Moorlands Totilas has only just entered the ranks of Grand Prix dressage, but already he is collecting accolades and superlatives. Some consider the 9-year old black KWPN stallion to be the best in the world. Certainly, the judges at the Exquis World Dressage Masters at Hickstead, England agreed: Totilas and rider Edward Gal set a new world record, winning the Freestyle class with a score of 89.400, 7.200 percentage points higher than their nearest competitor.

While I’ve read some criticism of the young stallion’s gaits (some don’t like his trot), his passage and piaffe are amazing. How does he achieve such animation and lift? He is a prime example of a horse that has shifted his weight onto his haunches, freeing up his shoulder for the expression that he demonstrates.

I believe this is only his second competition at the Grand Prix level and he’s sure to continue to improve.  He will be worth watching at his next competition at the Championships in Windsor, England next month.

Here’s their winning test!