Monday, 25 August 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Vet-Check top, Training top - all ok!


A bombastic play of colours – the opening celebrations yesterday for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014. In the sold-out D’Ornano stadium, at first  spectators were delighted by all active riders presenting all their nations and afterwards by a beautifully staged journey through equestrian history. Full of pride, GLOCK rider Edward Gal as the title defender took over the Dutch flag and presented his home country in the oath to fair equestrian games.
 
Today Sunday (24/08) in the vet check it was decided whether all the horses were really fit and received the ever so important ‘accepted’. The Dutch team presented its horses wearing dark suits and orange-striped ties and everybody showed best form. Afterwards a photo shoot, since the photographers really admired the smart Dutch team.

In the morning riders were finally given access to the large championship stadium for their first dressage. One nation after the other was allowed to first access the warm-up arena and then the exterior course in the stadium and, after that, the championship course abundantly decorated with flowers. At bang on 3.30 pm, it was the turn of Edward, Hans Peter and their team colleagues. Fifteen minutes outside and another fifteen in the course, there is not that much time for sniffing out these big championships. Anyway, GLOCK’s Johnson TN showed himself relaxed and full of energy. He hardly seemed impressed by the environments, doing his work perfectly under the experienced leadership of GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud.
 
GLOCK’s Voice too is in great shape in his first world championships. He checks everything out and takes part with enthusiasm. Edward took some relaxed rounds, let the black stallion do a short piaffe and passage in order to give long rein after some nice pirouettes and a fresh canter. “Enough for today!” he smiles, “Voici was great and soon we will get on with it.”
 
Now off to the stables, to a thickly padded box, food and peace. Strength must be gathered in order to give everything tomorrow. From 8 am the first test in this competition will kick off. 100 active riders will start into the Grand Prix over two days. This competition counts double since it is also part of the team evaluation and the qualification for the Grand Prix Special.

It is already Hans Peter and GLOCK’s Johnson’s turn tomorrow Monday (25/06) as duo number 30 at 2:16 pm. Edward and GLOCK’s Voice as duo number 56 only on Tuesday (26/08) at 8:54 am.


Start times Grand Prix
25/08/2014

30th Hans Peter Minderhoud and GLOCK's Johnson TN – 2:16 pm
26/08/2014
56th Edward Gal and GLOCK's Voice – 08:54 am

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> Starts and results


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Current world champion Edward Gal was proudly carrying the flag of his nation. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK's Voice entering his first world championship check and GLOCK groom Vanessa being terribly proud. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and GLOCK's Johnson TN enjoying a moment of silence. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

Edward has changed – now off to the vet-check. © Ruth Büchlmann / GHPC

Edward presenting GLOCK's Voice. © Arnd Bronkhorst

"Fit to compete!" - GLOCK's Voice with Edward. © Arnd Bronkhorst

With a lot of verve GLOCK's Johnson TN approaching in GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud’s hand. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Dream team! GLOCK Rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and GLOCK's Johnson TN. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Smart! The Dutch team with coach Wim Ernes, Edward Gal, Adelinde Cornelissen, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Diederik van Silfhout. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK's Johnson TN in best hands with GLOCK groom Anna. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

The first practice at the world championship stadium went perfectly well. Edward is happy with GLOCK’s Voice. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Fantastic job! GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud praises GLOCK’s Johnson TN. © Arnd Bronkhorst