Wednesday, 18 November 2015 CSI5*-W Verona / CDI4* Lier

Weekend with double success for Team GLOCK

At the weekend (November 6th till 8th), the two Dutch GLOCK riders Gerco Schroeder and Hans Peter Minderhoud participated in two highly competitive international events. Whilst Gerco scored with GLOCK's Zaranza and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc at the CSI5* World Cup tournament in Verona (ITA), Hans Peter achieved victories and ranking places at the CDI4* Lier (BEL) with young talents GLOCK's Casper and Zanardi.

Triple ranking for Gerco Schroeder
The who’s who of show-jumping travelled last weekend to the Fierracavalli in Verona. The fourth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Western European League took place in the context of this world-famous horse fair and GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder also took part. Gerco was able to achieve two top ranks with the powerful GLOCK's Zaranza (Karandasj x Heartbreaker). On Friday, with a penalty-free round, Gerco piloted the eleven-year-old stallion in the Premio Prestige (1.55 m) to fifth place. On Saturday, the GLOCK duo finished the Premio Selleria Equipe (1.55 m) also penalty-free on the basic course and in the jump-off, coming third. "He simply jumped fantastically”, said visibly happy GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder. GLOCK groom Lulu was also more than happy with 'her' protégé: "I’m proud of him. He gives us back all the love and trust we give to him."

Also twelve-year-old GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc was in top shape in Verona. In the Longines FEI World Cup™ test with jump-off over 1.60 m on Sunday, Gerco was able to achieve two immaculate, penalty-free rounds in the saddle of the Holstein gelding, being rewarded with seventh place.

Successful premiere for Hans Peter Minderhoud
GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud embarked on the CDI4* Lier (BEL) with two young horses and came back happy with very good results. On Friday, GLOCK's Casper (Westpoint x Goodtimes), only eight years of age, presented himself relaxed and very motivated. Two minor mistakes in canter were evened out by a fantastic trotting performance and the result of 71.395 % meant second place. In the Intermediaire I freestyle on Saturday, 'Casper' showed some insecurities, but GLOCK rider Hans Peter helped him overcome them with patience and sensitivity. In the end they came seventh with 70.475 %.

In Lier, eleven-year-old KWPN stallion Zanardi was able to present himself for the first time in a Grand Prix Freestyle. Before that, on Friday it was about a normal Grand Prix test though. Here, the GLOCK duo was able to achieve leading position amongst the 51 participants with 72.54 %, creating a good basis for Sunday. In the freestyle Zanardi gave his best and, with 75.050 %, the duo missed victory by a hair’s breadth. "I’m really happy with him", says GLOCK rider Hans Peter. "It’s great fun to ride him and he gives everything. This was his first Grand Prix freestyle and I am very happy."

Under Gerco’s saddle, the 'gentle giant' GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc jumped to seventh place in the World Cup in Verona. © GHPC

'Zaranza' enjoying a little nap in Verona. © GHPC

Hans Peter wins the Grand Prix in Lier with Zanardi. © Photoadapt

Totally relaxed, GLOCK's Casper in his box in Lier. © GHPC

Double success for GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder and GLOCK's Zaranza in Verona. © GHPC