Matthias Alexander Rath has broken his silence since the announcement that he will be Totilas' new rider on his website, www.matthias-rath.de, and the black wonder-stallion has not yet arrived at Rath's yard.

Stud duties

It had been widely speculated that Rath and Totilas would begin to compete early this year, but Rath has revealed that Totilas will be staying at owner Paul Schockemohle's yard for stud duties until the spring. The stud fee for 2011 is yet to be announced, but there is speculation of a 5000Euro rise for the record breaking stallion's semen. Rath said: "Meanwhile I will drive to Mühlen oftentimes - together with my father and trainer Klaus Martin."

First appearance

The first opportunity for fans to see Rath with Totilas under saddle will be at the stallion show in Vechta on 6 February. Rath said: "I am really looking forward [to it] and [I am] curious about the reaction of the spectators."

Totilas will move into his new home in Kronberg in the spring, and the duos first official tournament will be shortly after his move. 

Your view of the new partnership

We wanted to know what you thought of Totilas' sale and sent our reporter Jessica Dane to find out. Watch her report below: