The path to happiness is over verticals, oxers and ditches for many Carinthians. Not only has the international show jumping competition at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER from 31 January to 3 February attracted Olympic, World and European champions but also Carinthia’s own riders from budding talent to well-known stars.

Nika Kulmitzer, for example, jumps over the course with a naturalness as if she has never done anything else in her life. Aged just 13, she may be the youngest of Carinthia’s local heroes but can already boast a number of titles to her name. The smart grammar school pupil was regional pony champion in 2011, took the youth regional championship title in 2012, third place in the FTR jump cup finals and silver with the Carinthian team at the regional championships.

Her older sister Nani Kulmitzer also took part in the event. Apart from riding, she reveals that skiing is her great passion and like her sister trains with Erich and Dieter Köfler. “Once you have won a horse’s trust, you have gained a friend for life,” says the 17-year-old number nine in the Top of Austria junior rankings. She took regional and national championship gold in 2011, was runner up in the 2012 regional championships and only acute appendicitis stopped her from defending her national championship title in 2012, as she would definitely have been in top form.

Katharina Leitsberger also comes from Carinthia. She trains with Christian Knoll and although only 16 this year, has taken part in European championships, nailed two international wins in the Children’s Grand Prix with her successful horse Michael, was runner-up national and regional champion twice, 2010 national youth and regional champion (2011) and is the reigning junior Austrian champion. “I’m the type of person who can steady their nerves at the right time,” says Katharina about herself. “Although my horse Michael is always a bit boisterous, he fights hundred per cent for me and that is a dream!”

GLOCK riders Gerfried and Robert Puck and Dieter Köfler add a touch of Carinthian star factor to the world of equestrian sports. Currently number two in the Top of Austria rankings, Gerfried Puck represented Austria at World and European championships and numerous Nations Cups. His brother Robert Puck is also firmly in the saddle. The 38-year-old has been living in the Netherlands for many years but one thing is for sure: he is keeping his Austrian nationality! Last year’s winner of the Youngster Tour has three GLOCK horses with him this time and intends to attack with them all.

Giving everything is also what local hero Dieter Köfler has in mind. The current number three in the Top of Austria rankings knows what it takes to win. He was Austrian team champion twice, national champion (2009), Carinthian regional champion (2011), the first Austrian to win the Linz CSIO Grand Prix in 1998 and clinched the only home win for the country with the Austrian team there in 2009. In 2012 the 42-year-old from St Veit again went all out and enjoyed countless successes with his GLOCK horses. 

Attention all Carinthians: come and watch, keep your fingers crossed for the stars and enjoy the live action. Admission to the arena is free from Thursday (31 Jan) to Sunday (3 Feb) – but please note the number of tickets is limited!