Gold! Team Gold!

Today the first decisive day! For the first time it is about medals in the world championships, which are decided within the team evaluation. Active riders are again greeted by a beautiful day and already in the early morning hours suspense is in the air. The courses are demanding, the days  long, conditions that challenge both riders and horses to the same extent. Overnight, GLOCK’s London N.O.P. has landed his little toy for himself. Now mascot “Norman” lies next to him in the freshly delivered hay and the chestnut stallion indulges in his breakfast. With starting times in the late afternoon, a certain daily routine was achieved in these championships and so “London” completed his wellness programme and practice today in the morning before the next start at the championship arena. Today Gerco gave him a light practice in the morning sun. “Only dressage, no jumps.” he says upon getting off his horse and patting the stallion’s neck happily. London rubs his nose against him, happily blowing into his face just to confirm “I’m fine!”

03:15 pm. Kick off! The course is set. Mighty, power-sapping, technically demanding and extremely high. The stadium is fully occupied and nations have coalesced into groups. Banners and buntings wave .. the atmosphere is unique. The team championship evaluation turns out to be a real thriller – one moment Germany is first, then the Netherlands, then the USA or France manage to catch up again. The audience is with every rider and, little by little, we move toward the finals. The last riders of each nation are entering… Gerco in deep concentration with London on the warm-up course. He seems so deeply introspective that an onlooker might think he doesn’t take in his environment. But his senses are fully alert. He is perfectly aware that, as the last rider of the team, he carries enormous responsibility and could only afford one error at the most. Just like on the day before, Gerco and GLOCK’s London N.O.P. are greeted with frenetic applause. Then – total silence. Gerco approaches the first obstacle and with him a whole nation remains in suspense. GLOCK’s London N.O.P. jumps fantastically well. Everything is looking great. Then, a rail down! The audience murmuring … then being told to “shush” by others… Immediate silence again .. Gerco and “London” mastering one jump after the other and then towards the final oxer and … to GOLD! We are world champions!

A beaming Gerco stroking his stallion’s mane. “He simply is incredible!” he calls out to his fans, who are giving them standing ovations.

www.normandy2014.com

Light practice for Gerco and "London" in the morning. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Security too are fans of Gerco and London, taking some shots. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

The stadium in waiting. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Gerco deals sensationally well with the pressure of being the concluding team rider. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Gerco Schroeder and GLOCK's London N.O.P. in action. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Congratulations amongst team mates, "London" remaining relaxed. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Team Netherlands! © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Yes! We are world champions! Proud chef d’equipe Rob Ehrens and GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

"You are simply the best and I can hardly believe it!” says a happy GLOCK groom Lulu about GLOCK's London N.O.P. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Gerco with "London" and Lulu. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

Congratulations from the heart: Marcus Ehning (GER) hugging Gerco. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

The world champions entering the stadium. Everybody wants to congratulate. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

"I can hardly believe it!" - Gerco upon entering the stadium. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

4World champions! Jeroen Dubbeldam, Maikel van der Vleuten, Gerco Schroeder and Jur Vrieling. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Yes! We made it to gold! Gerco and team mates with fans. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

You are the best! - Gerco and GLOCK's London N.O.P. © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC

In the press conference of these 7th World Equestrian Games. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Thanks to all our fans! Your are the best! © Ruth Buechlmann | GHPC © Arnd Bronkhorst