PrintDear Rita,
I just watched the freestyle at the Neumuenster CDI-W. Notice I said “watched,” not “competed in.” I didn’t qualify for the freestyle with Maximus, so I sat back and watched the competition today. The test actually finished a good hour ago, but after watching Totilas, I have been speechless until now.
I have seen Totilas compete live four times. The first time was last July in Hickstead. I thought I would never be more impressed by a horse. Then I saw him go in Stuttgart and in London and continued to be impressed. Today at Neumuenster, he rocked my world.
Edward, like all of us in preparation for the WEG this summer, is trying stuff out. I saw him test a lot of things in the Grand Prix yesterday, and I saw him throw caution to the wind and ride full out in the freestyle today. He made a few mistakes in the one-tempi changes and at the end of one extended canter, but other than that his test was nothing short of awe-inspiring incredulity.
Full extending power with the front legs over the judge’s table, extreme collecting power with the ability to gain impulsion in piaffe, exaggerated carrying power with the withers well above the hind quarters throughout the piaffe and passage, and wondrous relaxation in the walk—I have never seen so much expression in dressage.
Adelinde was on top of her game with Parzival too. In fact, I have never seen this horse go better. Technically, if you turn off the music, one could make an argument for giving Parzival better marks than Totilas. But the argument falls flat when it comes to expression. Totilas is music.
He is simply other worldly. It is almost as if he is formed from the thoughts of everyone who ever dared to dream of the ultimate dressage horse. Our dreams became reality, and he is called “Totilas.”
Sadly, it’s difficult to stay focused on other horses after those top two. Isabell came out with a strong and fairly clean test on her Warum Nicht for third place. Natalie gave a stellar performance on Digby, continuing to give hope to those of us who are trying to stay competitive with less than other worldly horses. You can still get near the top of this sport with good riding.
The Neumuenster show has also improved since last year! Neumuenster remains one of the most traditional World Cup shows in Europe, but since a new organizer took over management, it has morphed into a modern venue. The extension of the trade fair into one extra exhibition hall and the addition of a large screen and spacious warm-up next to the vendors have totally changed the atmosphere for spectators. You can now sit in a warm hall, sip cappuccino at a table and watch the riders warming up for jumping or dressage while viewing the competition on the big screen. Geil.
I was, of course, thrilled to be riding in a heated arena for the first time in eight weeks. Maximus, while certainly not in the top form of his career, is in great shape and was quite happy to be called into service for this WC qualifier. Unfortunately, I rode like someone who has been training in Uggs and snow pants for the last two months—which I have been and which is no excuse!
Maximus is such a great competitor. He gave me a super feeling in the test, but I made some stupid mistakes that kept us from qualifying for the freestyle.
