**Video** Sit Back and Enjoy-Dutch National Championship Edward & Totilas

[freestyle2music]

Today Edward Gal and Totilas became the undisputed Dutch National Champion.

At the GrandPrix they scored already 10% above the rest, and in the Freestyle to Music they scored 82% + change.

The ride can be viewed at :

www.topdressage.tv

goto Just Arrived
goto Dutch Champ.... Edward...

Enjoy,

Theo

[Ambrey]

:eek::eek::eek:
:)

[lostislandfarm]

Saw them in Aachen last July and wish I could have seen this ride live as well...Just "WOW"!

[siegi b.]

Junge, Junge is right!!! :-) Totilas gives new meaning to the expression "freedom in the shoulder" and has a lovely piaffe/passage tour.

Thank you, Theo!
Best,
Siegi

[Ginger]

Wow, lovely, I hope they come to KY next year, I'd love to see them in person. Thanks Theo!

Just curious, who composed the music?

[Aaron Janicki]

defiantly the most outstanding dressage horse the world has ever seen!:eek:)

[kdavies]

Thank you, thank you for posting the video. Incredible ride and awesome horse . . . So much power and expression. I tried to watch live on paardensport.tv but something was wrong with my internet or the server or something and I missed it. So glad Theo to the rescue! When will we be able to breed to Totilas?! (kidding, I know he isn't available to breed to) Maybe I have to find a mare to breed to the sire Gribaldi . . . thanks again, Kim

[Touchstone Farm,Ky]

Thank you Theo<S> !

[dwblover]

Thank you, Theo. That was just amazing. That horse makes my jaw drop. They should check his shoes for springs! Just beautiful:)

[canyonoak]

Wow.

I hope Edward Gal and his team take unbelievably good care of this treasure, going above and beyond the necessities and into all the lovely details that a world-class athlete deserves and needs, whether 2-legged or 4-legged (or, to be PC, is competing in the Paralympics)

[merrygoround]

Thank you Theo!!!

[Aaron Janicki]

I believe that this combination is totally undefeated at all FEI level.

[freestyle2music]

Thank you, thank you for posting the video. Incredible ride and awesome horse . . . So much power and expression. I tried to watch live on paardensport.tv but something was wrong with my internet or the server or something and I missed it. So glad Theo to the rescue! When will we be able to breed to Totilas?! (kidding, I know he isn't available to breed to) Maybe I have to find a mare to breed to the sire Gribaldi . . . thanks again, Kim

It was a real disaster with Paardensport.tv. They promised to broadcast over 100 hours of the Dutch National Indoor Championships Dressage (a 3 weeks event), but managed to broadcast 2,4 hours of try and error. Reason :
Like always the KNHS (Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation) wanted to take this broadcast into their own hands, and were to arrogant to asked the two companies who have done these livestreams for over three years.

Heeee I build my own computers, because I have done this for over 30 years, but I wouldn't think of building my own car.;)

Theo

[Joanne]

I have a question about Totilas. Is he a Dutch registered stallion, or he is Trakehner registered, competing for the Dutch? It bothered me a bit at the world cup in 2007 when they kept announcing Gribaldi was a Dutch stallion. Just to me, perhaps, but I considered a disservice to the German Trakehner verband.

[ridgeback]

Sorry just not a fan of this horse...hate his extended trot...of course JMO

[siegi b.]

Totilas is a Dutch horse by the Trakehner stallion Gribaldi who is also Dutch approved and owned. Totilas' dam is Dutch....

The Dutch believe in breeding the best horses regardless of registry and you will find a lot of Holsteiner and Trakehner influence in the bloodlines.

[Icecapade]

Sorry just not a fan of this horse...hate his extended trot...of course JMO

beautiful for sure but yeah his trot isn't my cup o' tea. =/ I don't think I've found my epitome/idol of horse's yet lol I'm sooooo picky!

[Romany]

Very untechnical comment, but what pretty markings - 4 little white feet - he must have been a very cute-looking foal.

Next untechnical comment - how is Totilas pronounced? If I pronounce it the way it looks, it does sound a slightly unfortunate choice for a name! ;)

[freestyle2music]

Very untechnical comment, but what pretty markings - 4 little white feet - he must have been a very cute-looking foal.

Next untechnical comment - how is Totilas pronounced? If I pronounce it the way it looks, it does sound a slightly unfortunate choice for a name! ;)

Maybee the 1936 Trakhener Stallion with the same name :confused:

[Ambrey]

LOL, Romany, that took me a minute.

[ButterflyIris]

hee heee
I keep reading it as Tortilas.
Am I the only one!!?

Gorgeous horse, thanks for posting!

[eurodressage]

It's pronounced like Tortillas, but then without the R: Toh-til-as

[freestyle2music]

hee heee
I keep reading it as Tortilas.
Am I the only one!!?

Gorgeous horse, thanks for posting!


Just simple Toe (like in one toe, two toes) Ti, like in Tea and Las like in Las Vegas

[kraslad]

Wow - what a pleasure to watch and what an inspiration. Thanks for posting that - I enjoyed watching it twice and was so enthralled. For me, it was a real treat!

[kraslad]

P.S. - Ginger - you asked who composed the music - there is another thread titled "Gribaldi Stallion" in this forum that shows this same video and it has the composer listed.

[Ginger]

Thank you kraslad!!

[Happy Feet]

Wow. Just outstanding! I really love this horse. He looks better everytime I see him. THanks Theo!

[bird4416]

Beautiful horse. But, did anyone else get the feeling of a big lick walker when he did an extended trot? It looks a bit over the top.

[Icecapade]

Beautiful horse. But, did anyone else get the feeling of a big lick walker when he did an extended trot? It looks a bit over the top.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

omg this is so rich

[bort84]

Beautiful horse. But, did anyone else get the feeling of a big lick walker when he did an extended trot? It looks a bit over the top.

Hmm, not so much a big licker, I'd say more of an old-school arabian park horse (lots of toe flicking on those guys) haha. But, to be fair, he's really much freer and balanced = ) Also, I like a flashy mover, so it doesn't bother me, haha. Well, I guess I could do with a teeeensy bit less toe flick (but that's just my own personal taste), and he really does have a lovely style. Such suspension and cadence!

I certainly don't think it's crazy to compare his movement to some of the more "show" type horses, but I don't think that it has to be a bad thing. Most dressage horses with the ability to move like that are also trained for years at lower levels and develop a more correct balance and relaxation that allows a gait like that to really shine. The saddle seat types with talent like that tend to get rushed, so the gait becomes less fluid (I come from a saddle seat background originally, and while this isn't always the case, I have to admit that a saddle seat horse does not usually get as much attention paid to the "basics" of training because it's not as necessary for the end goal).

Just my opinion, but I don't think a big trot has to be a bad thing. Especially when it is done so beautifully = ) I quite like him. His suspension is beautiful, and his passage is so square, balanced, and cadenced. Love it. He'll certainly be one to watch.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

I LOVED his piaffe, loved it. I am so tired of seeing rider try to "pump" out a piaffe with their upper body. His Pirouette was wonderful too. I liked all of his collected work, actually. Very expressive and lovely to watch. And! YAY for Gribaldi, good boy! :winkgrin:

[freestyle2music]

I LOVED his piaffe, loved it. I am so tired of seeing rider try to "pump" out a piaffe with their upper body. His Pirouette was wonderful too. I liked all of his collected work, actually. Very expressive and lovely to watch. And! YAY for Gribaldi, good boy! :winkgrin:

I love this expression "pump out a piaffe with their upper body" , because this is so true, and now you have found the right words for it.

I trully believe that the breeders of today did a wonderfull job, because we see more and more horses who offer this difficult movement by nature.

Theo

[monstrpony]

Beautiful horse. But, did anyone else get the feeling of a big lick walker when he did an extended trot? It looks a bit over the top.


The thought I had was to draw a number line, with zero in the middle, as "average". The range for "normal" horses would be, say, minus 35 to positive 35. Western pleasure horses would be at about, say, minus 50. And this horse, at maybe plus 65.

But definitely not in the "normal" range.

[ridgeback]

I hope these cart type-moving horses make in the dressage ring because in the past failed dressage horses often would be picked up by hunter/jumper people but with movement like this, they are useless to those disciplines.

[bort84]

I hope these cart type-moving horses make in the dressage ring because in the past failed dressage horses often would be picked up by hunter/jumper people but with movement like this, they are useless to those disciplines.

Haha, I love how we call them cart type movers. I can't see a horse like this failing in the dressage ring, so it's probably not a big concern that he wouldn't excel in the hunter world (who knows, maybe he can jump the moon too). A horse with movement like that is really unlikely to have a problem finding a home I think. And really, an actual "cart" horse doesn't really move like this... This guy's just flashy.

Certainly not to everyone's taste, but everyone likes to use the argument that a horse with less flashy movement should be able to do better than the flashy mover if he performs the test better. So why can't a flashy mover be a winner if he performs the test better? I think there is room for a variety of types in dressage. Keeps things interesting. This horse is neat, even if he's not everyone's picture of an ideal mover. I quite enjoy watching a horse with expressive movement if he can maintain a good brain at the same time. I think more novice spectators are likely to enjoy it as well. It adds a little excitment to the ring = )

[Aaron Janicki]

I hope these cart type-moving horses make in the dressage ring because in the past failed dressage horses often would be picked up by hunter/jumper people but with movement like this, they are useless to those disciplines.


I think this horse is going to more than "make it in the dressage ring" he all ready holds world record GP scores for horses his or age younger.

[freestyle2music]

I hope these cart type-moving horses make in the dressage ring because in the past failed dressage horses often would be picked up by hunter/jumper people but with movement like this, they are useless to those disciplines.


Ridgeback,

Be happy this "cart" horse don't start at the next Worldcup Qualifier at Den Bosch ;):cool::D Comprende !

[ridgeback]

Aaron and Theo please read what I wrote..Thank you! If I have to spell it out to you I SAID, I hope these cart type-moving horses make it in the dressage ring........

I wasn't speaking about that horse specifically. I'm personally not a fan of the way he moves but if this is what the dressage world wants then have at it I don't care. I was merely pointing out not every horse that moves like this(meaning such high action) will make it in the dressage ring and with that kind of movement hunter/jumper people probably won't want them either. I hope Europe has a lot of pleasure horse riders that will buy the ones that don't make it.

P.S. My first comment was based on Theo congratulating the breeders for breeding horses like this.

[bort84]

P.S. My first comment was based on Theo congratulating the breeders for breeding horses like this.

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding you, but are you saying that breeding horses like this is not to be congratulated? Even if you don't like his movement, you have to admit he does his job brilliantly.

I guess I also don't get the resistance towards horses that move this way. Sure, his extended trot is a little toe flickier than I like, but the rest of him is wonderful, so that's just a tiny little personal preference. Also, what's wrong with a dynamic mover in general? So they have a little more motion and elevation in their front end, I think spectators like to see this. As long as we don't sacrifice the rest of the performance for its flashy movement, I guess I don't see the problem...

[siegi b.]

ridgeback - your logic isn't quite on target... Just because you think Totilas has "cart-horse type movement" doesn't mean other folks do. Ergo, no need to worry prematurely about the hunter people not wanting horses like Totilas.

So you don't like the horse's trot... how about his piaffe and passage? What did you think of those movements?

[bort84]

...how about his piaffe and passage? What did you think of those movements?

Well I don't know about Ridgeback, but me personally, well I can't avoid the weird computer type in this instance - OMG *drool* - haha. I usually try to avoid those things, but that's how I really feel = )

[sm]

ridgeback - your logic isn't quite on target... Just because you think Totilas has "cart-horse type movement"

:lol: siegi, try reading for comprehension.
Ridegback already wrote that comment wasn't directed at Totilas.
Take another shot at post 38 -- and good luck.

It's really too funny you're complaining about ridgeback's logic ...

[ridgeback]

ridgeback - your logic isn't quite on target... Just because you think Totilas has "cart-horse type movement" doesn't mean other folks do. Ergo, no need to worry prematurely about the hunter people not wanting horses like Totilas.

So you don't like the horse's trot... how about his piaffe and passage? What did you think of those movements?

Siegi I think you are missing what I was trying to say. I am not worried it was more like food for thought. Theo was happy with the breeders for breeding horses that naturally do piaffe and passage and with that you get tons of action up front(saddlebred or cart horse type movement). This is fine if that is what the dressage world wants I am not making a judgment about it. I am just pointing out that not all of them will make it in the dressage ring and in the past, many of those horses had a career in the hunter or jumper ring. It appears dressage horses are becoming highly specialized which will pigeon hole them into that discipline. I personally like a well rounded horse not just one's that have super piaffe's and passage and to be honest I couldn't finish watching the video after the extended trot. I am not saying I am right about this specific horse it is completely personal preference.

[Parrotnutz]

QUOTE
"Classical dressage can be translated, "fine training" - capriole, piaffe, levade - yet it’s more than that. It defines quality in horsemanship at every stage, even at, and most importantly at, the "lowest levels". Classical dressage is about aspiring to perfection; perfect communication, perfect balance, perfect coordination, perfect feel, perfect timing, perfect harmony. Relentlessly striving to improve skill and understanding and raising the bar, yet never being satisfied that we, as riders, have truly achieved perfection on our part. We can always be more subtle in our aiding. We can always have more feel. However, this striving for perfection is not just so we can pat ourselves on the back, thinking we’re somehow superior. It is truly because when we strive to ride better, it’s beneficial to the horse. The purpose behind classical dressage is to improve the experience for the horse. Characteristics of classical dressage are, imperceptible aids given by the rider, precision and light contact with the bit that results from gymnastically increasing the bending and weight carrying ability of the haunches and an obvious expression of enjoyment in the horse. Horses that are strong enough and riders who are interested can go on to the extremely collected movements and airs above the ground. " QUOTE

The above definition, for me, defines what I see in Edward Gal and Totilas.
I grew up thinking Dressage was proper schooling of ANY horse regardless of movement. Yes, this horse is an extreme mover, which I for one, foind breathtaking. Each to their own.
I see a Forward, Strong, Athletic, Happy horse versus many tense ones in the ring today.....for me a Glorious duo.

But I only ride lower level dressae and hunter...so I know nothing....nor to I pretend to.....Totilas can park himself in my barn anytime :D

[Adagio]

not much more to say. I could only dream of being part of a team that produces this end result. The breeder, rider and care givers that have been behind getting this horse to this performance should be proud. I would be! and some off comment on a board about a cart horse sure wouldn't make a difference in my day, however, watching the video again and again...... that would

As a Trakehner breeder this certainly makes me proud
Go Team Totilas

[fargo]

His mare is by Glendale who is by the wellknown jumper sire Nimmerdor and his mothers mare is by sire Akteur. Akteur (sire Amor) did great in international jumping, He had children that did great in dressage and jumping.

I had the pleasure of seeing Edward ride both Gribaldi and Lingh on national tests and shows and saw Totilas under Edward in Rotterdam last year. I must say no other horse/stallion under Edward was this relaxed, but yet with so much power and so fluent and so motivated to work. It was a joy to see them work and see them ride the victory lap. I think this horse has talent and enough extra power through his jumper bloodlines.

I myself own a horse that has a lot of Trakehner blood and he has a very good shoulder and foreleg and lots of space and action. Isn't that something that is a bit more Trakehner thing?
And perhaps also a park horse thing;-) but I really don't see much in common between them and Totilas. Certainly not the Totilas I saw in real life.

[bort84]

Mmkay, well to get back on topic, I loved seeing this video, and I'm excited to watch this horse.

Slightly off topic (I know I asked it already), what's TOB??? Is it another horsie board? I see TOB get thrown around a lot when people start debating the merits of classical vs. modern dressage, haha.

[ridgeback]

Mmkay, well to get back on topic, I loved seeing this video, and I'm excited to watch this horse.

Slightly off topic (I know I asked it already), what's TOB??? Is it another horsie board? I see TOB get thrown around a lot when people start debating the merits of classical vs. modern dressage, haha.

Ultimatedressage.com

[bort84]

Ultimatedressage.com

Aaah, all right. Thanks for the answer!

[Moderator 1]

We removed a lot of off topic, personal commentary--please address personal disagreements personally and don't subject the rest of the forum to it.

Thanks,
Mod 1

[mp]

not much more to say. I could only dream of being part of a team that produces this end result. The breeder, rider and care givers that have been behind getting this horse to this performance should be proud. I would be! and some off comment on a board about a cart horse sure wouldn't make a difference in my day

Good gawd, I hope not. "Cart horse" type, indeed.

I must say no other horse/stallion under Edward was this relaxed, but yet with so much power and so fluent and so motivated to work.

That's what I saw in this video that impressed me -- powerful yet relaxed and willing. Beautiful performance.

[bort84]

That's what I saw in this video that impressed me -- powerful yet relaxed and willing. Beautiful performance.

Totally agree. It can be so hard to get a horse with that kind of ability to look so light and at the same time relaxed. It takes such skill to keep a horse relaxed as he progresses up the levels while maintaining that bit of fire that is necessary to really excel at grand prix.

[WB Mom]

I personally enjoy seeing how proper dressage training and wonderful riding apply to any horse. Variety is the spice of life for sure and I would hate it if all horses moved the same. IMHO this is a great example of wonderful training and exqusite riding coming together to enable this horse to perform to the best of his abilities. Like his movement or not, you have to admit they make a fabulous team.
Keep these videos coming - and keep looking for ones that will expand my horizons for dressage!

[Parrotnutz]

I personally enjoy seeing how proper dressage training and wonderful riding apply to any horse. Variety is the spice of life for sure and I would hate it if all horses moved the same. IMHO this is a great example of wonderful training and exqusite riding coming together to enable this horse to perform to the best of his abilities. Like his movement or not, you have to admit they make a fabulous team.
Keep these videos coming - and keep looking for ones that will expand my horizons for dressage!

AMEN to the above:)