Totilas‘ career is over!
Totilas‘ owners announced on the official fan page of Totilas and Gestüt Schafhof that they will not bring him back into the dressage arena again. Totilas and his rider Matthias Alexander Rath caused a lot of discussions at the European Championships in Aachen. Rumors said, that one veterinarian did not want to call him ‚fit to compete‘ at the vet-check, during the team Grand Prix everyone was talking about the obvious irregularities in his movements and Totilas was withdrawn from all other competitions afterwards. After he was brought into a clinic, the diagnosis was an edema in his bone.
Read what the owners have to say about their decision:
Official statement
After the last week and the now circulating speculations about Totilas’ future, we – as a family – would like to take a stand on this matter:
How much the international dressage sport owes to this horse is almost impossible to put into words. Never before has a dressage horse moved and thrilled these masses – no matter if horse-enthusiast or not, young or old.
As already known from various sources, the examination last weekend showed that Totilas has an edema in the bone. This is being treated in the best possible way by a superb team of veterinarians.
Resulting form this new injury we collectively came to the decision against the active sport. Totilas will not come back into the competitive dressage sport in the future!
His injury is going to heal on his home yard Schafhof, given all the time it needs. This will also give him a gentle transition into his athletic retirement.
Provided that it is possible he will continue being available for breeding via the service station of Paul Schockemöhle.
We really hope for the understanding of all those people, that are moved by this horse as much as we are. Also we would like to take the opportunity to thank all the admirers and fans for their support during all this time.
Interview with Germany’s Chef d’Equipe Klaus Roeser »
Transcript of the press conference about Totilas‘ withdrawal »
Source: Gestüt Schafhof / Text © EQUESTRIAN WORLDWIDE – EQWO.net
