Sunday, 24 August 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

Everybody arrived safely! First practice done

Enormous are the grounds of Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the D’Ornano stadium is breathtakingly huge. Here during the first world championship week, the dressage competitions and, in the second week, show jumping will be taking place. GLOCK's Voice and GLOCK's Johnson TN have made the journey to France in good shape and are obviously happy in Caen as is the entire GLOCK dressage team. The stalls are generous in size and nicely padded with straw and the entire stable aisle is already decorated with the Dutch colours. Of course, our GLOCK Grooms Vanessa and Anna took the orange-coloured carpets along, which are already positioned outside the stalls of the two stallions. Only Sugar is missing. She had to stay at home because dogs are not allowed here.

Today is the first practice and for this “Voici” and “Johnny” are spruced up nicely. As though freshly varnished they radiate from ears to hooves. Vanessa’s and Anna’s red cheeks reflect their grooming efforts. Now off to the practice course. Other nations observe the performances of their competitors with great interest. However, neither Hans Peter nor Edward really took that in. They ride in deep concentration, following inputs from GLOCK coach Nicole Werner, which they receive via headsets.

GLOCK’s Johnson TN trots easily through the course, canters with ambition and executes sophisticated pirouettes. One might even think he knows how handsome he is. Hans Peter is laid-back in the saddle. With his denim-breeches and the blue GLOCK shirt he is a beautiful photo motif and photographers present seize their chance for a good picture. Click, click, click go the cameras – each movement in focus as GLOCK's Johnson TN swings his hooves.

Fluent transitions is what Edward shows with GLOCK’s Voice. The stallion is relaxed and willingly moves forward. He will do a good job for sure. Highly focussed, he reacts to Edward’s subtlest commands, the latter ever so relaxed in the saddle, giving the impression everything works naturally. Oh wouldn’t it be nice to be able to ride like this?

"It will be rather exciting for Voici”, says Edward upon finishing the practice with a happy smile. "He’s ready to give his best and I do hope that all our fans will support us! He is such a fantastic horse.”
The stallions are going back to the team stables now. Fresh water is served and the food prepared. First Johnson dips his nose deep into the sweet-smelling hay in order to then enjoy his beloved mash. You can really watch him enjoying. “This too makes me happy!” says GLOCK Groom Anna whilst watching him.

Now we hear happy chewing from both boxes. For us the world championships have already kicked off.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 24th of August 2014) will be an exciting day. The first practice at the large world-championships stadium D' Ornano will take place.
Then we know the answers to the following questions: How do the horses deal with this atmosphere? And how do Edward and Hans Peter feel about riding in the stadium?

The answers to this you will be able to read here tomorrow.
 
 

Perfcet morning practice: Edward and "Voici". © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK trainer Nicole Werne watches Edward and GLOCK’s Voice practicing. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

Deeply concentrating, Hans Peter and GLOCK's Johnson TN at work. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK's Voice following Edward’s commands. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK coach Nicole Werner attentively observes the first practice. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK Groom Vanessa always at the side of Edward and "her" horses. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Happy Edward! © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

The cool GHPC lounge chairs also travelled to the world championships. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

Orderly stacked: the rugs for GLOCK's Voice and GLOCK's Johnson TN. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

Yummy! This tastes nice! GLOCK's Johnson loves his mash. © Ruth Buechlmann / GHPC

So much straw for "Voici". © GHPC