Totillas and New Rider Alexander Rath

Thank you! I missed the second page icon :rolleyes:


I didn't have any real feelings either way on the sale, but having watched most of the video, I'm saddened. I think that's the right word. A number of mistakes/breaks. Not sure what the tempo was meant to be in places. Matthias not looking comfortable at times (at one point it looked as though his core strength was very tired).

And before anyone jumps on me a) no, I do not ride at that level(!), nor do I profess to, but I can see when mistakes are made; b) I know it's a new partnership, but in that case, don't 'show it off' until the team is ready; c) the horse did not look as he did with Gal, which could be the new partnership thing.

On that last point, people, when they buy and sell these highly trained animals, seem to forget that they are just that, an animal. What goes well for one person does not mean the horse will go well for a new ride, no matter how much training the horse and the new partner has.

Hope that made sense. Having a bit of an argument with an iPad!
 
Thought the same re the slips (though it made me feel better that it can happen to anyone!). Wonder why they didn't just take more time together to iron out teething probs and get their communication working well together? Unfortunatly I guess when such large amounts of £ are involved people need a return on that investment. To get some back then he needs to be sucessful competing and very desirable as a sire, it isn't going to happen quietly training at home and developing a bond with his new rider. No matter what level Totilas works at, he still has his own mind and isn't a magical dressage machine, seems like it would do no harm to remember that.
My over-riding thought from watching it though is ' I wonder how good he would look really opened up and allowed to gallop along the beach'! I just want to see him moving forwards really freely, almost makes me feel sufolcated just to watch.

(no I don't ride at this level, still can have an opinion, yada yada yada!!)
 
I understand that this video was not recorded with the permission of Mathias Rath his parents or Paul Shockemohle apparently they are trying to get it removed.

I thought there were a few moments when Totillas was better engaged, but personally really dislike the exagerated leg action in front. However,Totillas is a beautiful horse with a wonderful personality shame about the training.
 
I watched their first outing a while ago. From what I can remember Toto was carrying a lot more tension that I've ever seen, there were transition mistakes/miscommunications, Rath looked hunch-backed at times and Toto still had assymmetrical front and rear activity as well as lack of over-tracking in extended walk. Still, it takes a while for anyone to cement a new bond with their horse, no matter how much they cost!
 
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