Is this the world’s most glamorous show venue? *PICTURES*

Austrian showjumping and dressage venue Glock's scores top points for glamour and here is why...

1. It’s not so much a room with a view, as an arena with a view. Venues do not come more scenic than this one, nestled in the mountains. With its spectacular back-drop it feels as though you have stepped into a film set.

2. The name ‘Riders lounge’ is certainly an understatement; it is a far cry from just an ordinary lounge. It is huge, expansive in fact.

3. Every show fosters a different theme and this year’s CSI5* show ran with a New York theme. A  visual of the ‘Big Apple’ emblazoned the far wall and a handful bars cater for thirsty guests.

4. For riders and VIPs there is the ‘Wellness lounge’ offering massages, manicures and pedicures. American rider Lauren Gough admitted to treating herself to a massage before going on to finish runner-up in the grand prix — surely that counts as competition prep?

Continued below…

Is this the most incredible yard you have ever seen? PICTURES

If you thought your horse was living the lap of luxury — think again. Merricks Stables in Australia seems to

5. Neighbouring this room is the separate ‘Styling lounge’ — where again riders and VIPs can have their hair and make-up done. No wonder the showjumpers always look so glamourous.

6. Let’s talk about food — or more accurately the global cuisine. Forget boring canteens, this food hall is like no other. Different stations offer gourmet dishes from across the world with chefs cooking everything in front of guests from Chinese to Mexican, and you can even choose your own curry spice to be made in front of you or mix and match your sushi dish. Guests can return to restock their plates as many times as they wish and space has to be made for puddings — which almost look too good to eat.

7. Children can also immerse themselves in the VIP area, there is a ‘Kids lounge’ with a play corner, face-painting and outside pony rides keep any keen young jockeys happy [pictured below]. Not forgetting the cinema room equipped with popcorn machine.

8. We of course can not forget the furry friends — it is not only the human guests that get treated like royalty, Glock’s has a ‘Dog lounge’ where they can be fed, watered and receive a massage.

9. The Glock’s brand is everywhere, literally everywhere, on the sandwiches [pictured below], on the chocolates and even on the cocoa powder that dusts the cappuccino — of course.

10. A fleet of very smart-looking cars park outside the riders’ lounge waiting to transport riders and guest to and from hotels or wherever they wish to go.

11. Glock’s also knows how to party — a large stage hosts the evening entertainment with a live act.  Robbie Williams and Nicole Sherzinger are just a few famous faces who have graced the stage.

12. Members of the public are allowed into the show free of charge and are certainly not forgotten — the ‘Public lounge’ is well-equipped with great food and drink, plus live cooking demonstrations.

Read the showjumping report from Glock’s CSI5* in 3 September issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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