Friday, 23 August 2013 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Fourth for Ed & Frits in the Special, some bad luck for Hans Peter and many great fans

When happiness is mixed with a little disappointment, it is not quite the same. Today, Friday, was full of both and yet the GLOCK team was still happy. Happy because Hans Peter rode a great Grand Prix Special on GLOCK’s Romanov, although Edward, Nicole, Anna and the others looked on edge throughout it. He and GLOCK’s Romanov had to beat their team mate Danielle Heijkoop of all people, as only the best 30 in the Grand Prix Special go through to the Freestyle on Sunday and only the best three riders in each team qualify.

There were a few little errors, but all in all it was a sound performance. The team cheered cautiously, waiting for the final score to appear. Their impression was however good. Fantastic news: Hans Peter and GLOCK’s Romanov took over the lead. Yippee! Then the score was corrected. Danielle and Hans Peter were lying equal until the setback came: Danielle was in 12th with 73.274% and Hans Peter on 73.244% just slipped behind her into 13th place. That put him among the top 15, but his chance of showing his new Freestyle to Joost Peters’ music Romanov’s Rhapsody had still gone.

Now everyone concentrated on Edward Gal and GLOCK’s Undercover. While warming up, ‘Black Tiger’ was still quite relaxed. Barriers round the practice area helped to calm him, but when they rode into the stadium there was no question of peace and quiet. The crowd cheered before Ed and Frits were even announced. What a wonderful entrance!

“He was explosive today,” said Edward after his Grand Prix Special with a very slightly disappointed undertone, although he does not otherwise let anything show. “Today there were a lot more people and he was extremely tense. I simply couldn’t ride like last time. But I’m still happy with 4th place (79.479%) and for the others who deserved to do well.” You know he means it, too, by the way he hugs Helen Langehanenberg, Charlotte Dujardin and Adelinde, which comes from the heart.

Now the GLOCK horses have earned a break. There will just be light training for GLOCK’s Undercover, GLOCK’s Voice and GLOCK’s Romanov and the freestyle sound check today for Ed and Frits. Many people stop in their tracks when they hear the music – “That’s familiar, it’s for Edward Gal! We’ve got tickets for Sunday,” they laugh and wish Edward good luck as he rides back to the stables. Fans are always good for the ego!

Picturegallery

GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and GLOCK’s Romanov in the Grand Prix Special. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Well done, Romanov. That deserves praise from Hans Peter. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Good job: GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud and GLOCK’s Romanov riding out of the arena. © REITSPORTNEWS – Ruth M. Büchlmann

What a perfect pair: GLOCK rider Edward Gal and GLOCK’s Undercover. © Arnd Bronkhorst