Stuttgart – Standing ovation in the Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart. Seven thousand enthralled and enraptured spectators, gasps of amazement and cheering after the final salute – Edward Gal and his 9-year-old black stallion Totilas provided a highlight at the 25 International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show in Saturday evening’s prime time session. Competing in the Grand Prix freestyle, the double European champion from Windsor won the freestyle with such apparent ease that it almost seemed to be casual.
The international jury awarded him 87.800 per cent for his performance. It was almost 14 points up on the runner up, Jeroen Devroe. Riding the 9-year-old Apollo van het Vijverhof, the Belgian was given a score of 73.900 per cent. It earned him 5,300 euro in prize money whilst Gal pocketed 6,200 euro for the win. Back in third was Anabel Balkenhol (Germany), who saddled her 12-year-old Wallach Rubins Royal to 72.800 per cent and 4,200 euro in prize money.
The ride was one for Edward Gal to savour. “Our freestyle was fantastic. Totilas was very relaxed and much calmer than in the Grand Prix. The crowd’s applause between the elements spurred me on.” Totilas has been with Edward Gal now for the past three and a half years. Even though he outdid his rivals with such ease today, the Dutchman is certain the black stallion has the potential to improve. “Sometimes he’s simply too young and he gets distracted. At the horse shows it’s important we find him a quiet stable. It helps him. I’ve really enjoyed coming to Stuttgart. It’s a great show with fantastic spectators,” said the smiling Edward Gal.
