Popular dressage star Totilas is to make a long-awaited return to competition next month.
The 15-year-old Dutch warmblood stallion is due to compete with Matthias Rath in Hagen (8-12 July).
The pair haven’t been seen since Aachen’s CDIO5* show last July, where they won the grand prix and the grand prix special.
Prior to that the combination had enjoyed a run of eight consecutive wins. However, the horse has been out with injury since Aachen.
There was much speculation on the return of Totilas, with initial rumours suggesting he’d compete in May.
However, a statement on the Rath’s website this week read: “After some rumours last week we are happy to announce that Matthias’ and Totilas’ entry for the competition in Hagen in July has been officially finalised.
“We are really looking forward to the event in the beautiful showgrounds at the Teutoburger Forest.”
Totilas also made a comeback last May, having spent two years off the competition scene through various horse injuries and rider illness.
They then racked up wins at Kappelen and Aachen, but Germany’s top hope for individual gold at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) last summer was withdrawn prior to the Games.
A statement released by the German equestrian federation at the time said that the partnership had been at a training camp at Peterhof stud when Totilas had a “pain reaction” to an existing splint injury.
“After consultation with the leadership team, the vet team and the rider decided that for the sake of the horse he should not participate,” the statement added.
The pair are now aiming at the European dressage championships at Aachen in August. Hagan is one of two German riders must compete in to be eligible for selection for the Europeans.
