Happy end for GLOCK's London

It’s like a fairy tale. With a script that couldn’t be surpassed by any Hollywood author. Packed with great success, painful good-byes and the joy of a rider and a whole nation, it’s a story with an unexpected happy ending that brings tears to the eyes. It is the story of GLOCK's London.

The shining golden chestnut stallion with those gentle eyes has more fans worldwide than some pop stars. He was born in Belgium on June 6th, 2002 under the name of Carembar de Muze. Back then, not even his breeder Joris de Brabander could have foreseen that he would be seeing a foal with an extraordinary future grow up in his stables. Albeit his talent for show jumping was discovered quite early on.

But an extra-ordinary jumper also needs to fulfil the mental prerequisites of having the will to perform and a fighting spirit. Furthermore it needs the very best fostering as a young horse, ideal riders and management, as well as the confidence to be able to change the world together. And Gerco Schroeder and London together seem to fulfil all of these requirements.

Just like his famous father Nabab de Reve, London developed fantastically. His talent on the show jumping course was soon admired and, as his discoverers and patrons, the Schroeder brothers knew what they had. This was a raw diamond, maybe still a little bit ‘wild’ under the saddle, but they saw an endless amount of potential in him. “I sat on him only briefly. It was a very special feeling with London. I sensed clearly that he was something special.” said Gerco Schroeder later and: “I have met the horse of my life.”

London changed owner. The stallion of almost five years was bought by the famous show-jumping stables Eurocommerce for Gerco Schroeder. Back then it was five years before the London Olympic Games 2012. The city that gave the young chestnut stallion and strong jumper his name – was to set the goal.

Measure of all things
Eurocommerce London and Gerco Schroeder became a team. One that would continuously improve its performance and make history. They felt at home in the world’s greatest show-jumping courses, always competing for top ranks, became the stars of countless fans and the beautiful stallion made breeders’ hearts beat faster. Be it Rio de Janeiro (BRA), Cannes (FRA), Doha (QAT), Vienna (AUT) or Aachen (GER), the two celebrated great triumphs everywhere. And in the Nations Cup they where solid as a rock; Gerco, the rider with nerves of steel yet enormous sensitivity, and London, one of the world’s best show-jumpers, with an extraordinary will to perform, his fighting spirit awakening upon entering the arena. The became the measure of all things on the show jumping course. “He’s so special, so well-natured and likeable. But as we ride in, then you sense his excitement. Then he becomes a different horse.” says Gerco Schroeder of the horse of his life.
 
Welcome to the GLOCK team
Everything changed after the London Olympic Games. A tug-of-war started for the world-famous stallion. Eurocommerce stables had ultimately encountered financial troubles. In March 2014 they filed for bankruptcy. No-one knew what would happen to the horses. And then, truly evil tidings: All Eurocommerce horses were to be auctioned! London too.
This meant an unknown but almost certainly separate future for Gerco Schroeder and London.

Innumerable people watched the auction online. Who would be the new owner of this exceptional horse? “Those were the worst moments in my life. I was scared, properly scared, and I took time to say good-bye to London.” said Gerco Schröder afterwards. “The auction was finished and the price so immensely high; no-one knew who had bought London. Then the call from Austria and I was unbelievably happy.”

A joyful turning-point for the duo. They were not torn apart and could stay together: The Gaston and Kathrin Glock family had bought the 12 year old BWP stallion. Gerco Schroeder too found a new sporting base in the GLOCK team and the two could continue to compete for The Netherlands. The entire world of equestrian sports was grateful for the extraordinary gesture.

The joy is just as great for the fans, riders and owners to witness live GLOCK's London’s first performance at his 'home tournament’ at GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER from July 24th till 27th  in Treffen, Villach (AUT). And one thing is particularly lovely. At last it’s ‘WELCOME HOME’ for GLOCK’s London.

Free entrance
Visitors can access the showground for free. There’s guaranteed entertainment for the young ones at the Kids Lounge, as well as pony riding fun. Dogs will be well looked after too; at the Dog Lounge the faithful friends will be catered for generously and given splendid massages (subject to availability and by reservation).

NEW: Cooking Lounge
German star cook Alfons Schuhbeck will entertain in his ‘cooking lounge’ at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER. Here all tournament guests enjoy free entry. The cooking shows take place in the Public Lounge on Friday and Saturday at 11am, 2pm and 5pm and on Sunday at 11am and 2pm.

Exclusive Riders Lounge
The VIP tag includes gourmet entertainment, Wellness Lounge, Styling Lounge, Kids Lounge, Cinema Lounge as well as top class international show acts, and is available for 200 euros per person & day. Day ticket info: +43 664 88 73 44 01
 
Live stream and infos
All information about the competitions, daily summaries, lots of photos and news as well as live streaming of International Show Jumping at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER available on www.ghpc.at!

What, where, when?
What: International Show Jumping
When: July 24th till –27th, 2014
Where: GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER, Gaston Glock Strasse 8, A-9521 Treffen/Austria
Free entrance to all competitive events
www.ghpc.at

GLOCK’s London and GLOCK Rider Gerco Schroeder are a strong team. In July they participate in the CSI5* at GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER. © Arnd Bronkhorst