003 Canadian League World Cup Finals