Totilas, the legendary black stallion who changed the face of dressage, died yesterday at the age of 20 after colicking.
The son of Gribaldi never competed in the Olympics, but his performances in the World Cup finals and the European and World Championships brought many converts to dressage and made him a fan favorite. His freestyle at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games earned a mind-boggling 91.8 percent and was unforgettable for those lucky enough to be present.
Totilas at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, ridden by Edward Gal. (Photo © 2010 by Nancy Jaffer)
His partnership with Edward Gal of the Netherlands made him a star. After he was sold to Germany for a reported 10 million Euros, Matthias Alexander Rath took over the ride but he never quite achieved the heights of his predecessor. Totilas also was hampered by various physical problems and did not compete again after the 2015 European Championships.
Totilas lives on in his son, the 9-year-old Glock’s Toto Jr. out of a Desperados mare, who is showing brilliance with Gal aboard.
Edward paid tribute to his former partner, saying, “You will always be remembered.Together with you I experienced happiness and even grief.Time passed by and wounds healed.But my love for you lasts forever.You honored me with your trust.
You were my friend.
“My condolences to Matthias and his family and to all who had the chance to work or live with this exceptional stallion.
And my thoughts to all of you who loved him. Goodbye my friend.I will miss you until we meet again.”