If you follow the international equestrian scene at all, or if you read the news here on HorseChannel, then you are no doubt familiar with Dutch dressage rider Edward Gal and his remarkable mount, Moorlands Totilas. The pair made headlines in 2009 by setting a new world record in Grand Prix dressage with a score of 89.4 at the Exquis Dressage Masters in Hickstead, England. Then they broke their own world record with a 90.7 at the FEI European Championships. Then they broke it again with a 92.3% at London’s Olympia horse show.
Like anyone who receives any amount of notoriety, particularly in the, ahem, opinionated world of equestrian sport, Gal and Totilas are the source of some controversy. One German magazine described them as a circus act thanks to Totilas’ flashy, high-stepping action. Others question the record-breaking scores. After all, dressage is a subjective sport, so records are not as cut and dry as they are in racing, for example. Love them or hate them, the pair is bringing publicity and excitement to the seemingly aloof world of international dressage. Maybe a celebrity is just what dressage needs to bring new blood into the sport. New riders need something to aspire to, right?
And just because your horse is small, stiff as a board and has NO hind end doesn’t mean you can’t ride a test like Edward Gal.
Anyone else think this looks like it would be an incredible workout? I can see it now. The latest fitness craze coming to a gym near you: Horseless Dressage!
Related: Men Doing Dressage
Back to The Near Side
As U.S. athletes look back on valuable experience gained at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals in Switzerland, the next…
If you’ve never cleaned a horse’s sheath, you probably have questions. First and foremost, is it really necessary? And more…
After a nail-biting two years of speculation about the inclusion of equestrian sports in the next Olympic Games, it was…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Equine arthritis can affect horses of all disciplines and ages, and early intervention is crucial for maintaining comfort and performance.…
Mother, grandmother, and winning 5* eventing rider—these three titles don’t typically go together. However, Tamie Smith, 49, is all of…
View Comments
love the blog!
WOW! They are incredible! Gives me goosebumps!
Haha, I could never do that, my legs would fall off!
Kinda pointless to have a video that you can't watch.
Looks like whoever owns the copyright on the Totilas footage didn't like it being used! However, if you click on the video to watch it on YouTube, you can still see the fabulous stick horse freestyle.
Just awesome real horse dressage test, and kudoo's to the man on the stick horse! He's got good moves too! And good lungs to keep up that pace!
Being a dressage rider, I really can relate and appreciate this video! Loved it!