Totilas has arrived in Germany — but new owner Paul Schockemöhle has still given no indication on who will take over the ride.
The dressage world was rocked by the news that Paul, former showjumper turned top European horse breeder, had bought the record-breaking stallion Totilas.
Today, he announced that the World Equestrian Games triple medal-winning horse will be “taking a break”.
“I really wanted to secure this horse for German breeding and this is what I have done,” said Paul.
“Maybe I can even manage to assure a new partnership for the German sport because Germany has first-class riders and trainers.
“But that has time, because Totilas has already achieved a lot for his age, so he deserves to take a break now.”
The news will come as a huge disappointment for Edward Gal fans, who were campaigning for the Dutch rider to retain his partnership with 10-year-old Totilas.
When the news of the sale broke, Edward Gal said he was “devastated” by the loss.
Read Edward’s Gal frank thoughts of the loss of his top horse
But Paul Schockemöhle has today ruled out any possibility of the Edward Gal/Totilas partnership continuing.
“The couple Totilas and Gal has brought spectacular performances and great moments to horse lovers all over the world and this will never be forgotten.”
He added: “I made myself a present by buying this superior stallion, and I hope he will pass on a lot of his qualities to his future foals.”
