Last weekend the city center of Vienna turned into an epic center for the international top show jumping sport. Noora Helenius, one of the CSI2*-grooms shared her experience of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna with us... day 1 : the abnormal arriving ... "So Vienna Masters 2016 Arriving day wasn't really most normal for a groom. My bosses driving the horses there, leaving on early Tuesday morning. And me flying basically straight from my holiday to Vienna... it all felt a bit odd. I had the luxury to make a 'pit stop' in Belgium, changed my luggage and picked up my rider Maartje Verberckmoes and her trainer Johan Philippaerts to fly with me on Wednesday. The first that came into mind, arriving at the competition ground... wow what a venue, weirdest feeling to arrive on a show, finding your stables done and organized. What a luxury! Minor details made crashed the fairy tale though... for example there were little problems with electricity for the lorries. What surprised me also was this music festival happening here at the same time. Right next to the arena. day 2 ... Let the competition Start The first day was not much to see, the CSI5* started only on Friday. Apart from the CSI2* classes and the local dressage, we were happy the music festival was playing in the background. Not sure how enjoyable but boosted up the atmosphere for sure atleast for the older people. day 3 ... The action is there Friday, finally a day full of action.. First class in the morning CSI2* gold tour(1.40m). My rider Maartje Verberckmoes finished nicely with her 8yo Louisiana Z (Lord ZxCumano BD). The pair placed in a 5th place. Around lunch time my biggest job was finished and the CSI5* started. Nice to have little bit easy time and able to finish everything so I had a chance to see the beautiful city, as the show was literally in the city center. Later I returned to enjoy the six bars and the CSI5* "The sixth sense" challenge (150/155) in the evening. day 4 ... It's Grand Prix day, isn't it? Saturday's biggest highlights was the goodbye ceremony for The Sixth Sense and watching the exciting GP from globals champions tour. Lovely to see such a big crowd really living the sport. Early Sunday morning we had final from the CSI2* silver tour and Maartje finished 4th with her 10yo gelding Buutengewoon(QuattroxGoodtimes). Nice way to wrap up our visit in Vienna. Absolutely stunning show and very pleased to have a chance to go and experience these kind of shows with all the professional riders and grooms.
