Wednesday, 03 September 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Pure excitement and great sport!

Today is the second day of competition and, once again, Normandy is resplendent under a perfect blue sky. For many, today will be their last day of these World Equestrian Games, because the tough selection system already began yesterday. In these world championships, of the 33 nations, only the best ten will get to tomorrow’s last round and only the best fifty pairs will be among the individual results – the others will already have to set off home.

After his ample “breakfast”, GLOCK’s London N.O.P. went for a walk, got washed and cleaned and already completed a training session with Gerco in the morning. Once again, the 12-year-old stallion and Gerco are closing riders for their nation and therefore not scheduled till the afternoon.

Very early on and along with the others, Gerco takes a look at the course. “It’s really hard today”, is his comment, and the others are of the same opinion as they inspect the broad oxers and mighty uprights. The individual obstacles shine beautifully in the morning sunlight, a radiantly colourful celebration of France and its history.

4:31 pm. Gerco and “London” enter. The spectators applaud with delight, recognising the duo with no need of an introduction. Once the announcer then names them, there’s a deafening outburst of yet more cheering. Now they’re off. The whole course, featuring in part difficult distances and obstacles up to 1.60 m high and 1.80 m wide, seems no problem for Gerco Schröder and GLOCK’s London N.O.P.. “London” makes mighty jumps, the chestnut stallion extending magnificently with Gerco piloting him free of faults through the second world championship round. Now the Netherlands go into the lead in the World Equestrian Games and Gerco and London are in sixth intermediate position. What an incredibly splendid ride!

Unfazed by the deafening applause, “London” leaves the stadium contentedly, almost as though he knows what he has achieved again today.  Gerco beams. “He was fantastic!”, is his comment to his fellow team members, who pat both him and the stallion, their enormous joy evident. By the exit is Lulu. London heads straight for her. Here is his reward. Having trotted out, accompanied by very many congratulatory wishes, Gerco patiently answers all the reporters’ questions, gives TV interviews and always has a smile on his face. “Only tomorrow will we know anything about possible medals”, he opines. “Errors can always happen; ultimately horses are only human.”

GLOCK’s London N.O.P. takes none of this in. He grazes contentedly in the evening sunshine..

www.normandy2014.com

In the morning there’s light training and Lulu bridles "London" ready. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

At Lulu’s beauty parlour. Now it’s time for braiding. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

Hello, I’m ready! GLOCK's London after braiding, along with his little mascot Norman. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

What an incredibly splendid round! GLOCK rider Gerco Schröder and GLOCK's London were again on top form today. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Intermediate lead for The Netherlands, because Gerco and GLOCK's London N.O.P. were fault-free. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Interview for Swedish TV. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

Interview for Eurosport. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

Interview for FEI TV. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

Interview with some reporters. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC

Happy London! GLOCK groom Lulu has found a field and GLOCK's London N.O.P. can graze here in peace and enjoy the evening sunshine. © Ruth Büchlmann | GHPC