Wednesday, 11 January 2017 CSI3* CSI1* CSIYH1* GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER

New season, new objectives for the European Championship year 2017

Europe’s best riders have exactly 222 days left to prepare for this year’s major sports event: the European Championships in Gothenburg (SWE) from August  21st till 27th, 2017. Equestrian sports contestants in three disciplines, as well as media representatives and fans from all over the European continent, are eagerly awaiting this event. Every athlete would like to represent their country and be part of their nation’s team.

Mission European Championships 2017
Qualification tests for the two and four-legged superstars of the world of show jumping already started in 2016. The CSI5* International Show Jumping at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER Austria in June presented an opportunity for them to commend themselves for the European Championships. Now numerous participants will return from their winter break for the CSI3* GLOCK Season Opening in order to continue to work on the mission “Gothenburg 2017”.

Meticulous planning
Those wishing to represent their country in the context of international championships have to plan their entire year around that with great care. From the correct training and feeding plan for their four-legged partner to their own physical fitness and the correct choice of qualification events – everything must be perfect. But that’s not all. There are numerous other questions that must be dealt with beforehand. Which horses are most suitable for the conditions at the venue? Which horses have no trouble travelling by aircraft or ferry and do have no problem with being fed and watered outside their familiar environment? Which horses give their best performance at big events? And which riders can stand the pressure and deliver their best performance in the team? All these factors must be taken into consideration and require honest self-assessment and far-sightedness.

The agony of choice
In addition to the decision as to which horse will be the best choice for which athlete, the choice of preparatory events is also of paramount importance to success over failure. One of the riders’ highest priorities is to be able to compete with the best in their class under perfect conditions. So it is that international superstars cherish events at GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER.

Indeed the CSI3* Season Opening in February sports a rare concentration of stars. Olympic winners, World and European champions will honour GHPC with their presence and check out their top horses’ form. This gives chefs d’équipe the chance to assess their protégés and to make initial decisions as to who will be allowed to participate in important qualification tests during the forthcoming outdoor season. So it might well be that, for some riders, riding at the GHPC may pave the way to the European Championships. Everyone wishing to cheer on their personal idol will be able to do so from February 2nd till 5th, 2017 at the GHPC Austria. Because then the theme will once again be: Welcome to the CSI3* Season Opening – Welcome to International Show Jumping!

INFOBOX
What: International Show Jumping 
When: 02-05/02/2017
Where: GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER Austria
VIP day tickets: call +43 664 887 344 01
Free entry to all competitive events on the spectator grandstand in the tournament hall
www.ghpc.at

International top riders such as Bertram Allen (IRL) are intending to benefit from the Season Opening at the GHPC Austria as a test of form for the 2017 European Championships. © Michael Rzepa

Equestrian sports stars such as Pius Schwizer (SUI) love to come back to the GHPC Austria, because here they can compete and compare themselves with the others in optimum conditions. © Michael Rzepa