Tuesday, 04 April 2017 World Cup Final Omaha (USA)

Impressive World Cup Final in the USA

For the GLOCK Team, the journey to the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Omaha began very differently from what had been hoped. Hans Peter had to take GLOCK’s Flirt to the vet, rather than to the airport, because the chestnut horse had picked up an injury. “Everything was still super at training early on but, when I fetched him from the stall later on for a walk, his gait wasn’t right. Checks at the vet showed that he had picked up an injury and that meant no start for the two of us”, said Hans Peter, who therefore couldn’t defend his title. But the rule as ever: horses first! Nevertheless, Hans Peter travelled with Nicole accompanying Edward to Omaha, because GLOCK’s Voice had also qualified for the Final.

Once the flight, vet check and free training had been successfully concluded, excitement mounted with the first round of competition in the Grand Prix. “Voici” was brilliant with his perfectly executed flying changes in canter, powerful pirouettes and expressive piaffe-passage rounds. The result was 74.486 % and fourth place. After a day of rest it was ultimately time for the Grand Final: the freestyle. The level of performance matched the high level of the occasion and, for riders and horses alike, it was time to give their all in the arena in order to make the top ten.

Edward and the 15-year-old KWPN stallion, GLOCK’s Voice, presented their freestyle with assurance, with musical accompaniment always perfectly underlining the movements of the son of De Niro. Artistic performance received top ratings between 79.000 and 85.200 %, with technical scores from 73.000 to 77.750 %. That meant a final result of 78.921 % and sixth place in the Wold Cup Final.

Ready to go! Edward and GLOCK’s Voice with their luggage for the journey to Omaha. © GHPC

Ready for the journey to the World Cup final: GLOCK’s Voice and Edward Gal. © GHPC

GLOCK’s Voice waiting in the Amstel Horse Hotel at Amsterdam airport till the aircraft is ready. © GHPC

Following the flight, GLOCK’s Voice soon settled into his stall in Omaha. © GHPC

On the way to the first training in the indoor arena in Omaha: Edward and GLOCK’s Voice. © GHPC

Team GLOCK has arrived in Omaha. This year, Hans Peter will support Edward as a spectator. © GHPC

Vet check - check! Edward trotted up with GLOCK’s Voice who was found “fit to compete”. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Happy! “Voici” and Edward after the vet check. © GHPC

GLOCK’s Voice and Edward Gal execute their training round in the arena. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Hans Peter Minderhoud has a keen eye. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK Groom Vanessa keeps spirits high. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK Trainer Nicole Werner is content after training. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Edward and GLOCK’s Voice after the Grand Prix in which they took fourth place. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK Teamwork! Edward and Vanessa look after GLOCK’s Voice after the Grand Prix. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Discussion after the ride: Hans Peter, Nicole and Edward talk with national team trainer, Rien van der Schaft. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Ready for the award ceremony: Edward and GLOCK’s Voice. © Arnd Bronkhorst

In the freestyle of the World Cup Final, Edward and GLOCK’s Voice took sixth place. © Arnd Bronkhorst