Monday, 13 May 2013 CDI4* Dressage International

The Dutch and a Spaniard coming to the GHPC

The Dutch fans are just as striking as the star riders from the land of the tulips. Orange is everywhere and if they win, the horses have even been known to wear bell boots in the same colour. Here two famous Dutchmen, Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud, will ride for the Glock Horse Perfomance Center - fighting for victory and the home crowd’s favour. A famous visitor from the sunny south is however also intent on winning them over: Juan Manuel Muñoz Díaz, the hot-blooded Spaniard with his grey PRE stallion Fuego de Cárdenas.

Juan and his Fuego won euphoric acclaim at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky where the fiery combination’s test made history. Without standing out much beforehand, the Spaniard and his Andalusian stallion came virtually out of the blue, delighting thousands with guitar music and the sound of castanets. Similar to flamenco dancers, the pair exuded so much energy that the audience were soon on their feet and when at the finish Juan then calmly encouraged them to clap along to the music, there was no holding back. The two only just missed a medal at the Games. 

At that time, the Spaniard and arguably the most famous rider in the world, Edward Gal, competed against each other. As far as the symbiosis of international reputation, fame and success is concerned, hardly anyone is a match for GLOCK rider Edward Gal. In front of 25,000 thrilled spectators, he claimed three World Championship medals then for the first time in the history of dressage. 

The Dutchman’s new equine superstar that helped Edward Gal to team bronze at the Olympics and, more recently, to the bronze medal in the Dressage World Cup final at the end of April is jet black. GLOCK’s Undercover had the crowd on the edge of their seats with his lightness and the harmony of their performance together in the freestyle to music. Fans call the talented gelding the ‘black tiger’ – Edward Gal refers to him as Frits. He does not however reveal his temperament until in the ring under the skilled guidance of his famous rider. The two have now advanced to number five in the world.

GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud has also taken part in Olympic Games, World and European Championships, competed at the world’s most famous venues and also has a reputation for being a gifted trainer of young horses. He took three gold medals at World Championships for young dressage horses, two silvers at Olympic Games, one gold at the World Equestrian Games and one bronze at European Championships.

On Thursday, 16 May 2013, the sporting events start at the GHPC in Treffen. The spectators can look forward to exciting competitions. Admission to the dressage arena is free of charge as usual for all horse lovers.