Friday, 29 August 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The big finale and the new free style

Today the big day. The big dressage final of these seventh World Equestrian Games and, at the same time, the big premiere for the new musical free style of Hans Peter and GLOCK’s Johnson TN. Yesterday, during the sound check in the stadium, everything went very well and, most importantly, the music sounds great!
There’s a certain suspense in the air, even if everybody is joking and laughing a lot, as usual. GLOCK’s Voice can already relax; he did his morning walk and a relaxed session on the lunge. The black stallion has learned a lot here at the championship stables. Now he accepts other horses being led past his box and he no longer gets agitated.

Benevolence personified, that’s GLOCK’s Johnson TN. This mighty stallion seems never to be taken off his poise in his box. Only on the course does he assemble his strength. This is where he wants to perform and this probably is the ideal of a stallion. The whole GLOCK team is there to support Hans Peter, Diederick and Adelinde. However, Hans Peter and Johnny are the first to prove themselves in the free style.

On the warm-up course you can see the Dutch team members from afar, shining like orange dots of light. The team spirit gives energy for GLOCK coach Nicole’s calm commands. Edward observes the warm-up lessons and one almost seems to overhear some low-voiced comments. Another sip of water for Hans Peter, some sugar for Johnny, another spruce up in order to ensure he now enters the stadium shining and clean. This is the kick-off to the finale.

1:45 pm. What a contrast to the calm environment at the warm-up course, once entering the stadium through the tunnel. Today it is filled almost to the last seat and the atmosphere is grandiose. Now the first beats of the free style music resound, the finale can begin. Beautifully expressive is the trot, an even the walk, courageous canter and the double pirouettes work out well. Only in the piaffes and passages does one notice the effects of the strenuous performances of the past days in GLOCK’s Johnson TN. 75.554% for GLOCK’s Johnson TN’s debut and Hans Peter feels a mixture of pride and disappointment. Pride for having been one of the first fifteen; since “I know we can do this better.” “But, Johnny did a great job over these days and it was simply noticeable that it was hard for him. Now for some real holidays. Some free time at home and a lot of time in the paddock. He really deserves it!”

Vanessa and Anna are giving the horses a break in their championship boxes. Then off home. We had a great time at the World Equestrian Games! Thank you!