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Quotes | "I love riding and I love what I do"

Wednesday, 08 August 2012
The Olympic Games London 2012

The happy medalists - Gerco Schröder, Steve Guerdat and Cian O'Connor.
The happy medalists - Gerco Schröder, Steve Guerdat and Cian O'Connor.

"The World Cup Final was an important step to this medal, because he proved there that I could ride him here. That way I could give him a break and he has now only been doing four shows before the Olympics. I always said that I wanted a medal. I knew I had a horse that could jump everything and I knew that if I rode good I could be a medal winner," said Steve Guerdat happy with his medal around his neck.

"I always had the Olympics in mind so I sold Blue Loyd to a syndicate eight months ago. Today I was one place out to go on to the final, but I prepared myself the whole time as if I already was in. I was always really optimistic to get in. I don't think I am one of the best rider in the world, but I am probably one of the most organized," Cian O'Connor said about him being one of three riders getting Rolf's spot in the final.

Gerco Schröder was really pleased with his horse "London did a great job here and jumped fantastic all the way so I am really happy with him".

"I love riding and I love what I do," said Steve at the press conference.
"I love riding and I love what I do," said Steve at the press conference.

All the riders were asked to tell about how their horses are to ride and Steve said this: "I think he looks more difficult than he actually is. He can be a bit difficult between the fences, but he always wants to be clear and he fights for me. I prefer it that way around than to have horses that are easy to ride, but that don't fight for you."

"London is a fighter and he is very careful. He is also very light in his mouth so that is why I ride him with hackamore - so I can have more contact with him. We are a good team in the ring, London and I," said Gerco.

 

And Cian said this about Blue Loyd: "He is not huge, but he is unbelievable brave. I have been teaching him not to hurry over the fences and he has really learned that."

About his round, Cian said: "I was early to go in the first round and there we were clear so I celebrated that because we were half way there. Then before the second round Robert Splain told me not to rush it, but not to get time faults. I was two hundreds over time allowed but I knew that it was probably good enough for a medal."

Gerco's horse London has a very suitable name and of course he got a question about that: "We bought him when he was five years old and I had a great feeling about him. So we said that we would call him London. That it would work out like this with two medals was very nice!"

"I love what I do, I love riding. If I have to ride five and six years olds or just national shows I will do that. I love horses. You can have fun with young horses as well. But of course I always had the Olympics as a goal and this is for sure a dream come true today. All the hard work and all the working hours paid off, but not just for me - for the whole team! It is great to get something back," Steve said about his motivation and inspiration.

Bob Ellis, who has been the course designer during the Olympics commented on his courses: "The aim was to build it up from day one to today with the difficulties. The aim was also that the horses can go home from here and be fit enough to jump a Grand Prix next weekend."



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