Friday, 20 December 2013 CDI-W London Olympia

GLOCK’s rising stars

And then the door opened. From the somewhat cool warm-up ring – where despite the many people in the café area the atmosphere is one of calm concentration interspersed with reverent murmuring – the riders go past the TV cameras towards the arena, through the heavy gold curtain and out into Olympia Grand Hall in all its splendour and with all the seats packed. What an uplifting experience to be able to ride in here!

The one who gave herself and her fans here among the home crowd the greatest gift was the outstanding Olympic and European Champion Charlotte Dujardin (GBR). On her amazing 11-year-old KWPN gelding Valegro she pulled off an unbelievable feat: a new world best of 93.975%!

Today was also a very special day for GLOCK rider Edward Gal. It was exactly five years ago here in Olympia Grand Hall that he posted the world record of 92.300% in Grand Prix Freestyle on the famous black stallion Totilas, but the GLOCK rider bears absolutely no grudges. “I always knew there would be somebody out there who could beat it. It was just a question of when and who. I’m really pleased that it’s Charlotte. She is a wonderful rider and Valegro a simply incredible horse. I’m happy for them with all my heart,” said the GLOCK rider who also had every reason to be delighted. Focusing on his rider and the test, GLOCK’s Undercover again managed to significantly improve his performance: 87.425% meant second place for wonderful pirouettes, lovely piaffe and passage, extended canter and a freestyle to music composed by Joost Peters, Secretum Revelatum, which always sends shivers up and down the audience’s spine. 

“Last year, Fritsie still had a lot of problems here. In terms of appearance and backdrop, the venue is superb but difficult for riding. We got 74.050% then, this year over 87% and, if we carry on like that, we should be on 97% next year, which would be alright again,” he joked with Charlotte and the judges, much to the delight of the media representatives present. 

“Joking apart, I’ve now been riding GLOCK’s Undercover for just under two years and I can feel how we’ve grown closer. There is a bond between us that will make so much possible. In fine tuning, in helping Fritsie to relax, although he is getting more used to the excitement. I’m so happy for Charlotte and incredibly pleased with my wonderful horse that I was able to present to you here.”

Pride was also written all over GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud’s face. “What an incredible stallion,” he beamed after a freestyle meriting the same description. Concentrating hard to Romanov’s Rhapsodie by Joost Peters, GLOCK’s Romanov was very impressive. The 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion sired by Rohdiamant showed excellent lateral movements, was only briefly distracted once in the arena that was packed to the very last seat, lit up London’s Olympia with his tremendous personality and scored 77.675% for fifth place in this beautiful setting. 

Following four events for the 2013/2014 REEM ACRA FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE – Western European League, there are also new rankings: with a total of 38 points GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud is second and GLOCK rider Edward Gal fifth with 34 points.

For more info on CDI-W London International Horse Show go to: www.olympiahorseshow.com