On Feb. 1, the Fédération Equestre Internationale released the newest para-dressage individual world rankings, and Roxanne Trunnell became the first U.S. rider to top that list.

Previously ranked fifth in the overall standings, Trunnell vaulted up the rankings thanks to top placings in CPEDI competitions in Wellington, Florida, in January. In the competition held Jan. 9-11, Trunnell and Dolton topped all three of their classes with scores over 80 percent. The pair is currently undefeated in 2020.

Roxanne Trunnell and Dolton competing at the WEG in 2018. Mollie Bailey Photo

“Karin Flint’s Dolton is such a superstar,” Trunnell said. “I am so proud of him. Everyone involved in mine and Dolton’s journey has worked so hard to get us to shine in the para-dressage ring, and it is simply amazing we were able to achieve this! Dolton’s owner makes sure he has the best food, vet services, farrier, massages provided by JP Hourdebaigt, training by Andrea Woodard, etcetera, and I’m so thankful for that. After all, I would look pretty silly trying to do my para-dressage tests without him, so I need him to be feeling his best!”

Trunnell, 34, Wellington, Florida, paired with Karin Flint’s 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Danone I—Lady, Londonderry) in 2018. They represented the United States at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (North Carolina) and brought home an individual bronze medal in the freestyle. Last year, they captured the Adequan USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship (North Carolina).

Get to know Dolton better in his Behind The Stall Door feature.