Canadian rider Belinda Trussell rode it out through terrible rain and cold at the 2015 CDI-W Devon on 2 - 4 October 2015 to win both the Intermediaire A and Intermediare B tests. With only two horses contesting the medium tour classes, the competition was far from fierce but it served as good mileage for the rising Grand Prix horse in difficult circumstances.
Trussell and Tattoo scored 67.361% in the Intermediaire A and 68.810% in the Intermediaire B. Belinda told Eurodressage that the weather was just horrible, but that she was very pleased with her performance.
“Terrible rain and freezing cold made it extremely difficult circumstances to compete, so I'm particularly excited about the two wins with Tattoo," she explained.
Tattoo is bred by the legendary, late Georg Theodorescu and is Westfalian gelding by the Trakehner stallion Tuareg out of Monica Theodorescu's former Grand Prix mare Renaissance (by Ramiro's Son). Trussell purchased the horse from Monica when she took up the job as German team trainer and had less time to train her horses at home.
"Monica Theodorescu is a fabulous rider and trainer, so it is a privilege to have a horse that she not only bred but also trained up to Prix St George level," said Trussell.
Belinda adds that Tattoo is just starting the Grand Prix movements and she hopse to bump him up to start Grand Prix in Florida this winter.
“As long as he feels ready that is our plan," she added. "He is a wonderful horse with a huge heart and proving to be an excellent and reliable partner at the big shows! It took Tattoo and I over a year to bond. I felt that during that first year he really missed Monica. Now we are a true team and have a great partnership together.”
Trussell trains with Canadian Olympian Christilot Boylen and is based at Oakcrest Farms in Stouffville, Ontario.
by Sarah Warne - Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Scores: 2015 CDI-W Devon
Vinios Victorious in Small Tour at 2015 CDI-W Devon
Stenagers Welina, Grand Champion of the 2015 Devon Breed Show