Belinda Trussell & Anton Score Double Victory at Global Dressage Festival *Video!

Two big North American dressage competitions wrapped up this weekend: the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI-W in Florida and the LA Winter Dressage CDI-W in California.

Belinda Trussell and Anton have started their Olympic quest on a high note by winning both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle in a wet & windy Florida.

"Anton was really hot tonight and I was hoping to keep everything in control and keep our harmony together. He was great. It really felt like I was riding a rocket. He's such a good boy, and he loves his job," shared Trussell during the press conference. "I'm so thrilled for these two wins and am sitting here in utter shock to be sitting in this company. It's wonderful to be here, and I'm so thankful to my owners and my family at home."

Watch their freestyle performance

British Columbia's pride and joy Karen Pavicic & Don Daiquiri also enjoyed a superb show, earning personal bests in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Speciale. Both classes count for ever-precious qualifying scores to represent Canada the Rio Olympics this summer.

"What a great start to the 2016 season! Don Daiquiri was wonderful and we earned personal best scores in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special with scores over 70%. And the exciting part is that there is still potential for more," said an excited Pavicic. "Thank you to everyone who makes this possible, I have a wonderful team and I'm grateful for each and every person who supports me on this journey. 2016 is going to be a great year."

Karen & Don Daiquiri schooling before the Speciale.
photo by Renee Mulder

On the West Coast, 2 more British Columbian riders were taking part in the LA Winder Dressage CDI-W being held in Burbank, California.

Joni Lynn Peters & Travolta rode to a 3rd place behind Steffen Peters with 66.180% in the Grand Prix, with Wendy Christoff & Treffer finishing 7th on 64.180%.
Peters also rode in the Grand Prix Speciale, moving up to 2nd place with 66.196%.
Christoff opted for the Grand Prix Freestyle, where she placed 4th on 67.375%.

Next up in the North American calendar are:
February 10 - 14: Global Dressage Festival CDI5*/3*/1*, Wellington, Florida
February 24 - 28: Global Dressage Festival CDI-W, Wellington, Florida
February 25 - 28: LA Winter Dressage CDI-W Burbank, California

Olympian Evi Strasser & Renaissance Tyme win the Best Horse Turnout Award for the CDI-W jog. The pair also won the Grand Prix in the National show.
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