Belinda Trussell's Anton Retired from Top Sport, Tattoo Takes Over Torch

Dressage

Canadian Dressage News

Canada's long-time Grand Prix team anchor horse Anton has been retired from top level sport. Belinda Trussell rode her last competition on Anton at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August 2016. Anton will continue on as a schoolmaster for Abbey Simbrow, while Belinda will focus on Tattoo as her new Grand Prix ride.

The now 17-year old Saxonian bred Anton (by Antaeus x Melit) is owned by Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell. Since 2010 he was Canada's number one Grand Prix horse representing his country at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The bay gelding needed a long break due to injury between 2012 and 2014. He returned to full fitness and competed at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and 2016 Rio Olympics.

“He had a 2.5 year absence from the sport and the vets didn’t think he could come back,” explained Belinda. “My vet, Dr. Usha Knabe, was the one who brought him back for me and he was better than ever. The best thing I ever did was bring this horse back.” Mark Trussell added, “His major injury devastated us all, and it was with amazement that two years later he was totally healed and stronger than ever. We can easily say he is the greatest horse we’ve ever known.”

When asked what her career highlight on Anton was, Belinda replied, "I think my biggest highlight was the Pan American Games in Toronto. Competing in front of the home crowd was exhilarating. Anton never let me down in the ring, even when he was scared of the applause, he did his job. Another highlight was winning my first Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival last year. It blew me away to win the class, when the steward came to me with the blue ribbon, I told him, ‘That can’t be for me?’ It was a very special moment."

A New Chapter for Anton with Abbey Simbrow

Abbey Simbrow with Anton Anton will not retire to the field, but will become a schoolmaster for 36-year old Abbey Simbrow, who came to Belinda's yard for training and advice almost two years ago. Anton has now been leased to Simbrow, who began riding the gelding in September 2016.

"I knew Anton needed a new role and Abbey helped me feel confident he would be happy and in a great place. Abbey and I decided to do a test month before committing to a lease. Watching Anton with Abbey and seeing how happy he was with her showed me it was the right decision. She is grateful each day she rides him, she constantly apologizes to him if she makes a mistake. I told her she does not need to apologize all the time – Anton is fine! I love to see how much Anton gives her and how much Abbey gives Anton back in return. He really likes her, I can see it in his eyes."

Simbrow leaves the door open for Anton's return to the show ring as she aims to become a better Grand Prix rider.

"My goals are to continue on the path to refining my skills as a dressage rider," said Simbrow. "I have a fabulous young horse who will only gain in training from what I obtain from riding Anton, along with my clients and their horses. With the guidance and training from Belinda, my goal competitively is to create a partnership strong and exact enough to experience the big ring with the master!"

Tattoo Takes Over Torch

Trussell's 14-year old Westfalian gelding Tattoo (by Tuareg x Ramiro's Son) has taken over the torch from Anton. At the 2017 CDI Tryon on 21 - 23 April 2017, Trussell and Tattoo were 8th in the Grand Prix (65.820%) and third in the Special (65.804%).

Belinda Trussell and Tattoo at the 2017 CDI Tryon “This is Tattoo’s first year competing at the grand prix level,” explained Trussell. “We did three national shows in Florida, and Tryon was our first CDI. A horse in their first year of grand prix often has ups and downs. We had some amazing tests in Florida. Considering we had quite a number of errors in Tryon, I was pleased with his scores. The judges were all very positive and encouraging.”

Belinda reflects on no longer having Anton around at competitions.

“It’s a very strange feeling not having Anton at the shows,” continued Trussell. “Anton was such a professional and knew his job so well. Bringing along the green horses, you never know what you might get in the ring. But it is also nice to bring along new horses and learn about their personalities. I enjoy the process of learning how to develop each horse to their top potential. It takes time and patience. Each horse is on their own personal journey which cannot be rushed.”