Wednesday, 12 August 2015 EC Aachen

Training with plenty of spectators and tomorrow it gets serious

It’s an early start for the two GLOCK Grooms Vanessa and Anna, who care for their two beloved charges GLOCK's Undercover N.O.P. and GLOCK's Johnson TN practically round the clock. By the time the other members of the team have arrived, they’ve already finished a walk, everything is clean as a whistle and the horses are already tucking into some fresh hay. Hans Peter takes advantage of the pleasant weather, with cloudy skies allowing him at least half a day in the morning to train 'Johnny' at tolerable temperatures.

As usual, GLOCK Trainer Nicole Werner has settled well away from everyone else. Sitting there quietly, she absorbs herself in the exercises of rider and horse, offers gentle advice on riding aids from the hand, leg and seat, with little of the effect escaping careful observers. Equally deep in concentration, Hans Peter works with GLOCK's Johnson. With his muscular neck and extensive movements, the stallion makes a mighty impression. He obeys Hans Peter’s aids with total concentration and, at the end of training, enjoys feeling his muscles loosen on the walk before it’s time for wash-down.

Later on it’s time for people to cross their fingers for Patrick van der Meer, on his mount Uzzo, as first team rider. The entire Dutch team assembles on the podium and, with 72.400 %, the first good result is already in the bag. Now it’s time for Edward’s training. He chooses one of the riding areas not far from the exhibition area, given that it’s easy for spectators to observe from all sides, with the result that plenty of enthusiasts congregate here. Fritsie needs to get used to spectators and he performs with distinction. In deep concentration, he reacts to the subtlest of aids from Edward. Nicole sits in the centre of the small square, follows every step and coaches Edward spot on. It’s hot now, so training is twice as strenuous.

Back at the stable, it’s a delight to observe the team spirit. Hans Peter assists Vanessa at the wash-down area with Fritsie, whilst Edward fetches something cooler to wear and returns to the son of Ferro with a reward of apples. For the rest of today the schedule involves just pampering for the horses.

Only a short time later, team spirit is once again in demand as Diederick van Silfhout rides Arlando N.O.P. into the impressive European Championship arena. 75.814 %! An altogether successful test, which counts for both individual and team rankings.

Tomorrow it’s all about complete concentration and corresponding performance, with Hans Peter riding GLOCK's Johnson TN into the EC stadium for the first time at 02:50pm, followed by Edward with GLOCK ace Undercover N.O.P. at 06:50pm.

The European Championship dressage programme:

Thursday, 13/08/2015
11:00am – 07:40pm: Lambertz Prize Grand Prix
Team Final and Individual Qualifier - Part 2

Friday, 14/08/2015
Rest day

Saturday, 15/08/2015
Meggle Prize
Individual Final Grand Prix Special

Sunday, 16/08/2015
Deutsche Bank Prize
Individual Final Grand Prix Freestyle

> Start and results lists
> www.aachen2015.de
> Livestream