Totilas – The horse of the century in profile

Totilas’ Impressive Career in Dressage: His World Records and Achievements

Totilas, the Dutch Warmblood stallion known as the “wonder stallion,” made dressage history with his outstanding performances under rider Edward Gal. Here are his most significant world records and achievements:

World Records

European Championship Windsor 2009 (GBR):

• Grand Prix de Dressage: 84.085%
• Freestyle Kür: 90.70%

🎥 Video tip: In this video, you can experience a historic moment in dressage: Totilas’ legendary freestyle at the 2009 FEI European Championship in Windsor, where he set a world record with a score of 90.70%. Dive into this unique performance and enjoy the harmony and elegance that made dressage history.

World Cup event London 2009 (GBR):

• ‍Grand Prix Freestyle: 92.300%

CHIO Aachen 2010 (GER):

• Grand Prix Special: 86.458%
  Included the top score of 10 on 28 occasions.

🎥 Video tip: Experience the legendary performance of Totilas and Edward Gal at CHIO Aachen 2010. In the Grand Prix Special, also known as the Deutsche Bank Prize, they set a world record with 86.458% and thrilled the judges by receiving the top score of 10 no fewer than 28 times.

‍Weltcup-Turnier London 2009 (GBR):

• Grand Prix Kür: 92,300 %

CHIO Aachen 2010 (GER):

• ‍Grand Prix Special: 86,458 %
  • Included the top score of 10 on 28 occasions.

🎥 Video tip: Experience the legendary performance of Totilas and Edward Gal at CHIO Aachen 2010. In the Grand Prix Special, also known as the Deutsche Bank Prize, they set a world record with 86.458% and impressed the judges with 28 scores of a perfect 10.

Further Achievements

2009 – Dutch Championships (NED):

• ‍‍Grand Prix: Average score of 81.392%.

2009 – CHIO Rotterdam (NED):

• ‍‍Grand Prix: Victory.
• Grand Prix Freestyle: 84.500%.

2009 – European Championship Windsor (GBR):

• ‍‍Team competition: Gold.
• Grand Prix Freestyle: Gold, 90.750% (world record).
• Grand Prix Special: Silver.

2010 – World Cup Final, ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED):

• ‍‍Grand Prix Freestyle: Victory.

2010 – Dutch Championships:

• ‍‍Successfully defended his title.

2010 – World Equestrian Games, Lexington (USA):

• Team competition: Gold.
• Grand Prix Special: Gold.
• Grand Prix Freestyle: Gold.

🎥 Video tip: Experience Totilas’ unforgettable Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games – a performance by the legendary wonder stallion.

Why Was Totilas So Expensive – A Look at His Value and Price

With an estimated sale price of over 10 million euros, Totilas became the most expensive dressage horse in the world. But what made him so exceptional and justified this record value?

Unique sporting achievements

Totilas’ sporting record is unmatched: he broke multiple world records and won numerous gold medals, including triple gold at the 2009 European Championships and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Particularly remarkable was his freestyle performance, which was the first in history to score over 90 percent—an unprecedented achievement in dressage. These successes made Totilas the benchmark for quality and perfection.

Outstanding bloodline

His excellent pedigree contributed significantly to his high value. As the son of the legendary Trakehner stallion Gribaldi and the Dutch Warmblood mare Lominka, Totilas combined the best bloodlines. After retiring from sport, he became one of the most sought-after breeding stallions in the world. With a stud fee of up to 8,000 euros per covering, Totilas was also a valuable investment from an economic perspective.

Global fame and media presence

Totilas was not only an athlete but also a global media superstar. His performances attracted audiences who had previously paid little attention to dressage. He became a flagship of equestrian sport and a symbol of elegance and excellence. His popularity significantly increased his market value, as he was also a valuable ambassador for sponsors and event organizers.

Rarity of a “horse of the century”

Horses like Totilas appear only once in a generation. The combination of exceptional talent, outstanding pedigree, and worldwide fame made him a “horse of the century” whose uniqueness is hard to surpass. This rarity justified his record price and made him a role model for future generations in dressage.

A symbol of perfection in dressage

Totilas embodied perfection and elegance in a way that captivated both fans and experts alike. His high price reflected not only his sporting success but also his lasting influence on dressage and breeding.

Was Totilas Abused? – Controversies and Criticism in Focus

The question of whether Totilas was mistreated during his career highlights the challenges and moral dilemmas of elite sport. Alongside his remarkable achievements, the “horse of the century” was repeatedly at the center of debates about controversial training methods, health strain, and the responsibility of those involved.

Criticism of training methods

One of the biggest controversies revolved around the use of rollkur, a technique in which the horse’s neck is strongly flexed. This method, which was attributed to Totilas’ first rider Edward Gal, remains highly controversial: supporters emphasize its effect on improving suppleness, while critics see it as a potentially painful practice that can cause physical and psychological harm. Whether Totilas specifically suffered from this method was never clearly proven, but the public debate sharpened awareness of ethical training standards in dressage.

Intensive use and public appearances

After Totilas was sold for a record price of over 10 million euros, public attention increased significantly. In addition to his competition appearances, he was also used extensively as a breeding stallion. Critics argued that this double burden, combined with high expectations, negatively affected his health. In fact, Totilas suffered repeated injuries during his career, leading to long breaks and ultimately his retirement from sport.

Health issues and accusations of overuse

Especially after his move to Matthias Alexander Rath, questions were raised about whether Totilas was competed despite visible health issues. Lameness and other problems accompanied some of his performances, raising doubts about whether his welfare was always prioritized. His owners consistently emphasized that Totilas’ well-being came first, but public opinion remained divided.

Reactions from animal welfare organizations

Animal welfare organizations such as PETA strongly criticized the intensive use of Totilas and called for stricter regulations in equestrian sport to better protect top horses. They saw his case as an example of how sporting and economic success can outweigh animal welfare. These accusations were met with both support and opposition, but they helped spark a broader discussion about horse welfare in elite sport.

Conclusion: Was Totilas abused?

It is not possible to definitively determine whether Totilas was mistreated. What is certain is that he was under immense pressure—from high expectations and intensive training to physical strain. His case highlights the fine line between sporting success and animal welfare and has triggered an important debate about ethical training methods and the responsible handling of high-performance horses. Totilas remains a symbol of both excellence and the responsibilities that come with elite sport.

Totilas’ Death: Cause and Final Years

On December 14, 2020, Totilas passed away at the age of 20. His death marked the end of a life shaped by extraordinary success, controversy, and health challenges. The news caused global mourning and prompted reflection on the pressures faced by elite sport horses.

Cause of death: Totilas’ battle with colic

According to official statements, Totilas died as a result of colic, a serious digestive condition common in horses. Colic can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations. Despite rapid medical treatment and emergency surgery, Totilas could not be saved. The exact cause of the colic was not disclosed, but it may have been linked to the long-term effects of his intense career and advancing age.

Retirement and final years

After retiring from sport in 2015, Totilas lived a quieter life as a breeding stallion at a stud farm in Germany. During this time, he sired numerous offspring who are now successful in the dressage world, continuing his legacy.

His owners ensured that Totilas could enjoy a dignified and relaxed life after the demands of his competition career. However, the long-term effects of his athletic career remained a topic of discussion, as injuries and strain may have contributed to a decline in his health.

A worthy farewell to a horse of the century

Totilas remains a legend—not only because of his extraordinary sporting achievements, but also due to the lasting discussion his life and death sparked about horse welfare in elite sport. His name is inseparably linked with elegance, perfection, and the challenges that come with a top-level equestrian career.

🎥 Vid tip: In our playlist, we take you on a journey through the highlights of Totilas—experience the most unforgettable moments of this exceptional stallion.

Totilas’ Legacy: How the Horse of the Century Shaped Equestrian Sport

A milestone in dressage

Totilas fundamentally changed the sport of dressage. With his unmatched elegance, precision, and quality of movement, he set new standards. His world records—including becoming the first horse ever to score over 90 percent in a freestyle—made him a role model for future generations. He not only inspired dressage riders but also attracted people who had previously had little connection to equestrian sport. Totilas demonstrated the true potential of the partnership between horse and rider and inspired riders, trainers, and breeders worldwide.

Offspring: His living legacy

Totilas’ legacy lives on through his offspring. As a highly sought-after breeding stallion, he produced numerous talented horses that are now successful in the dressage world. They carry forward his distinctive movement and presence, making him a major influence in modern horse breeding. Totilas not only shaped the sport itself but also had a lasting impact on the genetics of future top-level horses.

👉 Here you can find an overview of Totilas’ offspring

A new awareness of horse welfare

Beyond his sporting achievements, Totilas also sparked important discussions about the welfare of high-performance horses. His career was marked by unparalleled fame but also by critical debates about training methods, performance pressure, and the treatment of elite horses. In this way, Totilas influenced not only sporting standards but also ethical considerations in equestrian sport. He remains a symbol of the idea that success must go hand in hand with the well-being of the horse.

A symbol of elegance and perfection

Totilas was more than a sport horse—he was a legend. His performances in the arena, his offspring, and the stories surrounding him make him an unforgettable symbol of perfection and elegance. Totilas not only transformed dressage but also created an emotional connection to horses that goes far beyond the sport. His legacy will live on for many years in the minds and hearts of the equestrian world.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Horse of the Century

Who was Totilas?

Totilas, also known as the “horse of the century,” was a Dutch Warmblood and one of the most successful dressage stallions in history. His extraordinary movements and world records made him a legend in dressage.

When was Totilas born and when did he die?

Totilas was born on May 23, 2000, in the Netherlands and passed away on December 14, 2020, at the age of 20.

Who were Totilas’ riders?

Totilas was initially ridden by Edward Gal, with whom he achieved his greatest successes. After his sale, Matthias Alexander Rath took over the reins.

What achievements did Totilas accomplish?

Totilas broke multiple world records and won triple gold at the 2009 European Championships, as well as additional titles at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. He is especially famous for his freestyle performance, which was the first in history to score over 90%.

What is Totilas known for?

Totilas is known for his perfect piaffe, spectacular trot, and unique elegance. He set new standards in dressage.

How much did Totilas cost when he was sold?

Totilas was sold in 2010 for a record price of over 10 million euros and is still considered one of the most expensive horses in the world.

Why is Totilas called the “horse of the century”?

Totilas earned this title due to his exceptional achievements, elegance, and impressive records. He became an icon who left a lasting impact on dressage.

Did Totilas have offspring?

Yes, Totilas has numerous offspring, including many successful sport horses and breeding stallions. More than 20 of his sons have been licensed as breeding stallions.

What was Totilas’ most significant performance?

One of his most significant performances was his freestyle at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor, where he achieved a world record score of 90.75%.

Where can you watch videos of Totilas’ performances?

Videos of Totilas’ legendary performances are available on ClipMyHorse.TV.

How much does a Totilas foal cost?

The price of a Totilas foal is often in the six-figure range. It depends on factors such as pedigree, upbringing, and sporting potential. His stud fee was between 4,000 and 8,000 euros, making his offspring highly sought after.

What was Totilas’ highest score?

Totilas achieved his highest score in 2009 at the Grand Prix Freestyle in London, with a world record of 92.30%. This outstanding performance cemented his status as a dressage legend.