Sunday, 20 January 2013 GLOCK-style season opening28 nations, 315 horses and 153 riders
Entries have been pouring in since last summer and have long reached unprecedented numbers: the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER is opening the season in the indoor arena from 31 January to 3 February 2013 with an international three-star jumping competition (CSI3*) together with events for young horses and international amateurs. Bearing the inimitable hallmark of director Kathrin Glock and her team, the show again promises to be a very special one.
Design and perfection meet equestrian sport
The credo at GLOCK, which applies to events and horses alike, is perfect planning and attention to detail. It therefore comes as no surprise that founder and owner Gaston Glock provides excellent facilities for riders and mounts at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER Austria and the Netherlands and promotes equestrian sport as a whole.
Competitors and spectators will not only be treated to top-class sport but also a truly magical experience at the facility for whole four days: breathtaking design in the Riders Lounge, exquisite catering from Do & Co, amazing live acts by the show stars and generous donations to people and animals in need.
Equestrian sport stars in the saddle
The riders are looking forward to it already: the highest possible three-star prize money, €210,000, will be up for grabs at the GHPC – the GLOCK Grand Prix alone is worth €60,000. A total of four FEI Rolex world ranking jumping events will be held here. The prize money, the opportunities for entering young horses in an event and also coaching their own protégés on the Amateur Tour makes the season opening at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER particularly attractive for the show jumping stars.
Twice overall winner of the Global Champions Tour and current number six in the world, Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) has for example adjusted her schedule to compete here against three-time World champion and double Olympic champion Franke Sloothaak (GER), double Olympic champion Lars Nieberg (GER), Olympic gold medallist, World champion, Aachen and World Cup winner Jos Lansink (NED), almost the entire silver medal team at the Olympics in London, Marc Houtzager (NED), Jur Vrieling (NED) and Gerco Schröder (NED), five times Grand Prix winner in Vienna, Beat Mändli (SUI) and Young Rider European Champion 2012 and defender of the GLOCK Grand Prix title, Martin Fuchs (SUI).
Austria is also sending its stars to the show – from Carinthia’s local heroes Gerfried and Robert Puck, Dieter Köfler and Markus Stock to the outstanding lady Julia Kayser, European Championship rider Christian Schranz and Austria’s number 1 Stefan Eder all the big names will be there.
Renowned architect Frank Rothenberger (GER) and Adi Appe (AUT) are responsible for the specially designed GLOCK course.
GLOCK’s stars: Lionel Richie, Roger Cicero, Jean-Claude Van Damme and many more
True to the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER’s motto of “Horses and Stars”, entertainment at the season opening will include live acts by German pop musician Roger Cicero on Thursday (31 Jan), British-Irish boy group “The Overtones” on Friday (1 Feb) and soul star Lionel Richie on Saturday (2 Feb).
You can also rub shoulders with star guests such as action stars Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme, star presenters Dorian Steidl and Christian Clerici, and witness donations to “Kärntner in Not” and animal welfare charities “Die Hundehilfe – Eine Heimat für die Heimatlosen” and “Tierschutz Sonne”.
Free admission to the indoor arena, day tickets for the Riders Lounge
The gallery in the indoor arena is open to the public without admission charge. At the facility you will also find the Public Lounge with DO & Co catering, a Kids Lounge and Dog Lounge.
The Riders Lounge is in a class of its own. In addition to exclusive catering, the Spa Lounge, Cineplexx Lounge and Lexus shuttle service, the international show acts are also included. But please note: The number of tickets is limited!
Live action worldwide with GLOCK Livestream and REITSPORTNEWS
All those who have to stay at home can view the latest reports, results and photos from equestrian sports agency REITSPORTNEWS (www.reitsportnews.at).
NEW: GLOCK Livestream at www.ghpc.at gives you video coverage with live commentary of the excitement at the competition.