On golden ground to victory: How our quartz sand carried the world's elite equestrian athletes in Vienna
Three days, a palace, and a floor that made history. At the end of September 2025, the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna became the venue for the international equestrian event: the Longines Global Champions Tour.
What at first glance appeared to be a combination of precision and athletic performance was based on a special foundation: quartz sand mixed with flow fibers from Melk, supplied by Quarzwerke Österreich GmbH.
Day 1. A safe start
On Friday morning, the first horses’ hooves touched the freshly prepared ground, marking the start of a weekend full of sporting highlights. Thanks to the quartz sand from Quarzwerke Österreich GmbH, which provides elastic cushioning, even footing, and maximum safety, the riders enjoyed ideal conditions for top performances. The Global Champions League (GCL) teams opened the competition with exciting rounds that were not only about seconds, but also about trust. Trust in the horse, in the preparation, and in the ground on which everything stands.
Day 2. Precision meets passion
Saturday was all about technique and perfection. The courses demanded jumps with millimeter precision, and the riders had to demonstrate concentration and harmony with their horses. Austria’s top riders, such as Max Kühner and Katharina Rhomberg, also fought for valuable points and a place in the grand final. Every phase of the competition showed how crucial reliable ground is for sporting success. The quartz sand from Melk, mixed with flowing fibers, provided the perfect foundation for stable landings and powerful takeoffs, ensuring consistent performance even in changing weather conditions.
Day 3. The grand finale on champion ground!
Sunday brought the decision. At the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Vienna, the excitement reached its peak when Philipp Weishaupt and his horse Kilmister claimed victory. The ground provided the necessary safety for every jump and enabled a performance of the highest level.
Our contribution: invisible, but indispensable.
While the attention was focused on the riders and their performances, we knew that every jump, every landing, and every victory begins with the foundation. With our high-quality quartz sand from Melk, Quarzwerke Österreich GmbH helped make this competition a sporting and technical highlight.
Top performances in equestrian sports happen when the best athletes meet the best equipment.
That’s exactly what happened in Vienna, and we are proud that our quartz sand laid the foundation for these unforgettable moments.
