Show Jumping Event at Schönbrunn: Preparations Started
From September 26 to 28, the imperial ensemble of Schönbrunn will be all about equestrian sports, as the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to Vienna. Not only will there be high-stakes show jumping competitions to experience, but also a colorful supporting program. Preparations for the event are already underway, as the organizers reported on Tuesday. The fact that the impressive backdrop is a World Heritage Site is also a challenge, they emphasized.
"Schönbrunn fits our philosophy"
The comeback in Vienna has been confirmed since last year, when a five-year contract until 2029 was signed by the tour. The series was last hosted in Austria from 2012 to 2016. Three editions were held at Vienna's Rathausplatz, with one each in Ebreichsdorf and the Vienna Krieau.
Hosting in the Ehrenhof in front of the palace is "fantastic," as organizer Sonja Klima assured in a press conference. Tour manager Fred van Lierop also stated: "Schönbrunn fits our philosophy." They like to present themselves at impressive locations - such as in front of the Eiffel Tower or on the beach of Miami, said Van Lierop. The effort put into the spectacle in Vienna is quite significant, as both assured.
Around 300 horse stalls
Not only will a course be set up in front of the palace. The Meidlinger and Hietzinger Allee in the park will also be needed. This is where around 300 horse stalls will be set up. Riding will take place not only in front of, but also behind the palace. There, between the palace and the Gloriette hill, will be "the most beautiful warm-up area in the world," Klima enthused.
Special agreements were made with the federal gardens, as particular consideration must be given to paths and plants. Access to the state rooms and other attractions must also be maintained, as operations there continue without restriction. There was particular delight in the fact that horses and riders are actually allowed to make a short visit to the palace. It was announced that during the evening events from 6:00 PM, riding through the building into the courtyard is permitted.
5,000 Tickets Already Sold
The tournament area will be 4,100 square meters in size. Covered stands with over 3,000 seats will be erected on the sides. In total, 9,000 visitors can attend the tour performance. According to Klima, 5,000 tickets have already been sold. The program runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
In addition to the sporting highlights, musical performances, a village with various stalls, and a children's program have been announced. However, a brief visit from the Lipizzaners is rather unlikely. It was originally planned that there would be performances by the Spanish Riding School. According to Klima, this will not be the case at present, partly for scheduling reasons.
Sporting highlights include the individual and team competitions. In Vienna, a total prize money of around 800,000 euros will be awarded, according to Fred van Lierop, with a total budget of 2.7 million euros. Among those participating is the Vorarlberg Olympic participant Katharina Rhomberg, who expressed confidence today.
She pointed out that she recently won the team competition at the tour stop in Mexico. The form is currently good. "My horses are in great shape," she reported. Rhomberg is participating in the series for the first time this year. There are also competitions at the Schönbrunn event for young talents and amateurs.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.