Gold and silver for Team GLOCK!

From July 17th till 19th, 2015, the KNHS centre in Ermelo was the venue of the Dutch Dressage Championships. For this event, the nation’s best riders set off for the ‘heart of Dutch equestrian sport’ to battle for the coveted noble metal. Of course, the two GLOCK Riders Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud were also part of this special event and, with GLOCK's Undercover N.O.P., GLOCK's Voice, GLOCK's Johnson TN and GLOCK's Flirt, they delivered a brilliant performance.

An enthusiastic audience was able to witness on Friday the first partial test for the Dutch Championships in the Grand Tour. Here the participants were still allowed to start with several horses. For the Grand Prix test, Edward saddled GLOCK's Undercover N.O.P. and GLOCK's Voice. 'Fritsie', as  GLOCK's Undercover N.O.P. is also lovingly called, danced with fresh energy and great expression through the course, several times receiving the top mark of 10.0 for his extraordinary piaffes and perfect pirouettes. Edward and the gelding raised from Ferro x Donnerhall achieved an overall score of 84.520 % thus securing their victory. GLOCK's Voice, a half-brother of 'Fritsie' on his father’s side, was also able to stage himself perfectly under Edward’s fine hand and ranked third with 77.560 %.

In the Grand Prix, 13-year-old Jazz son GLOCK's Johnson TN presented himself impressively as usual, willingly following Hans Peter Minderhoud’s skilful commands, and achieved second place with 78.920 %. Hans Peter and GLOCK's Flirt were rewarded with the fourth place and 77.360 % for their harmonious presentation.

Saturday was the day of the first decision since it was the day of ‘petite finale’. In this Grand Prix Special, Team GLOCK was again able to celebrate a double victory. Edward and GLOCK's Voice were even able to increase their performance in comparison with the previous day and presented convincing performances in elegant canter lead changes as well as passages. The judges gave them 79.373 %, which again meant first place. Hans Peter and 'Flirty' were narrowly defeated and achieved a magnificent second place with 77.314 %.

Champion honours and personal records
The battle over the title of Dutch dressage champion was decided on Sunday in the Grand Prix musical freestyle. Hans Peter and GLOCK's Johnson were the seventh duo to enter the test, presenting a breathtaking freestyle performance. 'Johnny’s' extended canters and the impressive half-passes delighted both judges and spectators, ultimately yielding 82.125 % for the GLOCK duo and thus a new personal record.

Edward Gal with GLOCK's Undercover entered as odds-on favourite the course as the last starter. The 'black tiger' fully concentrated on his task, eliciting scores of 10.0 a full eight times from the judges. A fantastic 87.425 % was the final score on the board and the cheering for the old and new Dutch champion was enormous.

This was the fourth title in a row for GLOCK rider Edward Gal, all in all he has succeeded in winning the Dutch championships seven times.

Super happy!! GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and gorgeous GLOCK's Johnson TN after their second place in the Grand Prix on Friday. © Arnd Bronkhorst

What a horse! GLOCK's Johnson TN under GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK's Flirt is a real darling of the spectators. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Edward Gal and GLOCK's Voice were enthusiastically cheered by the audience. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Dream team! Edward and GLOCK's Undercover achieving gold in the Dutch Championships! © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK rider Edward Gal and GLOCK groom Vanessa beaming in reaction to GLOCK's Voice’s top performance. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK groom Anna with 'her' protégé GLOCK's Johnson TN. © Arnd Bronkhorst

The podium in the Dutch Championships: runner-up Hans Peter Minderhoud, champion Edward Gal and Diederik van Silfhout. © Arnd Bronkhorst