Rules Forbid “Wonder Horse” Totilas’ Appearance at the Olympics
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German dressage rider Matthias Alexander Rath and his horse Totilas won't be at the London Games.
(© picture alliance / dpa)
The German equestrian Matthias Rath has withdrawn from participating in the Olympic Games in London (July 27 to August 12). Glandular fever has forced the 27-year-old dressage rider to take a break. His 10-million-euro horse Totilas, however, is in theory fit for service. According the rules of the sport, however, it is not possible to assign another rider for the so-called “wonder horse” at short notice.
Even putting aside the rules, the relationship between horse and rider is very special and delicate. Totilas and Rath have proved this many times since they began working together. Rath’s predecessor, Edward Gal, made Totilas into a wonder horse and broke every dressage record, enchanting both spectators and judges. Despite his best efforts, Rath has not managed to reach the same heights with Totilas.
