A Season to Remember with the Global Champions League
Mane ‘n Tail ‘Traveled’ Around the World with the 2019 Global Championship League
In a feat of flames, the 2019 Global Champions League came to a close in Prague Czech Republic, November 21st-24th, 2019. The 2019 season took the New York Empire team members on a roller-coaster ride, while virtually, Mane ‘n Tail tagged along, stopping in the most prestigious locations in the world.
The Global Champions Travel the World
Have you been following along with the action? The 2019 season kicked off earlier this year in February. In elite show jumping fashion, the first stop on the list was Doha, Qatar. The series brings together the most talented of show jumpers to compete head to head at nineteen locations around the world. With over four million US dollars on the line, the pressure is on to perform your absolute best.
The Ultimate Test
Show Jumping is a test of the riders' and horses' skill alike. Riders have to be tactful as they navigate the 1.60m (5 feet 2 inches) course. The objective is to get around clear and under the designated optimum time. Horses need to have enough power and speed to clear the massive fences. There are at least 16 separate jumping efforts (fences) in each course, so you can imagine the stamina needed!
Mane ‘n Tail had a great time following along with our New York Empire Team riders, Daniel Bluman, Scott Brash, Hans Dieter-Dreher, Denis Lynch, Spencer Smith, and team captain Georgina Bloomberg. Collectively, the team earned over 447,000 USD!
Along for the Ride
If we had to pick a favorite location out of the whole series… we would reminisce about the competition in Valkenswaard, Netherlands. Or the New York City competition, because Mane ‘n Tail had a ringside seat in the VIP sponsor tent!
Global Champions: Valkenswaard
New York Empire delivered a nail-biting, sit-at-the-edge-of-your-seat performance in Valkenswaard, August 9th-11th, 2019. Georgina Bloomberg and Daniel Bluman showed what a great team they are and captured a win for the New York Empire’s. They completed the course a staggering four seconds faster than their closest rivals, the Cannes Stars! An interview with team captain, Georgina Bloomberg by Global Champions League shows how much this win meant for her team.
“This is a team I really believe in, and I really wanted to pull through, not just for my horse but for my amazing teammates. In my eyes we’ve had a great season, but have had a little bit of bad luck which has affected the results but I really wanted to pull through because my team have put in such an amazing effort all season and these guys deserve to be on the podium.”
Back on Home Soil
After destinations, Rome, Italy and Ramatuelle/Saint Tropez the New York Empire riders took a stand on their home turf in New York City. The horses are the only horsepower allowed on Governor’s Island, a 172-acre sanctuary void of automobiles. Just a stone's throw away, the Statute of Liberty presented a stunning backdrop for the New York Empire competition!
New York holds a special place in Georgina’s heart. Originally born and raised here, it was like returning home. Her father, Michael played an influential role in the city as the former-Mayor. In an interview with Global Champions League, Georgina reflects her feelings about riding under the red, white and blue flag of the United States of America.
“This is where I was born and raised, went to college and where my son was born, it is where all my happy memories are. I am proud to be a New Yorker and to bring everyone here and show them this is incredibly special.”
That's a Wrap!
With the conclusion of the Prague Playoffs, we are sure the horses are getting a much-needed vacation. Hopefully the riders are too! Mane ‘n Tail loved 'traveling the world' with the New York Empire team. We are looking forward to see what the future holds for this talented team!