BEST DRESSAGE EVA- Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas

im not a big dressage fan but this horse is amazing!!!!!!! this is at windsor :) enjoy

[@adairlikesdogs9562]

Also, notice that his ears are forward and happy practically the whole time. He does flip one back quickly on occasion, but he's actually "checking in" on his rider. It's very interesting to observe. :)

[@melanieknowles9683]

I always wonder how they get the horses to make those moves

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

@@melanieknowles9683 many long years of training. the rider uses motions to signal instructions to the horse

[@unicorngirl8020]

@@melanieknowles9683 i wanna know how the BIT which is abuess

[@blessedalcuin]

@@melanieknowles9683 As a rider you have numerous options. You have these two big fat aids called "legs", and they're hanging down on each side of the horse. You can touch your legs to the horse's sides and if he's properly trained, he'll understand that that leg means he's supposed to move away from it. Press his neck or shoulder with one rein, same thing. The other rein does the same on the other side. Press one side of your butt a little and the horse can feel it through the saddle; it means move away from my hip pressing you here. Some people think you use the reins and bit but that's just ignorant; if you have a rigorous teacher who has a "graduation" test, they give you two cotton threads to use as reins, and if you're dumb enough to break either thread, you don't graduate. Use of the reins and bit is very delicate; if you're riding right, the horse can feel everything you do, just as you should be able to feel everything the horse is doing.

[@depressoespresso5774]

@@unicorngirl8020 Again. I understand your concern. Bits CAN be harmful. But seeing as the first commenter mentioned that his ears were never pinned back. If he was in pain or even unhappy, his ears would be pinned. His ears went back for a moment, but he may have been listening behind him. Bits are not harmful all the time, though I do agree that riding bit less is something more people should do. Please don't just glance at this comment and not read it. Because I don't want a bunch of people coming after others who use bits. Paxton, one of the horses at the Academy I volunteer at, is one of our bigger horses. He's also one of our younger horses. He's still in training, but we do use him in lessons. Paxton does have a bit in lessons, but when he's walking around in these lessons, the only time I ever see his ears back is when he's listening behind him. There are usually 3 other horses in a lesson and 2 instructors. Riders also sometimes have 2 people next to him, making sure the rider is okay. Sometimes one. And depending on the rider's skill, maybe even none. But that is a lot he could be listening to. If the horse was in pain, both in the video and in my experience, he would make it clear to everyone around him. He would not have his ears forward and he wouldn't be performing this nicely.

[@CarolanIvey]

I've watched a lot of dressage horses through the years and enjoyed them all, but I don't think I've ever seen anything that rivals this horse. :) Simple breathtaking!

[@JoyfulKatt]

Matine was better. Shame she passed.

[@elsasnowqueen613]

I love both!

[@charley1592]

Agreed Mei! Blue Hors Matine blows this horse out of the water!!!

[@lauryn4648]

Watch Valegro!

[@Leolioness44]

Definitely at the top! Amazing 9year old

[@redhorse8937]

Totilas was a phenomenally talented and generous individual. His gaits were lovely as a young horse. Poor training practices created a parody of a properly schooled dressage horse, and shortened his performance life with injuries. The people who should have cared for him took advantage of his wonderful temperament, all for some recognition in the show ring.

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

This is sad for this horse who was a treasure. Spoiling him ! To enjoy his possibilities and give not what he needed. 😢🐴💗

[@stefwhit22]

wonder what happened to him, I;m afraid to ask

[@Eeee-xl4xb]

@@stefwhit22he was trained using abusive methods such as rollkur but he died last year

[@sandranelson3327]

The way he was treated is criminal!

[@melindamassey14]

Are you saying this because it was a man riding?

[@indianoutlaw9647]

He was so incredible! It broke my heart when he was sold and ruined!

[@ali-ub7go]

indian outlaw That’s so sad ;-;

[@franciscorueda1220]

Ruined how

[@themarementality1147]

It really is

[@DickMann11]

@@franciscorueda1220 glue factory

[@scotthay3506]

Sad:(

[@karimu_aoi7620]

3:23 Oh. my. GOODNESS. That transition was so incredibly smooth it literally caught me off guard! Absolutely stunning!

[@ddgamble2199]

I love how, at the end, when the pair is circling the ring and accepting their due, the horse is nodding his head "Yes, I did very well. Thank you for noticing." I had one like that once, a real ham. When we were alone, he was normal, but get an audience,, and he would strut.

[@lightra]

Or hes just finally trying to breathe, cause he couldnt so much, as his neck was so badly rounded... This is not natural, Gal and others dressagers should read anatomy of horse and should finally understand what real dressage (classical dressage) is about.

[@Chupazombra]

Lightr a Oh my god, you didn't study dressage form yet, did you? The head is placed down to give a rounder neck, which is more regal and defined. He can breath, his horse also has a short neck. I'm doing an internship at a farm that teaches hunting and dressage. The horse is fine and the pressure is released for walks during the performance or afterwards.

[@emmabesko4124]

DD Gamble that’s just the swing of his back. But he did know

[@martimasters7704]

@@Chupazombra You're stupid beyond description.

[@Ae-od3ts]

@@Chupazombra If you studied dressage you know about rollkur yes? And how it affects the horse? He uses that. Degenerate of a human not a rider.

[@Shiba_Draws]

Rest In Peace Totilas 2000 - 2020 💔💔

[@sarahlewisphoenix4951]

OMG I didn't know he just died, I had to google it when I saw your comment. That's so sad, colic is definitely no joke. RIP to the great Toto.

[@SATANFUCKSMYSOUL]

Totilas, almost sounds like Sotilas, which in finnish translates to Warrior :D

[@WestCoastSi]

I don't know what it is about dressage but these amazing horse performances bring me to tears almost every time I watch. The first time I saw horses performing dressage, was I believe, at the the Oakland, Coliseum in the 70's. The famous Spanish Riding School had the Lipizzaners on tour and I cried at their performance also. Silly I know but it just overwhelms me. My favorite is nine year old Blue Hors Matine. During her performances her tail keeps the beat of the music as she does.

[@1Fresh_Water]

Incredible communication between horse and rider. Excellent display.

[@millsix999]

horsesarecreatures.tumblr.com/post/129940086633/the-edward-gal-rollkur-compilation-incomplete

[@rikiamber]

Totilas looks so happy at the end with his head our and the swing in his walk, like he understands and appreciates the praise from his rider and the audence.

[@Ae-od3ts]

No

[@blauespony1013]

Yes, Totilas visibly enjoyed the applause etc. I have seen him live and he was so proud. Still: The horse was trained by an abusive method (rollkur, banned since 2014 or later).

[@Eeee-xl4xb]

@@blauespony1013horses don’t understand the concept of applause, i don’t think he really enjoyed it but rather tolerated it

[@blauespony1013]

@@Eeee-xl4xb Horses can learn the meaning behind human behavior. They don't understand it initially, but they can learn that it means they did well. Like they learn that being touched by a human can be nice and not threatening.

[@NeliRatPBJTime]

The part when they were cantering and they changed leads at every step... AMAZING!! The horse looked like he really loved it just as much as the rider! They are fabulous together!

[@JamieK347]

7:18 the horse looks so pleased like he knows what he just did was amazing

[@tomaslaplante5521]

Every time I watch Edward Gal and Totilas, I´m amazed. There hasn´t been another duo like this since. Charlotte and Valegro are amazing, Valegro is more precise, but no horse moves like Totilas - he seems to float, like a ballerina, effortless. This, to me (my own personal opinion) is the most beautiful dressage test ridden; we´ll have to wait a long time for another Totilas

[@lucataliercio7499]

+Tomas La Plante you are wright!

[@hannahc6049]

I used to think the same way, but Totilas was trained wrong. He is so far BTV, and they pushed him to unnatural, flashy, movments, they turned him into a trick horse. Its know he was trained with Rollkur, and its obvious he is being held up. The poll should be the hightest point, but the middle of his neck is. There is no self carriage. Watch the Spanish Riding School, those are how dressage horses should look.

[@mandyonsaber9238]

Hannah Horres, thank you i agree 100% Rollkur and really ill teaining methods. Legs move unparralel his back is hollow he is tense not supple...ect. Valegro on the other hand reallly represents classical dressage the way it should be

[@tacotuesday7845]

Yea because totila is being ABUSED

[@emmabesko4124]

I personally think the Valegro’s test was better because Valegro was more forward than Totilas. Valegro’s movements were more fluid as well

[@deisirae8536]

When i found this vid...i had NO idea what Dressage even was. After watching half of it i was like, "okay this is pretty...but...whyyyy?". Then it hit me. You cant even train HUMANS to move that precisely...and thats telling them straight up how and what to do. So i gotta say im hugely impressed by the outcome of the training for that seriously badass horse.

[@caninetrainingandbehavior3232]

I just can't get enough of this performance.

[@travismusic47]

Wow! This pair blows me away. This is one of the best or the best dressage pair of all time. RIP Toto ❤

[@blauespony1013]

If it had been achieved by good training, it would blow me away, too. But sadly, this horse was abused.

[@Cyphynte]

The people here saying dressage is stupid: You try and make an animal with its own mind willingly respond to these commands. Especially the piaffe at the end.

[@Aimee0206]

I don't think it's "stupid", but I just cannot stand unnatural movements (for example, movements that horses wouldn't do by themselves in the wild) and the way their chin is practically glued to their chest.

[@shaylabrynn5934]

Emelie Windstorm I'm not a hater either I just don't agree with anything metal that goes in the horse's mouth... Or any tie downs or anything that creates a unnatural movements it's very manipulating it seems like to the animal and it doesn't look like it enjoy it at all. and if you don't notice... You can see the mouth foaming and how he keeps moving back as if he wants to get out... I feel so terrible for animals who have to go through this

[@SamMcinturff]

Just because it's difficult doesn't mean it isn't stupid lol

[@erinbrown6976]

Shayla brynn these horses are bred to do shows like this and train like this. The foaming means absolutely nothing, and the horses ears were perky, showing that he clearly didn’t mind showing, and may have even enjoyed it. Also, clearly you have absolutely no idea what the hell youre talking about because that “metal thing” is called a bit. It’s actually pretty comfortable in a horses mouth because where it sits inside of it, there is no teeth. Please, get your damn facts together before you start talking about something fairly controversial.

[@samiracalgar4813]

@@Aimee0206 u can watch Horses do this in this in wild...not so long but some steps. ..

[@SavvyEquestrian91]

That horse looks so proud of himself when he's walking out! BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE!

[@NoFairyPrincess]

EDWARD & TOTILAS ARE THE BEST DRESSAGE COMBINATION IN HISTORY! NOTHING WILL CHANGE THAT! TRUE LOVE LASTS FOREVER!

[@NadineLynch10]

Stunning horse with flawless movements, one of the best dressage horse and rider combo so far

[@erikakrausmann5177]

The exacting movements are stunning and quite beautiful. This horse is magnificent. I might add that, horses are very intelligent creatures and quite capable of handling the physical efforts needed in this sport. Training is, above all else, the single greatest reason these horses can accomplish such feats. Blood lines help, but training is the most important element for a horse to be successful. Dressage is simply beautiful to watch.🎩

[@sarahoneill775]

Beautiful horse. Not one movement out of place. The extended trot, the half passes and pirouettes were my favourites. Perfectly ridden.

[@traceyhoffman3532]

I watch this video practically every day, very motivational for me. Mr. Gal, you are an inspiration in the sport of dressage. RIP Totilas....

[@Ae-od3ts]

Are you serious? About Gal being your inspiration? Do you know how he trains his horses?

[@Pferdecoach]

HOME is ONE heartbeat. R.I.P. Totilas ....forever never forgotten ....

[@sigridgreitzke7607]

It's not Gal, it's not Totilas. It's the inseparable unity of Gal and Totilas. This horse should have never been sold and ridden by Rath, and I say this as a German. W.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l

[@phyllisnunn2061]

Indeed!!!!! Exactly so.

[@marshmallowdoge]

This is a coincidence bc this was posted on my bday and this is some of the best dressage I’ve seen! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 great bday present

[@gerdajansen2651]

Da stimme ich zu ! Rath konnte ihn nicht nachreiten, denn Totilas war von Gal ausgebildet und sie waren aus einem Guß ein dreamteam !! Isa. Werth hat es seinerzeit abgelehnt, sie wusste, dass man ein Grand Prix Pferd selbst ausbilden muss.

[@millsix999]

horsesarecreatures.tumblr.com/post/129940086633/the-edward-gal-rollkur-compilation-incomplete

[@Julia-mi2ij]

Sadly Gal broke him before he fell into the hands of Rath. What we saw Rath doing in the warmup was Totilas usual training with Gal.

[@fab_unicorn9967]

Omg people A horse doesnt have to look happy all the time, If i'm not smiling it doesnt mean im not happy. And I think that a Olympic rider knows what he is doing.

[@mysilblingareusingthisacck9365]

FAB_UNICORN Totilas...

[@wintershock]

FAB_UNICORN plus, a happy horse hardly refuses to do stuff. This horse wasn’t refusing to do anything.

[@depressoespresso5774]

@@wintershock Exactly! I've found people talking about the rider abusing the horse with the bit. I understand their concerns. They clearly care a lot about these animals, and I love that! But they just need to understand where exactly in the mouth a bit sits and how a horse acts when he's angry or in pain. If he was hurt, he wouldn't be performing as good as he is here. His ears shouldn't be the go-to indicator for emotions, seeing as they could be listening to things, but he is clearly happy or at least willing to do what he's doing.

[@janiczkahell]

@@wintershock do you know something about rollkur?

[@KMMalmquist]

Not to mention Totilas is concentrating. How often do you see athletes smile and look cheery during their competition. Pretty much never.

[@Zapporah85]

Look at how fluid his legs are, there is nothing robotic about him. He is absolutely dancing, beautiful horse.

[@annalisacerutipuricelli9943]

Wow...! The most amazing horse in dressage... He's a legend... in the past, in the presente , in the future... He's the number one... of course...!!!... nobody can be perfect... like him...

[@1992Harland]

It's like watching water, just one fluid motion rolling into another. Best performance I've seen in ages. The only other horse with skills like this that comes to my mind is Blue Hors Matine (my she rest in peace) I would've loved to have seen those two do a duet.

[@Ae-od3ts]

No he isn't like water. He is like rocks tumbling down a mountain. Because of Gal

[@davelawless9419]

Closest thing to ballet I have ever seen. This is one proud horse. Animals know when they have accomplished something just as we humans do. Bravo!

[@staciwhite7980]

the most amazing horse ive ever seen...We miss you Toto....RIP over the rainbow bridge

[@johcenascomsicbrownie1422]

It’s like he’s floating. Absolutely gorgeous

[@judithotten2188]

Impulsion and head carriage always seem so forced with Totilas. Would love to have seen him perform in relaxation and more carriage from the hindquarters

[@sophierichards2303]

+JudixCovers that's not what the world class judges say

[@judithotten2188]

+Sophie Richards did I ever mention world judges?

[@SeerTrulth]

+JudixCovers Yep, I agree. I worry about this, too, because it reflects so often the duress imposed. I always relieve myself by watching Blu Hors Matine when possible, because I don't like what I'm seeing. I impute this contrived, mechanical affect to training pressure. I impute that to naïve humans.

[@imperialguardenjoyer]

Totilas is rollkured, that may be why he looks this way. A properly trained horse is much more comfortable and in my eyes, more elegant.

[@dermangoschaler182]

+ғ ɪ ʀ ᴇ ғ ʟ ʏ when you look at Alexander Rath, who rode Totilas, you know what Rollkur is

[@KarrooBossie]

When a horse is more professional than you.

[@smeone1806]

Hey. I’m from the Netherlands. Edward Gal is really friendly (to people and horses). This horse is sold. To a german person. From that moment, all went wrong with the horse. There’s documentary about This Totilas. Go look it up. (Sorry voor My bad english btw).

[@unicorngirl8020]

Not true the horse is in pain bits r so bad for horses people know the bits are bad

[@jayna6361]

@@unicorngirl8020 Bits do not hurt the horse oml, they're made to sit in a spot in the horses mouth were it doesn't harm the horse. There are some severe bits but those aren't used for everyday, nor do they harm the horse. Do your research please 🙄

[@KS-cq2pt]

My coworkers could learn a thing or two from him 😂😂😂

[@blessedalcuin]

@@unicorngirl8020 Statements as ignorant as yours just make my pommes frites.

[@shiiuza]

Wow, simply amazing. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful mover! This horse is truly something special!!!

[@jessicadecroti3113]

Incredible! The pure beauty these two are capable of... together

[@wolffangem4824]

This is beautiful. That horse is very well trained and very light on his feet..uhh..hooves. Amazing!

[@KarenmitchellANI]

Emily Wade You wouldn't say that if you knew what the horse actually has to go through!!!!

[@bishieboosh3522]

Karen Mitchell Training? Omg ikr? It must be sooooo tiring. ****SARCASM**** Dude, do you know how much training they go through. Dressage training is in many levels. Each level is harder than the last. Now, a horse like this has natural talent as well. It is what makes them incredible. Now then... Please do get some education before you rip on other people's things, fucktard.

[@emilyiannuzzi7116]

Yeah watch it without the music, so you can't be enchanted. Look at how tight his neck is, how snappy his legs are, how low his poll is. Ah, the beauty of modern dressage. You want real dressage? It's hard to find nowadays, but maybe if you search around you cam find videos of some REAL masters. Gal schools with rollkur, and it's really easy to tell when you watch closely. He looks like he's swimming in the extended paces, for example.

[@bishieboosh3522]

Emily Iannuzzi I did listen to it without music. I just mean, it's still impressive. I know it's not perfect, but it is incredible compared to some of the older trainers but... Yeah.

[@bishieboosh3522]

Emily Iannuzzi And having a poll too high will cause sway back.

[@SametHorses]

This horse isn't moving based on his maser's commands - he is dancing based on his friend's guidance.

[@albertinevandunne2702]

Best thing I read about dressage so far, it's so true!

[@ellawahidi5650]

soo true there should always be a companion relationship not a master one!

[@SametHorses]

Agreed!

[@Wolfswind003]

That horse was (maybe still is) tortured. Please read up about 'roll kur'

[@SametHorses]

Edward Gal utilises rull kur? I found many pictures and some videos of it, so I realise that I have been ignorant of it all this time. I did not know that, and it makes me sad now that I do... :(

[@Pferdecoach]

the presence of this stallion ridden through its body showing his infinite muscle power has this amazing factor even after years watching it again and again ......for eternity

[@media333]

I watch this over and over again. What a horse! What a rider!

[@Bebold94]

This is one of the most incredible horses I think I've ever seen. His movements are absolutely amazing. He is simply spring-loaded.

[@nicole57972468]

The goose stepping and disengaged hind legs...😁😁😷 I can't even

[@lexiandmichaelinbelize204]

i love the fact that you actually think you know what you are talking about

[@Tigerheiress]

........... gtg

[@theprancingpony6075]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Lol you think you know what your talking about! This performance was amazing.

[@horselover101234]

Omg dude same, he's being ridden in Rollkur which hollows out his back and disengages his hind end.

[@Julia-mi2ij]

@@lexiandmichaelinbelize204 Well considering how Totilas stopped performing as well once he got trained the traditional way I don't really think you know what you're talking about. Why do you think Totilas suddenly danced like he did with Gal once Rath warmed him up in severe rollkur?

[@ahappytraveler9374]

I simply fall in love with this dressage movings!! I'd totally dance this horse till the end of my days :) Thank you EG and M!!

[@LinktheHylianChampion117]

ikr? until you realize this poor guy was abused

[@kymcasterton2433]

I am SO inspired to see this, it has brought a tear to my eye!! I can only hope to become a tenth as good with my lovely horse Bounce x

[@mildredgrossman5653]

The horse and rider were in sync, you do not get that kind of performance without having a strong connection with the horse and rider and it is a skill, just as in the world of ballet. When a rider becomes one with the horse, it is amazing. Unless you have experienced first hand you do not what it is and this is what I saw in this amazing performance.

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

I don´t know much about horses or dressage's, but this performance I find fascinating... the beauty of horse an rider, the music, choreography, timing and presentation is so impressive. Love it. PS. Edward Gal is almost as handsome as Totilas ; )

[@Jd3dom]

I know I ride a horse A black horse Dressage is amazing

[@babygibbon8719]

Absolutely seamless, a joy and a pleasure to watch. What a beautiful creature.

[@Maryvanessa1130]

Beautiful movement , just love this horse & ride, thanks for sharing

[@windchaser12]

Beautiful show! Tail pretty quiet, actions are superb, ears relaxed and listening, changes are flawless. Head is tucked in a way that it doesn't hurt him and allows for fluid motion. Well done. :)

[@annessay5436]

+Windi Dragon So true :) i think they are a perfect couple

[@Ae-od3ts]

Unfotunately the methods he uses pn his horses aren't as pretty my friend

[@tecnologiaoficial]

Mind = blown. I had no idea that horses could do this!

[@kenzieshelley4172]

Horses are fookin awesome.

[@aliciagalvan5847]

Kenzie Shelley

[@thehaxorusgirl9165]

+Tecnologia Brasil Yes it may be amazing and requires years of training, but do not always look up to professionals and think, that must be the norm for horses, the truth is it's not, a form like this requires cruel and controversial methods to achieve. Even this rider was caught doing rollkur on Totillas.

[@thehaxorusgirl9165]

+Sierra Newcomb Yes I forgot to mention that there are many riders (Like you) that don't go to extreme measures to win prize money, or a ribbon

[@auroran7700]

+Tecnologia Brasil Yes, the sidestepping for me was especially exquisite!

[@chrizzly8461]

This still gives me the chills up to my spine. To me this is sheer beauty. Dont care about the haters, it is amazing, great combination.

[@Superfilly101]

Absloutly amazing test! So beautiful to watch! What an athlete! Congrats on your WORLD RECORD BREAKING score! Fantastic job! So beautiful! I to come as far as you are in Dressage! AMAZING! 😍😍😍😍

[@pandalove6290]

This is what I call Hindleg Activity... It is so amazing!

[@horselover101234]

He's actually being ridden in rollkur which makes his hind end DISENGAGE! And make his back hollow out

[@pandalove6290]

I know that. But what I can see in this Video is really good. He looks very relaxed, he doesn't flick his tail very often, he looks soft at the reins. His ears are wobbling in the rhythm the horse walks in. The only thing I would criticize is the walk, because here he doesn't look that easy.

[@horselover101234]

Pandalove he's in pain not relaxed

[@pandalove6290]

Anne The Quarter In this video I think he was not in pain because these 7 minutes he has been ridden very well! All the points I mentioned before show that.

[@horselover101234]

Pandalove His face says it all, He is disengaged and wanting LOTS of release.

[@barbarabreunis7788]

R.i.p. Totilas. Pure perfection.

[@flytheskymyway]

An amazing partnership, horse and rider - one mind. A exquisite performance.

[@equineaviator]

I couldn't speak and could barely breathe watching this. It's beautiful.

[@waterandsunshine5968]

utterly brilliant. breathtaking movement, trust, and respect clearly visible here. absolutely stunning horse.

[@emilygrace4993]

The horse looks like it's floating above the ground!!!!!!

[@forevershypergurl644]

He really worked hard he has inspired me a lot. His horse is also a beauty. The horse has really paid it off with the rider to get 90. They are amazing.

[@terrynoone2793]

WOW!! that is the most beautiful thing ever! I'm sure that the horse had to practice a lot to do those moves. WOW! I'm amazed. It's just as hard on any athlete to do their incredible feats as well too. I'm very sure that that wonderful horse gets whatever he wants and is treated better than most children.

[@88Meava88]

he is an amezing horse. no horse can move like he does.

[@sillychloesmithy5773]

This was just mesmerizing! i LOVE this dressage routine so much! I was almost reduced 2 tears after watching this that horse he is just so incredible

[@zedericolawrence6375]

dieses unglaubliche pferd bestes dressurpferd auf der ganzen welt 😍❤️

[@lieblinge66]

Aber auch das gequälteste!!!

[@true_believer72]

thats amazing I felt like the horse was going to gallop thru the air. That was the most beautiful dressage Ive ever seen

[@aliasisaac]

sadly, there's no one to talk about the rollkur Totilas dealt with. No one's talking about the literal torture and maltreatment Edward Gal did to him...

[@fannydalbyjensen4782]

How do you know that?

[@aliasisaac]

Just look at pictures of him lol, Gal used rollkur all the time with him. Also like most dressage horses he was ridden before he was 7, which should be the minimum, lived in a stall most of his life and had to wear a dressage bridle, with two bits.

[@blauespony1013]

@@aliasisaac Riding before seven is not a problem, if it is done responsibly (giving young horses enough breaks, going out, not doing the harder dressage figures before the horse's tendons are grown out ...). Horses should not reach this level of dressage before the age of 9 or 10 ... some years ago, 10 to 12 years was a young dressage horse at this level, nowadays it is 8 or 9.

[@YolandaMcCabe]

WOW! GOOSEBUMPS! And my heart is racing! I just want to cry when I see such beauty! And want to say it's f**#&ing beautiful! And I don't even swear!!! P.S. the froth at the mouth means the horse is happy. The way he holds his head during the test is part of keeping his body collected and all his power bunched up. All the aids (bit, reins, stirrups) are also used very intricately and I wouldn't dare ride my horse with them until I am skilled enough. The horse' ears are forward and his eyes are relaxed (no whites showing), which tells me he is happy and in his element. The way he lifts up his head afterwards is when he relaxes. In different horse disciplines different muscle groups work. Just like body builders and weight lifters have different muscular shapes than runners. This horse has worked on his muscle tones for years. I find that dressage is the only discipline that develops all the horse's muscles. Endurance, Cross Country and Jumping don't develop their back muscles very well. Which is why, no matter what my horse and I choose to do, there will always be a dressage session in there somewhere during the week. It's like our Thai Chi. Also, some horses like dressage and some don't. People tend to work with the horses that do. This man and his horse are definitely a match made in heaven and it shows! Love it!!!

[@bellasue02]

Yeah I'm sure that poor horse gets up every morning and says Gee I hope that guy with the spurs and double bits comes and gauges me every step I take so I'll step higher and pulls my head back to my chest so I can't breath and makes me prance around in front of a bunch of people sitting in the stands watching me froth and sweat. I just love it

[@lorenaxhuti7116]

bellasue02 I'm so done with people like you. Yeah, come on, keep complaining on how Dressage is so cruel. THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR OPINION. Seriously, Dressage is not a cruel discipline. I am not going to write 3 paragraphs for you proving so. Read about it online yourself and learn the true facts before you talk shit on something you have no fucking clue on.

[@caprranstorm4948]

+Isidora Southpoulos, I don't think they mean Dressage is a cruel sport, I think their talking about they way Gal used to train Totilas.

[@steinfriedman]

Whenever I want to feel awed, I watch this performance. No matter what has followed Totilas, he is still the most remarkable and brilliant in my heart and mind.

[@blauespony1013]

You know that this performance was achieved by rollkur, so horse abuse?

[@stinelolholmandreasen454]

A Sight for the Gods, WHAT a performance of that Horse...

[@Kiwi_Tea]

Beautiful form. And the horse looked so pleased with himself when he was done.

[@annemiekdenijs7750]

I just have to cry every time I see this team! It's amazing

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

I thought I was a weirdo but I teared up watching this too. So incredibly graceful, such an amazing team!

[@user-cg7uv3mh9f]

I travelled from Australia to see him at this World Cup. It was breathtaking .

[@wallyworld5107]

my 9 year old brother's twerking is more breathtaking than this

[@dani1993shelly]

edward gal is my fave dressage rider he just stands out from the crowd, his music in his freestyle routines always has you sitting on the edge of you seat and all his horses are trained so well that they could do the routines in there sleep

[@Julia-mi2ij]

Well he also trains his horses in rollkur, which is why all of them have flashy frontlegs, disengaged hindlegs and a hollow back

[@guiliannafacciano6571]

Amazing.. Beautiful horse!

[@nathanjohnson5837]

Wow! I have never seen this pair before, but to see this level of willingness, suppleness, impulsion, engagement, and precision, all at the same time, is simply extraordinary! He earned that 90%. And he likes his rider, too (see the froth at his mouth? he appreciates his rider's hands and finds joy in his work). If you haven't figured it out, I'm talking about the horse, Totilas. He has clearly excelled in his training, the way he engages his hind end and supports himself, taking all the natural movements of the horse and performing them to perfection while under the saddle. His hind end puts so much power under him that his front to back balance is extraordinary, freeing his front end to be expressive and his neck and head to relax into his rider's hands in a rounded and balanced position. No forcing here - his posture comes from his balance and willingness to be fully and intimately connected with his rider. This is joy, the pure joy of a true champion athlete.

[@martimasters7704]

His hindquarters are not properly engaged at all.

[@classicdecaf3600]

Outstanding horsemanship! Absolutely breathtaking!!

[@Rogue_Leader]

Thank you! I've been looking for a video to complete my presentation on "Risible, prancing bell-ends with too much time on their hands." This is perfect.

[@OneMoreMileAnHour]

Sorry mate; that's footballers. Wrong video, this is dressage.

[@beccablackheart6432]

This is Awesomeness At It's Greatest! Those that whine about whips, bits and spurs, when used correctly, just show their ignorance. When a horse "Foams At The Mouth", it means He understands and accepts his training. He is not in pain, pain for a horse equals a DRY MOUTH. This beautiful creature evidently LOVES what he is doing and responds Fantastically! I have horses you can never ride in a bit and I have horse you should never get on without one. These high level Dressage Horses are treated like Gods, so please keep your ignorant, u informed opinions to yourself.

[@j.j.b7344]

Becca Blackheart There is a difference between good foam and bad foam. Good foam is when the horse has a "lipstick" of foam. Bad foam is when foam is dripping off their mouth, like Totilas is doing here. That curb bit shank gets dangerously close to being parallel to the ground a few times. With the shank at that much of an angle and with that much pressure in his mouth, it is no surprise that he is uncomfortable.

[@breyerhorse1238]

Idiot.(Becca)

[@emmabesko4124]

J.J. B the horse foams because the horse can’t swallow while there is pressure on the bit. Foam is not associated with pain and there’s no “bad foam.” Also, he’s on the vertical, even slightly above the vertical the whole time.

[@Julia-mi2ij]

@@emmabesko4124 Let me present to you: The halt, the warmup, the broken neck, the disengaged hindlegs, the throwing frontlegs, the hollow back

[@emmabesko4124]

@@Julia-mi2ij I’m talking about Valegro, not Totilas (who was trained and competed under rollkur, an abusive tactic that is present in every equine discipline unfortunately)

[@JustMeKayC]

Don't get me wrong I like that he has so much expression but honestly I don't like how he has so much movement in the shoulder and I feel like he doesn't have enough push from behind to keep up. In his extensions I think they just look big because he's throwing his legs up there but doesn't seem to cover much ground like an extension should.

[@VannerLoverTV]

I thought the same thing too! His hind end isn't under him to provide more balanced movement. Glad I wasn't the only one who saw that.

[@MultiCanaris]

You saw jack all This is undisputally probably the ultimate best dressage ever and you think you have seen the mishaps?? God allmifmghty but sometimes the Internet is democracy at its worst ..... Every idiot has the right to voice it's opinion .....

[@JustMeKayC]

MultiCanaris Yes every idiot obviously does voice their opinion, as you have just showed me. You obviously don't ride dressage because there are many different styles of training to achieve this level of athleticism. This is not my preferred style but it doesn't mean it took any less of a rider nor any small amount of hard work and training as that was NOT what I was getting at. I said I would like to see him tuck his hind end and push more from behind in his extensions not that he was the worst horse to ever compete in dressage. Get over yourself, please.

[@TechKota]

JustMeKayC I didn't like it either...at all really

[@JustMeKayC]

Apple Pie There were things I liked and things I didn't was my biggest point. Its not the best but not the worst either. Just things I would change if I was the rider that's all haha.

[@theshitheadonhorses]

Amazing horse! Had the most beautifully movement very nice and explosive moves! :) very nice to watch

[@lashpetty9832]

Graceful and amazing. The tears are turned on.

[@icecreamguru7584]

Holy shit those changes of lead though!! Riding goals!!

[@clairefleagle6383]

Love profile picture.

[@MrCarlson1234]

1:50 tears in my eye's.. So beautiful!

[@wallyworld5107]

my 9 year old brother's twerking is more beautiful than this

[@serenity9926]

@@wallyworld5107 not funny

[@carolinehawkins6818]

Beautiful! Absolutely incredible!

[@selenapap9781]

At 4:50, that's "What Shall We Die For" from Pirates of the Caribbean, At World's End! At 5:39, that's the ending of "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time", also from At World's End. And you hear "What Shall We Die For" again at 5:46!

[@loriskrip9015]

Can't believe anyone would give a thumbs down on this performance! Edward is an exquisite rider and his horses are always lovely. I would ask anyone who gives a thumb down to this to hop on and show us better!

[@lightra]

I want to see him without any saddle and reins, without bitting the horse to his mouth like this and do this and then I would think about that, maybe he should be good.

[@Julia-mi2ij]

Nah mate Gal might be a good rider but he uses unethical methods to train

[@flissheywood4964]

Really good hind and front let movement, passage was almost on the spot, but I just don't like how much tension there is in the neck, the poll is meant to be the highest point, but it doesn't seem like there is here.

[@flissheywood4964]

*It

[@imperialguardenjoyer]

Stormwolf 102 --Rollkur was used on him sadly.

[@lautjenotimportant]

not rollkur if you dont know the difference please dont judge he was aa great horse with a great bound to edward gal sadly enought herr schockemolle was buying him :( it wasnt good for that horse

[@imperialguardenjoyer]

Lau Samsung yes, he was a great horse. but his trainers used rollkur on him to rush his training.

[@lekkki1]

He's so mechanical and stiff. Compare him to Matine, it boggles the mind. She was fluid and precise, totilas is very stiff and rigid compared to her. Excellent animal though.

[@shawnavoskuil4185]

AMAZING!!! Horses are such powerful, but graceful creatures. So majestic. I tip my hat to the trainers and people that truly understand these marvelous creatures and make them into horses that are willing to perform, and happy to do it. They know they're good. I love seeing that. ...

[@blauespony1013]

This performance was achieved by Rollkur, which is horse abuse. So "understanding" this creature is (sadly) not what made this happen.

[@lifesgreat9951]

This is beyond common excellence. There's a skill and trust here that is brilliant.

[@todddanza2538]

2:05 "And you really are watching the boy's genius" It's a good thing you told us, because to the rest of us it looks like any other horse dancing around.

[@eshaanmajumdar7136]

shut up

[@todddanza2538]

About a nine on the tension scale, Rube.

[@marybird495]

Shut up dipshit about things you know nothing about and go back to your armchair football.

[@todddanza2538]

Oh man, don't get me started on football.

[@todddanza2538]

I'm not trying to make the case that training a horse to do this stuff isn't difficult, I'm just saying it's a waste of time. If your art can't speak to the layman, then it's all just hot air filling a bubble in an irrelevant corner of society. You can spend your time polishing dung, perfecting your "craft", "educating" people about it until you've got competitions where people who are "talented" at it pressure each other to take it to extreme levels, and then boast to the world that your league has the most talented dung polishers in the world, but in the end, it's still just polishing dung. There's an "art" to even that, but nobody cares outside your elitist bubble.

[@DanacaLove]

absolutely beautiful! got to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing sports out there! true art!

[@Ae-od3ts]

This performance, not really.. It's pretty ugly actually

[@freedischwallin4031]

I have to stop watching videos of these amazing horses, I cry and scream like a baby every single time. Look at him just sucking in the crowds madness of joy after his big number!! A horse enjoying his life as a shooting star.

[@yerrie1908]

the grace the power the beauty, he knows how good and beautiful he is and he is showing it off

[@huskie91000]

Amazing! He truly is the best

[@thenamesevann]

The horse isn't in pain nor is he abused. If a horse and rider can work that well together in such grace and harmony then there is obviously a mental and physical connection and bond between horse and rider. Horses have minds of their own and if he was in enough pain, he wouldn't continue to do what he's doing. Riders work with the same horse for years to get them to this level. When a horse and rider develop a bond, the rider begins to learn where the horses weak and strong points are, also when he's had enough or when he's in pain. You can feel the horses emotions just by sitting on them when you've formed a strong enough bond. The rider has to care about the horse if they got to this point, an abused horse would not cooperate as well as it did. Teams like this practice for hours on end every day. I see no abuse or pain in this video, the horse would make it extremely clear if it was in any sort of pain. All I see here are two riders working together doing something they both love and have a passion for.

[@martielottering5649]

This also aged well

[@annieboardman]

Totalis is my favorite dressage horse! Such a beautiful mover.

[@JSantanaBellinger]

WoW!!! This show is amazing!! The training it takes for perfection in manisfested..

[@PrimeKeroHS]

Thought I'd give dressage a look. I fell asleep. woops.

[@SuzanneEMD]

+PrimeKero I understand your predicament. It is highly technical, and can only be enjoyed if you learned more about it. Only then it is possible you could enjoy and appreciate it.

[@yaelshalom7341]

+Suzanne Dansby I agree. I was fascinated from this amazing dressage. When you learn more about this it will look way more interesting.

[@budgiebreder]

i don't get why it's a good thing to pull on the head and have it so tight to the body. like surely the horse would be more willing if it could streatch out it's neck a little? right at the end the horse is so happy with its head out! Add: I get it now thanks to the many comments below. check em out if your confused like i was!

[@camillemaquillage]

The rounded neck shows that he gives his back ans this is very easy for a horse. Ask a beginner to hop on my horse ans he will fall in the bit and give his back .. even with the lightest hand ..

[@budgiebreder]

Camille Caron i don't get it? it's a human thing not a horse thing so what do you mean give its back? i don't get it?

[@camillemaquillage]

I thought you were a rider sorry .. by giving his back i mean that he uses the correct muscles .. and that it comes from fowardness and relaxation .. it is not something that we ask them to do .. it does it by it self . Ok these riders are able to keep their head higher then most dressage riders . It only means that he has more training and is very athletic .. a horse doing this with hos head up in the sky . Would hurt his back and neck ... Anyway :)

[@budgiebreder]

Camille Caron oh yeah i'm no rider! i've ridden 3 horses, a pony at a show for 5 minutes, a beach ride for an hour and i was a lucky volenteer at riding for the disabled(RDA) when i got to ride on my last day. Though i learned alot at RDA riding isn't one of the things i learned!

[@budgiebreder]

i understand why they'd do it but it still looks uncomfterable

[@lifesgreat9951]

What a beautiful, beautiful creature and talented human. Well done!

[@HexIsme]

Absolutely beautiful animal. BEAUTIFUL.