Thursday, 24 August 2017 European Championships Gothenburg 2017

Edward and GLOCK’s Voice qualify for the Grand Prix Special

Today things get serious for Edward and GLOCK’s Voice. At 8:54pm precisely it’s time to ride into the huge Ullevi Stadium and give their all for the team and individual scores in the Grand Prix. Only the best 30 entrants are allowed to take part in the Grand Prix Special, and the best 15 of them then go on to contest the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday (27/08). But today it’s initially about the team score and therefore the first European Championship medal opportunity here in Gothenburg (SWE).

Edward and GLOCK’s Voice train in the morning; everything is still calm. The routine helps with putting nerves aside. Edward is scheduled as last to ride and, even though he has so much experience, every championship presents a new challenge. One hour before the start, GLOCK’s Voice is perfectly groomed, his mane plaited, his coat and hooves gleaming. Edward rides ‘Voici’ at a walk on a long rein to warm up the muscles; only later does he take up the reins to commence the concentrated preparatory work. The whole team has gathered and now it’s time to go into the stadium.

Not everything goes to plan, but Edward and the 15-year-old son of De Niro deliver a concentrated performance nevertheless, taking 14th place among the 66 starters and thus qualifying for the Grand Prix Special on Saturday (26/08). For the team score, their total of 72.457 % means fourth place among 16 nations.

Web: gothenburg2017.com

GLOCK’s Voice is ready for the Grand Prix. © GHPC

Edward and GLOCK’s Voice in the Grand Prix of the European Championships. © Arnd Bronkhorst

The entire Dutch team gathered to watch Edward and ‘Voici’. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK’s Voice striding out of Ullevi Stadium on a long rein after the Grand Prix. © Arnd Bronkhorst

While Edward is at the interviews, Hans Peter helps out and looks after GLOCK’s Voice. © Arnd Bronkhorst