Bronze in the Nations Cup Final

From September 24th till 27th, the best riders, horses and teams from 19 countries delivered thrilling sport and suspense at the Nations Cup Final. This was already the third time that Real Club de Polo in Barcelona had been the venue for this top-class Nations Cup Finale, with prize money totalling 2.3 million euros. Due to their success in the Nations Cup series, The Netherlands were seeded and thus also GLOCK rider Gerco Schröder. He would this time rely on GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc, but also took GLOCK’s Zaranza to Catalonia. 

In the kick-off to the contest for the Nations Cup trophy on Thursday, all 19 teams went to the start. After this first round over a course with 13 obstacles up to 1.60 m, the best eight teams entered the second and final round.

Gerco, in the saddle of the large-framed twelve-year-old Holstein gelding GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc, was already to deliver an impressive round in the first qualification. Then, together with his team colleagues Jeroen Dubbeldamn, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jur Vrieling, he made the leap into the decisive final on Saturday.

With the son of Clearway, Gerco was the last of his team to start and had to deliver a penalty-free round to give the team the chance to win a medal. With this enormous pressure on his shoulders, the GLOCK rider with nerves of steel piloted his white horse skilfully through the demanding course and delivered the only penalty-free round of the Dutch team. After further perfect rounds by the British team and the winners in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2015, Belgium, Gerco together with his team happily celebrated third prize and bronze.

Gerco Schröder was able also to deliver a successful performance with GLOCK’s Zaranza (Karandasj x Heartbreaker). After a penalty-free round in the kick-off on Thursday, the GLOCK duo also made a clear round of the basic course of the Queen’s Cup on Saturday over 1.50 m, qualifying for the jump-off and then securing 16th place.

Having arrived safely in Barcelona, GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc and GLOCK’s Zaranza enjoy the fresh straw in their box. © GHPC

Thanks to their strong performance in the first round, Gerco and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc helped the Dutch team into the final of the best eight. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Breaks are important for relaxation. GLOCK’s Zaranza and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc enjoy the Spanish sunshine. © GHPC

GLOCK’s Zaranza is ready to go! © GHPC

GLOCK’s Zaranza and GLOCK Rider Gerco Schröder performed a delightful round in the Queen’s Cup. © Arnd Bronkhorst

The dream team of Gerco and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc stood up to the pressure and impressed everyone with a clear round in the Nations Cup Final. © Arnd Bronkhorst