2023 NCHA of Italy

Returns to CremonaFiere for Another Great Event

With six nations represented (Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Italy, Principality of Monaco, Switzerland) yet another great cutting show took place in Cremona.

March 20-23, 2023 |

CremonaFiere - Italy

Valeri and Salvatori win the Open All Ages divisions

Pietro Valeri and Vino Cappuccino scored a 74 to lead the NCHA of Italy/NCHA Open All Ages First Show. With the same score, Gaia Salvatori and Twisted Red Faye topped the Open All Ages Second Show. Both horses are owned by Marco Salvatori.

Girl power hits in the Non Pro divisions with Antonini and Salvatori topping the rankings. Two big 75 scores for Vittoria Antonini aboard Silvia Viaggi’s Trendzetter in the NCHA of Italy/NCHA Non Pro All Ages First Show and Greta Salvatori with Cat Rey Lou, owned by Marco Salvatori, to win the Non Pro All Ages Second Show.

Judge’s Talk

Let’s hear it from NCHA Three Million Dollar Rider and NCHA Riders Hall of Fame Inductee Faron Hightower, who judged the NCHA of Italy Championship.

“I was in Travagliato about 10 years ago and this is my second time over here," shared Hightower. "I found a huge improvement since then, and the riders are doing a really good job. I think many could easily go to the U.S. and be competitive as their level is basically what I see back home. I was impressed by the number of cowgirls and kids here that ride really well. The biggest difference between here and America lies simply in the number: more riders, more horses, and above all more cattle.”

By Chiara Milani

USA #Spotlight

Salvatori rides to the 2023 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes Amateur Semi Finals. Marco Salvatori flew back to the U.S., this time to show his Paydey (Stevie Rey Von x Zen And Tonic) in the 2023 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch.

The NCHA of Italy 4-year-old Open Class was dominated by Gianluca Munarini who won with a 73 riding Nosey Man for owner Rosana Bembom. “I bred this horse, and later Rosana [Bembom] purchased him,” Munarini said. “He is a good horse, sometimes a little spooky, but once he starts working the cows he’s perfect. He reads every kind of cow very well, especially the tough ones.”

The NCHA of Italy 5-year-old Non Pro Class was dominated by Ilaria Traverso who scored a 72 to top the leaderboard riding Rosepetalinthesann, a mare owned by Sergio Traverso.

The pair made the Amateur Semi Finals, a success in itself, in particular considering his talented gelding resides in the Staes. “After the wonderful experience at the NCHA Futurity, we tried to compete in the Super Stakes. I'm really happy as it was a great experience; the show went quite well and we made the Semi-Finals. Unfortunately, we missed the Finals by just a few points, but it was my mistake in managing the third cow I cut. The level of competition there is very high, with a lot of entries, and most importantly excellent horses and riders. Having the opportunity to show there also helps one grow and I believe it’s important to be judged there as t is fundamental to really manage the run, even in the smallest details. My horse is a greatminded gelding who is maturing and I love him. At the moment we plan on him staying in the United States with the idea, work permitting, of going back to show soon.”