Thursday, 21 June 2012
Top-notch sport and high-class entertainment at the Austrian singles and team championships
The contest is heating up and the setting is perfect. The Glock Horse Performance Center in Treffen in Carinthia is known not only for its outstanding riders and horses, but also for high-quality events that draw worldwide attention.This is a more than fitting venue for the Austrian show jumping championships where the title races in the singles and for the teams take place from 21–24 June. The team surrounding GHPC managing director Kathrin Glock has planned an equestrian sports festival for this highlight of the Austrian competition calendar that will excite participants and spectators alike.
An all-new course
None other than the internationally renowned German course designer Frank Rothenberger is responsible for the beautifully designed new obstacles at the Glock Horse Performance Center, which were created from top-quality materials. Rothenberger's famed obstacle designs have previously lent an unforgettable flair to Olympic and World Equestrian Games, European Championships and numerous other championships. Course designer Adi Appe of Carinthia can now make use of Rothenberger's stunning obstacles in his tried-and-true course design. Together with Franz Madl of Upper Austria, Appe will be laying out complex challenges for the Austrian show jumping elite – courses that will decide who wins the title of champion.
Master programme & GHPC Amateur Tour
The riders of the GHPC Amateur Tour will certainly be getting up early every day: each day they're opening the sports programme and on Sunday they'll celebrate their grand finale. While Thursday will see the jump-offs for young horses and the first warm-ups for the RS4 riders at levels M and S*, the first title will be awarded the very next day on Friday, 22 June. The Austrian states will compete for the national team championship in the first section of the Austrian national championships, a jump-off at level S***. The riders will have a brief chance to catch their breath on Saturday, when various competitions will be held, before Sunday's second section decides the new Austrian national champion. The spectators at the GHPC will certainly have goose bumps!
Sports with music and fun at the GHPC and thoughts of people and animals in need
Amidst all the sport events, the GHPC is also finding time for fun: Dick Brave will rock the house on the stage in the VIP area on Friday, 22 June, performing hits from his new album Rock'n'Roll Therapy. DJ Ötzi, one of the most successful German-language entertainers, will appear at the GHPC on Saturday, 23 June. At the show jumping arena he'll play his hits during the day; from 8.30 pm he'll be setting the mood at the Riders' Lounge, which turns into a nightlife hotspot for Alpenspan Nightfever.
ORF presenter and Dancing Stars celebrity Dorian Steidl will bring his signature amusingly charming style to hosting the programme. Complementing Steidl's entertainment, Do&Co will offer exclusive catering, the icing on the cake of this highlight of the Austrian equestrian year. The event will also benefit a charitable cause, with generous donations from the riders and Gaston Glock going to "Carinthians in Need". Additional GHPC donation campaigns at the event benefit Gut Aiderbichl and ARGE SOZIAL, helping people and animals in need.