Wednesday, 19 August 2015 EC Aachen 2015

Penalty-free in the first medal contests!

There’s a certain tension in the air today. Competition for the show jumping medals had begun and all of the riders are waiting for their turn to inspect the course at last. GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc had a pleasant morning. There was a mountain of fragrant hay, carrots and muesli for breakfast, followed by some nice long walks to loosen the muscles and enjoy some quality time with GLOCK Groom Lulu. She allows the sweet-natured grey to carry on grazing. His coat glistens in the sun as he plucks at the stems. Meanwhile, Gerco is already carefully observing what’s going on in the stadium. He has taken a close look at the course, discussed the optimum distances with his team and was there for all the rides. Now he takes his turn as the last of the ‘Oranjes’ to mount.

Show jumping riders have two places of work here. The first is somewhat further from events, then promptly comes the ride to the second place, just a few metres from the huge stadium. Lots of cameras gaze on and right on the edge is the 'mixed zone', where riders come for interviews after their performances. Just a few more minutes, then it’s time for Gerco to ride in. The stadium commentator announces the entrance of the successful GLOCK duo and then the famous lawned arena belongs to them. With ease they soar over the mighty obstacles up to 1.50 metres, of which there are thirteen involving a total of 16 jumps. Gerco and his powerful Holsteiner take them one after another without a single penalty. A great big zero illuminates on the scoreboard, so success with a clear first round.

For scoring purposes there follows a calculation of time differences and faults with respect to the leader. The Netherlands team is in fifth intermediate position, not even a single penalty point behind the leading German team whilst, in the individual ranking too, Gerco’s clear round has put him in a good initial position. Tomorrow will see the second round and, on Friday (21/08), the best 10 nations go the team final.

The EC show jumping programme continues:

20th August 2015 - 02:10pm
Individual Qualification + 1st Team Qualification (with jump-off)

21st August 2015 - 04:50pm
Team Final - Top 10 (with jump-off)

22nd August 2015 - 03:50pm
Individual Final - Round 1 - Top 25

23rd August 2015 - 05:20pm
Individual Final - Round 2 - Top 25

> lists of riders and horses
> Start and results lists
> Livestream
> www.aachen2015.de

Now it’s time for Gerco and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc and indeed the entire team to shift from the large warming-up area to the preparation area. © GHPC

Gerco and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc dismiss the obstacles with ease. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Obligatory concentration on approach. Gerco Schroeder and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Gerco and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc give their all and finish with a clear round. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Well done Cognac! As he emerges, GLOCK Groom Lulu already has an apple at the ready. © GHPC

‘Donkey’ is Cognac’s cuddly toy. The other caretakers have presented the toy with a banana as a surprise for 'Cognac'. © GHPC

Lulu also has a present of bananas. © GHPC