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International Horse Press - 2019 Year In Review Editor: Simona Diale Graphics: Chiara Milani
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Mirko Midili & SG Icetopman
Photos by Bonaga Communication
SG Icetopman slides Mirko Midili to the NRHA European Futurity Open Championship
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he National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Euro 162.200-added European Futurity Open Finals closed the eleventh edition of the prestigious event held, for the third year running, in Cremona. Once the last horse and rider left the pen, Mirko Midili’s 220.5 score aboard SG Icetopman (SG Frozen Enterprize x AB Lady Topsailena) was enough to take home the European Level (L)4 Open Futurity Championship. For the Italian NRHA Professional, the win was special for more than one reason: With SG Icetopman’s sire between the reins, he won the first major event title of his career — the 2012 Italian Reining Horse Association Open Futurity. “I had set my eyes on this athletic stallion when he was a yearling and I wanted to buy him. Finally, last year Capello purchased him and I had the opportunity to show him at the Italian Futurity where things did not go too well for us in the finals,” said Midili about the stallion bred and nominated by Marco Fraschini. “I was fortunate enough to ride him here and words cannot express how important it is for me to have been able to show off his incredible athletic ability and to put this title next to his name.”
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WATCH THE RUN
INTERVIEW
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY
Cira Baeck & NF Shining Whiz
Gunnanicya MM JB (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x The Knick Nic) owned by Alexandra Schmitz, bred by Sylvia Maile and nominated by Matthias Mueller. “I am thrilled with this win,” said Ludwig. “I have shown in every edition of the European Futurity but have only won one title here: The Taking home the L3 Open Championship with L2 Open Championship with Whizoom in a 219 was German Grischa Ludwig riding 2009. We all want to bring this title home and Earning reserve honors with a 219.5 was NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cira Baeck riding NF Shining Whiz, a mare by Colonels Shining Gun out of Whowhizthispeppychic owned by David Perneel and Kim Windey, bred by Perneel and nominated by Windey.
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making it on this horse that is so special to me is amazing. He has matured a lot in these past few months and during this show he was really easy to prepare.� Three-time NRHA European Open Champion Morey Fisk and A Wallflower (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x A Gal With A Gun) owned by AB Annemaana, bred by Jana Leigh Simons and nominated by Shelli Ries posted a 216.5 for the L3 Reserve Championship.
INTERVIEW
Grischa Ludwig & Gunnanicya
Giovanni Masi De Vargas & Bugs At Nite
Clinching the L2 Open Futurity with a 215.5 score was Giovanni Masi De Vargas riding Bugs At Nite (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Scats Ebony Shiner). The NRHA/Markel Insurance Graduate bred and nominated by Sheryl Kaefer was purchased as a yearling and is owned by Mariangela Di Pierro. “When I first saw this horse in Oklahoma City at the [NRHA/Markel] Yearling Sale, I knew he would be a good one,” said Masi about the stallion. “I broke and trained him myself and am thrilled with this win.” Earning reserve honors with a 214 was 8 • IHP - YEAR IN REVIEW •
Alessandro Frassà with his own Spat Gun Showtime (Spat Split And White x Jamie Showgune) between the reins. The pretty mare was bred and nominated by Ambra Alice Bergese. INTERVIEW
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INTERVIEW
Owned and ridden by Daniela Saupe, Smart N Surprising (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Just Miss Enterprise) closed his run with a 215.5 and the L1 Open Championship. Bred by Nuith Linthorst and nominated by Lisbeth De Boer, the stallion was shown last year by Daniela’s husband, Michael, at the Italian Futurity where the duo earned the L1 Open Co-Reserve Championship, and by her at the NRHA of Germany Breeders Futurity. “We love this stallion’s breeding and decided to purchase him as a yearling,” said Daniela. “He is a great horse, that both of us love showing, and winning here was hoped for but, considering the level of competition, unexpected.” Two points behind the winner, Clemence Neveux and Alessandro Meconi tied for the Reserve Championship. The first was seen riding Sparkin Step (Horizons Big Step x Shining Sparktolena), a stallion owned, bred and nominated by Dominique Reynaud. The second rode Sonita Gotta Whiz, a stallion by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Starlights Gate, owned by Arturo Pappagallo who was bred and nominated by Carluccio Orsi. www.internationalhorsepress.com
Daniela Saupe & Smart N Surprising
2019 NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY
NRHA Youth Council Expands to Europe
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n 2017 NRHA created a European Youth Committee, an idea formed from the very first European Affiliate Summit, in an effort to promote the sport of reining by building relationships with the youth who grow up in our industry. Chaired by Francesca Sternberg, this committee has been working tirelessly to build up the youth and their involvement all over Europe. Some of their achievements include creating a year-end jacket award program sponsored by the European affiliates and the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), and by creating a European branch of the National Reining Youth Council. The year-end jacket award program highlights the youth of Europe by naming the Top Ten 14-18 and the Top Ten 13 & Under in all of Europe. In addition, the highest placing youth in each European Affiliate in the Unrestricted Youth class is awarded a jacket for their achievements. Congratulations to all of the winners for 2018! 2019 is the first year that the European Youth Council has come together in order to represent the youth of Europe. The Council is made up of six representatives from all over Europe who all have taken on the responsibility of promoting and supporting not only their fellow youth but also in
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working to promote the sport. They had their first meeting in Cremona at the 2019 European Futurity where they made plans to put many events in motion moving forward. They were welcomed in the arena during the Open Ceremony prior to the Level 4 Open Final and it is a pleasure to welcome: President: George Sternberg Allen Vice President: Nimroid Vannietvelt Treasurer: Lisa Werdaner Secretary: Pia Boonstoppel Historian: Nanina Staub Additional Historian: Erin Wielsma Youth Council, we support you and look forward to the work you are about to do!
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Gina Schumacher & Colonels Danger Zone
Bred by Paul and Pam Rohus and nominated by Rachelle Valentine, the flashy stallion owned by CS Ranch Management SA boasts over $19,000 NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE).
Gina Schumacher and Colonels Danger Zone Steal the Show!
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he very last horse-rider-combination to enter the show arena in Cremona wore the first 2019 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity Champion crown: Gina Schumacher and Colonels Danger Zone. The young German rider, a multiple past NRHA Non Pro World Champion, had written her name in the books on the first day of competition after posting the highest score in the Level (L)4 Non Pro goround aboard her second mount, Shiney Dun Face. On finals night, riding Colonels Danger Zone (Lil Gun x Step Un And Play), aka ‘Nils,’ Schumacher closed her run with a 217 to clinch the title. “For some strange reason I really feel the pressure when I come to this show, so this win is twice as sweet,” said Schumacher. “We purchased this stallion last year in the
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U.S. and I showed him in the Tulsa Reining Classic Futurity. Once we brought him over to Europe, I rode him in the Belgium Futurity and then at the Italian Futurity where we won the go-round and placed third in the finals. He was great for me tonight, gave me the confidence I needed, and helped me bring home the second NRHA European L4 Non Pro Futurity title.”
WATCH THE RUN
INTERVIEW
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A point behind the champions, Austrian Wolfgang Hammer and Chicago Lena (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena x Bright Gun City), closed the evening with the L4 Reserve Championship as well as the L3 and L2 European Futurity Non Pro Championships. “Everything was perfect tonight. He is a super horse with a big heart and…he was bred in Austria,” said Hammer about his horse who was bred and nominated by Sabine Schmid. “I purchased him as a yearling since I loved the way he was bred, and from the moment I saw him, I knew he was going to be a champion.” Hammer was quick to give his trainer Thomas Martinek credit for helping him achieve this goal and looks forward to showing him again later on in the year in the 4-year-old futurities. Taking the reserve championship with a 215.5 in the L3 and L2 divisions was Fabienne KuratliSutter riding Alpha Top Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Smoking Walla Wanda). The Swiss rider and her gelding bred by Roger Barral and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC had posted the highest score in the L3 and L2 qualifiers.
INTERVIEW
Wolfgang Hammer & Chicago Lena
Janine Deana Ketterer & Roadgunner
It was a special night for Janine Deana Ketterer as she rode Roadgunner (Gunwork x My Diamond Dunnit) to her first NRHA European Futurity title: The L1 Non Pro Championship. Aboard the pretty mare bred by Fabienne Schadt and nominated by Reto Erdin, the German rider closed her run with a 209.5. “This is truly a very special night for me!” she said. “I’ve only had this mare — who I purchased from Sabine Schmid — for a month and I could not be any happier. I have been riding under the guidance of [NRHA Professional] Morey Fisk since I was a kid and he is the best; he is always there for me with his advice and support.”
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With a 208, the L1 Reserve Championship went to Italian Alessandro Bardelli and his Hollywood Lena Whiz (My Showbiz Whiz x Ms Linton Lena), a mare bred and nominated by Ambrosini QH ASD. INTERVIEW
2020 NRHA European Futurity March 23-29, Cremona, Italy
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Lucasz Czechowicz & CSG MagniямБque Gun
Czechowicz and CSG Magnifique Gun Clinch the First IRHA Open Derby Championship for Poland!
The 67.000-added euro IRHA/NRHA Open Derby finals wrapped up the 2019 edition the show open 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year old horses. Once the last horse-rider combination left the show arena, three of the four Open Championships were conquered by two European professionals in their early 20s: Lucasz Czechowicz of Poland and Nico Sicuro of Italy.
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zechowicz and Katarzyna Roleska’s CSG Magnifique Gun (Colonels Shining Gun x Im Magnifique) had already proven their worth in the Open qualifier by posting a 221.5 for the lead along with multiple NRHA Open World Champion Ann Fonck riding Gunners Specialolena (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Dolly Jac Olena) for owner Diego Dalla Gassa. When the 23-year-old and his mount entered the arena on Saturday night, the score to beat was the 223.5 scored by Gennaro Lendi and Anna Parodi’s Arc A Step Above (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Wimpys Little Chic). Determined to show off the 6-year-old gelding’s talent, Czechowicz lay down a run that kept the public in the stands glued to their seats: his impeccable run and amazingly fast, correct and powerful spins resulted in a 225 score along with the coveted L4 Open Derby Championship.
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“This is a dream come true and I cannot wait to see our run!” said Czechowicz. “I am fortunate to be able to show such great horses for Kate [Katarzyna Roleska) and this is certainly one of the best.” Broke and first trained by Cira Baeck, the reins were handed over to NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and his wife Ann. “Both Baeck and the Foncks did an amazing job with him and I have now been riding him for two years,” added the Polish professional. “We clicked from day one and he always tries as hard as he can for me. Tonight he was amazing and never would I have imagined that we could actually make it to the winner’s circle.” Lendi and Arc A Step Above settled for the L4 Open Derby Reserve Championship adding this title to the 2018 L4 Open Derby International de Lyon title and 2019 Open Shoot-In Reserve Championship.
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Nico Sicuro & Sugar Little Step
With Sugar Little Step between the reins, Nico Sicuro had already topped the L3 and L2 Open qualifier with a 219. The flashy 7-year-old stallion by NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Ah Sugar Sugar and the 23-year-old professional stepped up to an impressive 223 in the finals which earned them the L3 and L2 Open Derby titles. “I tried to add a bit of speed and risk in each maneuver tonight and it worked,” said a beaming Sicuro. “He was great and we had a lot of fun in the pen. I am very grateful to owner Pietro Marseglia of Quarter Dream for giving me the opportunity to show this great horse and would like to thank all our team.” Earning reserve honors in the L3 division with a 218 was Italian Giuseppe Prevosti aboard Luigi Parise’s Gunna Sparkle (NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Gunner x
Custom Sparkler). Clinching the L1 Open Derby Championship with a 216 score was Italian Professional Elio Simonini riding Sevenchextocash (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Big Chex To Cash x Lil Chic Peppy) owned by Susanna Sodi. “We came to the Derby with four horses of which three were ridden by Susanna,” said Simonini. “Since this is the last year Sevenchextocash is eligible to show in the Derby, we decided that I would show him here. Our goal was to take home the L1 title…we also took home the L2 Open CoReserve Championship and we could not be any happier for this wonderful gelding.” Taking co-reserve honors in the L2 was Silvia Venezia riding Lotsa Smokinguns (NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Lotsa Trains) owned by Sara Galimberti.
Elio Simonini & Sevenchextocash
2019 IRHA DERBY
Saving the Best for Last, Carlo Ambrosini and Gunnalittlestep Conquer the € 38,000-added IRHA Non Pro Derby Gunnalittlestep (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Gay Jays Llittle Step), owned by Ambrosini Quarter Horses ASD, made the Level (L)4 and L3 Non Pro European Futurity finals with Paolo Ambrosini in the saddle.
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few days before the IRHA Derby, Paolo decided to let his son, Carlo, show him. With the 4-year-old gelding between the reins, the 19-year-old Italian rider posted the highest score in the L4 Non Pro qualifier with a 217.5. On Friday night, last to go in the seeded finals, Carlo and his mount rode in the show pen to perform the first stop and back, determined to leave their mark in the oval CremonaFiere arena… and so they did. “The pressure was on from the moment my dad made the decision to let me show his horse here,” said the young Italian rider. “He is a really great horse and I know I had to stay focused in order to make it to the top step of the podium.” With a 217 score to beat, posted by both Italian Edoardo Bernardelli and Whiz Wild West (Spark N Whiz x West Coast Oak) and Andreu Nogue Puig riding Nuria Puig Ribas’ Ricostyle (Ricochet Rooster x Gangsters Chrome), Ambrosini gave all he had. Once he performed his last stop, the score board said it all: 218 and the Championship.
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Carlo Ambrosini & Gunnalittlestep
2019 IRHA DERBY
Edoardo Bernardelli & Whiz Wild West
Spain’s Nogue Puig and Italy’s Bernardelli settled for the L4 Non Pro Co-Reserve Championship and the latter also took the L3 Non Pro win. “This guy is super amazing and has a huge heart,” said Bernardelli about his mount. “Tonight he gave me everything he had and I am thrilled with this title.”
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In the Non Pro Derby qualifier, Wolfgang Hammer lead the L2 division with a 214 score aboard his two mounts, Chicago Lena (Smart Chic Olena x Bright Gun City) and Mr Ricochet (Ricochet Rooster x Docs Oak Rosy). In the finals, Hammer posted a 214.5 to win the L2 Non Pro Derby Championship riding Mr Ricochet
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Wolfgang Hammer & Mr Ricochet
and also placed third with Chicago Lena. Taking the reserve championship in the L2 division as well as the L1 Non Pro Derby Championship with a 211.5 score was German Franziska Wallner riding Mai Tai Enterprise (Chex Enterprise x Revolutions Chic Jac) owned by Heidi Wallner. One point behind the
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winners, Katharina Dejori of Italy steered her own Unique Remediz (Remins Remedy x Margaritaz) to the L1 Reserve Championship. 2020 IRHA Derby April 27 - May 2, Cremona, Italy
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Worldwide Youth Win in Cremona!
An amazing 19 countries were represented in the inaugural NRHA/IRHA/RHF Global Youth Reining Cup: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Uruguay, and USA.
Photos by Bonaga Communication
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he event took place in Cremona, Italy, during the IRHA Derby and on Saturday morning the spotlight was on the 19 riders that rode for their country’s flag. Though competition was heartfelt, the spirit that filled the air during the week was camaraderie, joy and pride in being part of the very first edition of the Cup! “This has been a wonderful experience and it is a great honor to be part of it,” said Joao Marcos, RHF board member and ideator of the Global Cup concept. “It has truly been a joint effort with NRHA, IRHA and RHF. I cannot thank the riders, parents, horse owners and organizers enough for putting this together.” Just as proud and enthused was Roberto Cuoghi, IRHA and NRHA European Council president. “It is an honor to have been able to host this inaugural competition in Italy,” he said. “I would like to thank all those involved; I am extremely proud of these young riders. They did a wonderful job
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inside and outside the show arena.” Tying for first place with a 216.5 was Andreu Nogue Puig of Spain riding A Whiz N Cash and Italy’s Matteo Manuel Bonzano riding his High Point Reiner. Third place was for Belgium thanks to Nimroid Vannietvelt’s 213.5 score. Winning the Invitational Global Cup division — open to non EU riders — was USA’s Grace Wilson who scored a 212.5 riding Jokin Whiz. The past NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion is
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owned by Markus Schopfer. Sliding to reserve honors was Jennifer Anna Layne Neudorf of Canada with Harry Gotta Whiz, owned and graciously donated by Quarter Dream. Paraguay slid to third place honors thanks to Jan Lucas Wiens Eitzen who posted a 206.5 aboard Arianna Aspersi’s Highclass Master. Winners in both divisions took home a Lawson trophy offered by IRHA and top three received a Montana Silversmiths buckle offered by Montana Silversmiths and Cardinal Ranch. By Simona Diale - International Horse Press
Representatives from all the participating countries were recognized and nominated as Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) Youth Ambassadors. “This event is very much about growing awareness of RHF. There are many misperceptions about RHF and its international scope, but we do give Crisis Fund grants and scholarships internationally, and any NRHA member may be eligible for consideration for the NRHA Hall of Fame and Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Leslie Baker, RHF executive director. “This inaugural event give exhibitors the opportunity to support the Foundation through donations of any size and it amounts to a big impact. I was in Cremona in spirit and I thank you all!” How are you supporting the mission of the Reining Horse Foundation? There are numerous ways and all donations add up in the effort to care for the reining community and honor the sport’s legacy. Consider participating in the Foundation’s Reiners Club, recognizing unrestricted annual giving of $100 or more.
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Valentina Tartara Moroni REPRESENTING: ARGENTINA HORSE: RD JABA STICK OWNER/DONOR: RA COUNTRY DREAM
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Mackinley Glover REPRESENTING: AUSTRALIA HORSE: CHAINSMOKERSSUNBURST OWNER/DONOR: 23 QUARTER HORSES 2019 GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP MILES & MORE CHAMPION
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Marie Guenser
Nimroid Vannietvelt
REPRESENTING: AUSTRIA HORSE: HOT SPARK OLENA OWNER: MARIE GUENSER
REPRESENTING: BELGIUM HORSE: EXXCALIBER OWNER: STEvE vANNIETvELT & GINA DE PAUW 2019 GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP THIRD PLACE
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Maria Luiza Michelin Fagundes REPRESENTING: BRAZIL HORSE: DIABOLO OWNER/DONOR: ELEMENTA
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Jennifer Neudorf REPRESENTING: CANADA HORSE: HARRY GOTTA WHIZ OWNER/DONOR: QUARTER DREAM 2019 GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP INvITATIONAL RESERvE CHAMPION
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Morine Haingue REPRESENTING: FRANCE HORSE: JUICE LILY WHIZ OWNER: LAURENT HAINGUE
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George Sternberg Allen REPRESENTING: GREAT BRITAIN HORSE: SPAT AND BO SUN OWNER/DONOR: FRANCO ROSSO
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Kitti Veronika Horvath REPRESENTING: HUNGARY HORSE: SA SWEET DREAMS OWNER: ISTvAN HOROG
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Adi Kara REPRESENTING: ISRAEL HORSE: TARIS WOLvERINE OWNER/DONOR: MANUELA MAIOCCHI
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Matteo Manuel Bonzano REPRESENTING: ITALY HORSE: HIGH POINT REINER OWNER: 23 QUARTER HORSES -CHAMPION O C P U C G IN YOUTH REIN L A B O L G 9 201 CHAMPION LAST SHOT
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Diego Jesus Rios Barcenas REPRESENTING: MEXICO HORSE: TOROROSSO OWNER/DONOR: GIULIA GHIZZONI
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Erin Danni Wielsma REPRESENTING: NETHERLANDS HORSE: MY GOOD GUN OWNER/DONOR: GUIDA Q.H.
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Jan Lucas Eitzen Wiens
Wiktoria Stanco
REPRESENTING: PARAGUAY HORSE: HIGHCLASS MASTER OWNER/DONOR: ARIANNA ASPERSI
REPRESENTING: POLAND HORSE: REMY ROOSTER SG OWNER: WIKTORIA STANCO
2019 GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP INVITATIONAL THIRD PLACE
2019 GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP BEST EUROPEAN LADY CHAMPION
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Andreu Nogue Puig REPRESENTING: SPAIN HORSE: A WHIZ N CASH OWNER: ANDREU NOGUE PUIG -CHAMPION O C P U C G EININ L YOUTH R A B O L G 9 1 20
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Pokin Piromchum
Guillermo Gelmini
REPRESENTING: THAILAND HORSE: CORONA ENTERPRISE OWNER/DONOR: CRISTINA FISCELLA
REPRESENTING: URUGUAY HORSE: PEPTO FEELING GOOD OWNER/DONOR: LAURA QUAGLIA YOUNGEST REINER CHAMPION
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2019 NRHA/IRHA/RHF GLOBAL YOUTH REINING CUP
Grace Wilson REPRESENTING: USA HORSE: JOKIN WHIZ OWNER/DONOR: MARKUS SCHOPFER CUP H REINING T U O Y L A B 2019 GLO CHAMPION L A N IO T A INvIT PION LADY CHAM
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Roberto Cuoghi & Master Snapper
2019 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee:
Roberto Cuoghi Roberto Cuoghi has been involved in the reining and cutting world since the early 80s. Today one of Europe’s most successful breeders, his vision from day one was that of importing and promoting the best reining and cutting bloodlines in Europe. The result is that of seeing his offspring both on the top and bottom side of reiners across the Old Continent. The first owners to take part with a horse born and bred in Italy (Master Snapper) in the NRHA Derby — and winning all three open divisions with Kelly Zweifel in the saddle — Cuoghi opened the road to many that have followed the same path since. “Winning the Derby in Oklahoma City is one of my favorite memories as a breeder,” says the businessman from Modena. “Being inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame is a dream I still cannot fathom!”
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he road travelled by Cuoghi in the past 30 years is one filled with cutting and reining horses: Along with NRHA Hall of Famers Eleuterio Arcese and Claudio Risso, and Franco Rosso, Cuoghi established Europe’s most successful stallion breeding programs, the International Reining Horse Breeder Association (IRHBA). Thanks to the careful management of the program, the highest-paying event outside the U.S., the 2018 IRHA Futurity, was sponsored by
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IRHBA with 300.000 euro. For 10 years, Cuoghi was at the helm of the Italian Cutting Horse Association and a board member of the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA). In 2007, he was elected president of IRHA, a position he still holds today. “In the past 12 years, my goals have been to increase NRHA membership in Italy and in Europe — with focus on increasing events offered in Europe — thus promoting the NRHA European Derby and Futurity
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NRHA HALL OF FAME
From leſt to right: Eleuterio Arcese, Frank Costantini, Mario Erbetta, Roberto Cuoghi
where only foals enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program can participate,” he said. “Our focus has also been on augmenting the numbers in rookie and youth competition, and, within the NRHA European Council, animal welfare and the European Medications Program have been of paramount importance.” Cuoghi is also chair of the Reining Committee abreast the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE). “Our goal was to collaborate directly with FISE by maintaining a close relationship with the NF,” he adds. “This has helped us immensely in the regulations regarding the medications program and FEI competition within Italy.” A firm FEI competition supporter, along with the Italian NF amongst others, Cuoghi was directly involved as organizer and sponsor of the first FEI European Championships for Seniors, Juniors and Young Riders. In 2008, he was responsible
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for the very first NRHA World Reining Championship held in Manerbio, Italy, and has consistently offered championships as well as CRIs organized by IRHA. Hosting the inaugural NRHA/RHF/IRHA Global Youth Reining Cup in Cremona, Italy, was Cuoghi’s latest contribution to the growth of international youth competition. President of the NRHA European Council since its inception, Cuoghi has dedicated time, passion and energy toward the growth of the same and toward building a strong relationship with NRHA. An active past NRHA board member, he sponsored the NRHA European Futurity since its first edition and, for the past three years has organized the event in Italy taking financial responsibility for the same. Promoter and directly financially responsible for the first NRHA European Derby held in Italy until three years ago, Cuoghi managed the Euro Derby held in Kreuth, Germany, this year as well. “For everything that I have done to promote our sport during these years — along with the IRHA and European Council, breeders, riders, owners, organizers and reining fans — there has been a commonthread: the National Reining Horse Association. Joining the Hall of Fame inductees — all those that have impacted our association so greatly — is an immense honor which fills me with pride. Thank you.”
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Jimmy van der Hoeven & Guaranteed A Magnum
Photos by Waltenberry
Jimmy van der Hoeven and Guaranteed A Magnum Win Level 4 Open Championship at NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Insurance
The 2019 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel Insurance provided a week of thrills and excitement for exhibitors, owners, sponsors, and spectators, escalating to a crescendo on Open finals night. The Jim Norick Coliseum at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds was filled with an enthusiastic reining crowd that watched climbing scores and outstanding performances.
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iders posted one massive score after another, making memories with every run. Several times it looked as if a winner had been decided, but then another rider would raise the bar. Draw 29, Guaranteed A Magnum (Magnum With A Dream x Guaranteed By Amos) had lifetime earnings just under $200,000 prior to the finals. In fact, he and rider Jimmy van der Hoeven won the event in 2018, entering the arena as the reigning champions. “Casey (Hinton) and I talked it over before we walked in. It goes through your mind that you need to stay calm. Casey told me to ‘Ride what your horse can do. That’s what they do, and don’t try to do more than that,’” Van der Hoeven
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shared. “Those were the words I heard when I walked in, but it’s hard when people are screaming and you know what the horses before you did. Staying calm in that is not easy.” Still, Van der Hoeven and Guaranteed A Magnum stayed the course through seemingly never-ending stops, impeccable spins, and flashy circles. The cheers of the already loud crowd reached deafening levels when the score – a 231.5 – was announced along with a check for $57,000! Van der Hoeven began riding Guaranteed A Magnum, now owned by Chad and Molly Cherry, at the end of the horse’s 4-year-old year in 2017. The next year, they finished fourth at the National Reining Breeders Classic before
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2019 NRHA DERBY
winning the Derby for the first time. They went on to win the Junior Reining Championship at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show. They returned to the NRBC in 2019 to place third prior to heading to the Derby. “He’s really special. What he has done in the past year is pretty special. He keeps getting better, too. This is the highest he’s ever marked, and it’s the highest I’ve ever marked,” Van der Hoeven shared. “I know when I go in there he’s not going to let me down. I never have to worry about him.” Van der Hoeven trains out of Casey and Kathy Hinton’s barn in Whitesboro, Texas. “I thank the whole team. Casey and Kathy are real special to
me. Casey is a great coach and trainer. I also thank all the people who work at home, and my brother Roy van der Hoeven,” he said. Craig Schmersal piloted No Smoking Required to a 231 to win the Level 4 Open Reserve Championship, worth $40,544. No Smoking Required, by Gunner out of Icing Required, is owned by the Wranglen Partnership. Nominator Carluccio Orsi will receive $2,133. Cade McCutcheon and Shes Got Good Guns Win Open Levels 3 and 2 Championship It was Cade McCutcheon’s first time to show in the NRHA Open Derby, and the young trainer made the most of it, qualifying all three of his
Cade McCutcheon & Shes Got Good Guns
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entries back to the Open Level (L)4 finals. He finished as the Open L3 and L2 Champion on Shes Got Good Guns, by Gunner out of A Bueno Poco Dunit. McCutcheon and Shes Got Good Guns marked a 227.5, which also ranked them eighth in place of the Open L4. The night’s earnings totaled $39,592 for McCutcheon, with nominator/owner Roxanne Koepsell receiving an additional $2,083. “She was awesome. She’s very honest in the show pen and I know I can trust her. She was there for me every step of the way,” McCutcheon said. “She’s a really good mare, and I’m just lucky to have her.” With the high temperatures and humidity, McCutcheon had a game plan. “I did as much of nothing as I could. She was tired anyway, so I didn’t do anything hard between the go-round and the finals,” he said. If his horse felt slightly fatigued, McCutcheon did too, as his first two entries were relatively close together. “I was pretty tired after my second one, but my mom brought me a snack,” he said with a laugh. “Actually, it’s easy to get hyped up and not tired when you get to ride one like this.” McCutcheon, who began riding as a professional in January, added, “I thank my parents and my grandparents and everyone at the barn. Joe Schmidt, Fernando Salgado – there are just a lot of people to thank. I also thank Roxanne Koepsell, who has been awesome. She’s always been there for me.” Perhaps one of Cade’s most exciting accomplishments of the night was being one
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half of the first father-son duo to qualify for the L4 finals at the same time. Cade’s father Tom also qualified for the Level 4 finals on Dun With Guns. Finishing second in the Open L3 was Trevor Dare and Xtra Dun Step (Wimpys Little Step x All Thats Dun). The pair marked a 225, also finishing 13th in the L4. The win netted owned Silver Spurs Equine a check for $20,269, and nominator Ixtul Quarter Horses received $1,066. Reserve in the Open L2 went to Lorinaldo Gomes and Snip O One (A Sparkling Vintage x Snip O Gun), who finished the finals with a 224.5. That score was also good for third in the L3, and fifteenth in the Level 4. All totaled, Snip O One, owned by Sarah Nimigan, won $20,863. Josh Tishman Wins Open Level 1 Championship on Baileys Sidekick With a 222.5, Josh Tishman and Baileys Sidekick won the Open L1 Championship, besting their preliminary round score by a point. While that feat was impressive – they also qualified for the finals of the Open L2 and 3 – the story gets better. Baileys Sidekick pulled double duty at the NRHA Derby. “He was shown by both his owner, Kathy Thompson, and myself. Kathy qualified for the Non Pro L4 finals and he and I were only a half-point from making the Open L4 finals,” Tishman shared. “He’s given everything he has. He has a huge heart and is pure as pure can be in the show pen for both of us every time.” Tishman and Baileys Sidekick collected a check totaling $12,237, while nominator Turnabout Farm Inc., received $644. The night before,
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Josh Tishman & Baileys Sidekick
Baileys Sidekick (Gunners Special Nite x A Shining Sidekick) won more than $3,650 with Thompson. “Honestly, we didn’t try to override him and kept him happy. He has an amazing brain and that’s what did it,” said Tishman, who rides for Deary Performance Horses. “He ran in and stopped huge, and he was pure as could be. He ran his heart out. I have so many people to thank. I thank his owners, Casey, Nicole and the whole Deary team.” Todd Wright and SJR Karinas Lil Step (Wimpys Little Step x Whizs Katrina) finished as the Open L1 Reserve Champions, winning
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$4,845 with a score of 220.5. Owned by Teresa McCarthy, SJR Karinas Lil Step is by Wimpys Little Step out of Whizs Katrina. Dean Brown and Gunnatrashtheplace Win Open Prime Time Title The Open Prime Time Championship was decided in the preliminary round, and Dean Brown and Gunnatrashtheplace topped the division with a 223, earning $2,271. “He was really good to me. He ran in there and gave me his all. We had a couple little bobbles that kept us out of the Level 4 finals, but we made the Level 3,” Brown explained.
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our 3-year-olds. It’s going to be a busy summer,” Brown said. “I thank Robert Santagata. I also thank Jeff Levine, who has been a great owner.” Finishing second in the Open Prime Time was Martin Larcombe and Hey Joe with a 222.5, collecting $1,804. Hey Joe, by Smart Spook out of Best Stop, is owned by Rosanne Sternberg of Aubrey, Texas.
Dean Brown & Gunnatrashtheplace
Dean Brown and Gunnatrashtheplace, by Gunnatrashya out of All Chic N Shiny, are coming off a recent Prime Time win at the NRBC. “He’s been a very good horse for me. I’ve made the finals at all the major events with him. I’ve had him since he was a 2-year-old. He’s just a very nice horse,” Brown said of the 6-year-old stallion who is owned by Jeff Levine of Levine Equine Enterprises of Valley Cottage, New York. In the finals, Brown and Gunnatrashtheplace, whose lifetime earnings exceed $36,000, marked a 219 to finish sixteenth in the L3, worth an additional $2,278. “After this, we’ll have a couple of horse shows, and then start showing
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Jennifer Neudorf and Shining In Town Win Non Pro Championship at NRHA Derby presented by Markel Insurance Winning a title at the NRHA Derby presented by Markel Insurance isn’t a small achievement. It’s a moment most people only get to dream of, and on Friday night a 16-year-old girl rode into the arena of the Jim Norick Coliseum capturing the crowd’s attention from her very first stop. Through flawless spins and expertly guided circles, building to a crescendo with the final stop, it was clear the run was special. When Jennifer Neudorf ’s score – a 226.5 – was announced, the crowd voiced their approval. Not only had she taken the lead in the Non Pro L4 finals, but Neudorf and her horse, Shining In Town, were competing in every division, from the L4 down to the L1, and the Youth. Their score held through 12 more runs, making Neudorf and Shining In Town the newest, and one of the youngest, NRHA Non Pro Derby Champions! All totaled, Neudorf won $42,637, almost double her current lifetime earnings. “I’m speechless. I’m over the moon excited. I still don’t know what I’m feeling. I was super happy for sure, but I just don’t know what to say,”
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Jennifer Neudorf & Shining In Town
Neudorf said. “Waiting for the final results was difficult because there were a lot of good horses and riders who went after me. I went over to the Adequan Arena to watch a friend of mine show. We watched the live feed, but I tried to not think about it too much,” she said. Earlier in the year, Neudorf and Shining In Town (Hollywoodstinseltown x Shine Ann), won the Non Pro L1 at the National Reining Breeders Classic. “Well, at the NRBC we had a little trouble
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with our run in and stop, so here I just trusted him more. I just said whoa and it felt so cool,” she explained. “I thought, ‘Are we done sliding?’ and then I realized we still were. We kind of struggle with our backup usually, so I was a little worried about that, but it was good.” While she thinks she ran to the stops a little fast, it still worked out. “I thank my trainer Craig Schmersal and his whole crew because they’re so supportive, and I wouldn’t be here without
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them. I also wouldn’t be here without my mom and dad. They’re big supporters. I also thank my friends, too, who make it so fun to come here.” Neudorf only began showing Shining In Town in January. “Craig tried him out, and I wasn’t there because I was at home in Canada. I just trusted Craig that it would work out and it did,” she said. Shining In Town’s nominator Sather Family Partnership will also receive a check for $2,176. Tying with himself for second in the Non Pro L4 – 2 and Non Pro Youth was another young gun. Luca Fappani piloted both his horses to identical scores of 223, earning more than $24,490 for
each. Fappani rode Sharp Dressed Spook (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dolittle Lena), and Spooks N Jewels (Smart Spook x Whiz Jewels). Both horses are owned by Fappani’s parents Andrea and Tish. David McGee Wins Prime Time Title on Knaughtybyknature Competing early in the second section of the Non Pro finals at draw 4 was David McGee and Knaughtybyknature, who marked a 221.5 to not only win the Non Pro Prime Time, but also finish fifth in the Non Pro L4. McGee’s earnings totaled $9,801, with $384 going to nominator Clinton
David McGee & Knaughtybyknature
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Anderson. “I don’t remember much. I ran through the gate, he stopped, he turned, he circled, and he stopped. I told the lady at the gate when we came out it was like Carrie Underwood’s song, ‘Jesus Take the Wheel,’” McGee explained. “I don’t know what we did! He did good, and it feels good to be here tonight. Usually, we have something go wrong, but tonight we didn’t. I finally got him ridden.” Part of their success might be contributed to the man who was giving advice. “I have to thank Shawn Flarida who helped me. He can be really annoying with all his little details, but apparently, if you listen to them, they work,” McGee said with a laugh. “He’s given me lots
of advice, and he’s fun to ride with.” McGee has owned Knaughtybyknature (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds), since the six-year-old was a weanling. “We bought him because of his mom. We loved that mare’s babies, and he’s the last one we have,” he explained. Sean Pulley and Spook In Sparks finished second in the Prime Time Non Pro and the Non Pro L1 with a 217. They were also competing in the finals for the Levels 4-2, so their earnings totaled $10,709. Spook In Sparks (Smart Spook x Setting Off Sparks) was nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, who will receive $460.
Michael Garnett & Hollywood Nites
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Michael Garnett Pilots Hollywood Nites to Non Pro Masters Championship With a score of 217.5, Michael Garnett and Hollywood Nites claimed the Non Pro Masters championship, placed in the top 10 of the Non Pro L3, and finished 13th in the Non Pro L4. The night’s work paid $7,590, with $292 going to nominator Cardinal Hill Training Center. “I thought it was, up until the rollback, the best run we’ve had. We just missed the stop a little bit,” Garnett said. “He’s a very steady horse and probably the word that describes him best is
consistent. Before this, we won almost $80,000 with him. He’s been a really good horse.” Garnett purchased Hollywood Nites (Gunners Special Nite x Dun It For Chex) as a 3-year-old from Cardinal Hill Training Center. “Franco Bertolani had him and then Pedro Baiao showed him at the (NRHA) Futurity and won the L1 and 2 on him. I started showing him in the aged events after that,” Garnett explained. “First I thank the sponsors of this horse show. Also, I thank my wife for all her support and Martin Muehlstaetter who we train with.”
DUN IT FOR CHEX: ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MARES IN MODERN REINING
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the Hall of Fame, to achieve the million-dollar dam status,” said Joao Marcos of Cardinal. “It was a lot of work and investments and she was the best. We called her the Queen as she was truly treated like a queen. She lived in a climate-controlled stall with her friend, a goat. She will be missed.” The Queen may continue to add to her legacy with frozen eggs and Cardinal hopes to breed the mare for several more years. “She was a sweet mare,” said Franco Bertolani, Cardinal’s head trainer. “She gave us so much. She was a tremendous producer as a mare and no matter what sire we used, she always gave us good ones. Every year we start 12 to 15 2-year-olds and, in the end, her babies are always the best.” Among her top earners
are NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Champions Dun It For Whizkey ($259,119, by Topsail Whiz) and Starbucks Sidekick ($195,150, by Smart Starbuck).
Photo by © John Brasseaux
Aſter being inducted in the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2018, Dun It For Chex surpassed the Million Dollar Dam mark at the NRHA Derby joining Ebony Shines as the only matriarchs to achieve this status. The millionaire producer by the great Hollywood Dun It and out of Silver N Blue Chex (by Docs Silver N Blue), was bred by Pat Warren. Her sons and daughters banked money with top finishes at the NRHA Futurity and Derby, the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC). Although the gray mare did not have a show record of her own, she foaled one prize-winning reiner aſter another. At the age of 23, last September, Dun It For Chex was humanely euthanized. “I have no words. It was amazing to be inducted in
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Ann Fonck & Gunners Specialolena
Photos by Tom Hautmann
Hat Trick for Ann Fonck as She Claims her Third NRHA European Derby Open Championship!
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n the ninth edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Open Derby Finals, it was the first horse-rider-combination in the second section that held the top score all the way through the end of the 19 finalists. NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck of Belgium rode Diego Dalla Gassa’s Gunners Specialolena (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Dolly Jac Olena) to a 222 score that clinched top honors in the €50.000-added * Level (L)4 Open. “I’m really really happy; it’s my third European Derby L4 Championship! My son, Justin, for the first time, drew for me and picked draw #1, so I told my husband that maybe next time would do it myself. In the end, it looks like it was a good draw! My horse was good, she is
a really nice mare, but once again, I didn’t really expect to win because when I was riding during the training sessions I saw really great horses and such good riders competing…in the end, it all worked out and I’m really happy.“ The 5-year-old mare was bred and nominated by Luigi Parise and counts over $25,000 NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE). WATCH THE RUN
INTERVIEW
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN DERBY
Nico Sicuro & Sugar Little Step
INTERVIEW
Two NRHA Professional riders from Italy shared the L4 Open Reserve Championship: Nico Sicuro rode the 7-year-old stallion Sugar Little Step (NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Ah Sugar Sugar) owned by Quarter Dream Srl to a 220.5 score, also claiming the €35.000-added* L3 Open Championship. “I started riding him in February this year. He is already known for his great achievements with Gennaro Lendi and Markus Gebert in the saddle,” says the
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23-year-old,head trainer for Quarter Dream, a breeding and training facility based in the south of Italy. “Our first show together was the NRHA European Futurity where we won the NRHA Intermediate Open class. I then showed him at the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) Derby where we won the L2 and L3 Open divisions, and placed third in the L4 with a 223 score. At this show, he was nice all week long; I always rode him trying all the maneuvers we had in the finals.
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN DERBY
Mirko Midili & Maytheforcebewhizyou
Tonight he was super and did everything I asked him and he was always with me.” Sicuro was quick to thank the owners of Quarter Dream, Pietro and Helena Marseglia, as well as the whole team behind him both at home and during the show. Sugar Little Step was bred and nominated by Wolf Dieter Luft and boasts over $59,000 NRHA LTE. Sharing the L4 Co-Reserve Championship was Italian Mirko Midili aboard Luigi Parise’s 5-year-old stallion Maytheforcebewhizyou
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(NRHA Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Jac Golden Faith), bred and nominated by Claudia Hahn. German Sylvia Rzepka took reserve honors in the L3 Open riding Winnie The Boo (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Jac Golden Faith), a 7-year-old gelding owned by Florian Aubruner scoring a 220. Claudia Hahn is the breeder and nominator of the gelding.
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN DERBY
INTERVIEW
Clémence Neveux & Frankiegoestoholywod
Tying for the €20.000-added* L2 Open CoReserve Championship were the €10.000-added* L1 Champions: Clémence Neveux of France and Mona Doerr of Germany who closed their performances with a 219 score. Neveux, riding Thomas Soutric’s 8-year-old gelding Frankiegoestoholywod (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x CN Missilenium), exited the arena after her run
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with a full-house cheering on for her suggesting the highest score of the first section of the finals. “My horse was really good during the whole run tonight. Our circles were really great, the turns could have been better, but I was happy with them,” said an emotional Neveux. “He was a little fast in the rundowns but stopped really great. I want to thank Thomas [Soutric] and also the owners of CM Quarter Horses who have
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INTERVIEW
Mona Doerr & G Whiz Gus
trusted me for more than ten years now with my program.” Frankiegoestoholywod was bred by Angelo Capitelli and nominated by Edoardo Bernardelli. Second to last to enter the pen in the first section of the Open Finals was Doerr with Martin Bachmann’s G Whiz Gus. “I’m really happy because this is my first NRHA European Derby and I won it. My horse is a really lovely
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gelding with a big heart. He is always listening and tonight he gave me everything,” said the NRHA Professional of Germany. “I want to thank all the people behind me, and of course a special thank you goes to the owner Martin [Bachmann] and to my trainer Dominik Reminder; he helped me a lot here at the show and at home.” The 5-year-old gelding was bred and nominated by Heike Melanie Ebler.
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Edoardo Bernardelli & Whiz Wild West
WATCH THE RUN
Bernardelli and Hammer Tie to Win the NRHA European Non Pro Derby; Francesca Ferrarol Sweeps the L3, 2 and 1 Championships
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he 2019 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby offered competition for all with 4-year-old horses performing in the NRHA Mid Summer Futurity and 5-, 6-, 7and 8-year-old horses roding for the €20,000-added* European Level 4 Non Pro Derby. Once the sun went down on the Ostbayernhalle arena on Friday, Edoardo Bernardelli of Italy and Wolfgang Hammer of Austria opted to tie for the European Level (L)4 Non Pro Championship and a young Francesca Ferrarol left the arena with three Non Pro Derby Championships to her name. Draw 2 in the second section of the Finals, www.internationalhorsepress.com
Wolfgang Hammer and his Mr Ricochet (Ricochet Rooster x Docs Oak Rosy), a 6year-old stallion bred and nominated by 23 QH Az. Agr. SS, performed to a 217. The duo — leaders of the L2 Non Pro Derby qualifier — set the bar in the L4 division until Edoardo Bernardelli and his Whiz Wild West came back to match their score. The Italian rider and his 6-year-old gelding bred and nominated by Mattia Camisi, already leaders of the L4 and L3 in the qualifier, settled for the L4 Non Pro Derby CoChampionship and also took the L3 Reserve Championship along with Hammer and his mount who also claimed reserve honors in the L2 division. “I’m really happy with the • IHP - YEAR IN REVIEW • 67
Wolfgang Hammer & Mr Ricochet
way my horse performed tonight,” said Bernardelli. “Everything I asked for he did well. We missed one stop, but that’s OK; he topped the qualifier and tonight he repeated his performance in the finals. I would like to thank my family, who is always there to support me, and my girlfriend. A big thank you to Andrea Napolitano and Andrea Grazi for helping me before the finals.” Just as thrilled was Hammer: “Sometimes you feel like your run is bad but in reality, it’s good. This time around, he felt super and it was so much fun to show him. He did everything we trained for and everything I know he can do… He was amazing today and I could not be any happier.”
WATCH THE RUN
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Francesca Ferrarol & Wimpy Margarita
Ferrarol and her father’s [Maurizio Ferrarol] Wimpy Margarita, a 6-year-old stallion by NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Custom Margarita laid down an impressive NRHA pattern #9 with only two horses left to go in the first section of the Non Pro Finals. The judges paid her back with a 217.5 and her score held until the very last combination putting her firmly in the lead in the levels she had qualified for: the €15.000-added* L3, €9.000-added* L2 and €5.000added* L1. The win was, of course, three-times as special for 15year-old Ferrarol. “I still cannot believe all this is happening,” she said. “I didn’t really feel comfortable with my horse in the go round, plus we made the Level 3 finals through the Consolation. Tonight, before entering the pen, I thought to myself: ‘If I am here, there must be a reason, so I should give my best no matter what the final outcome will be.’ It went really well and I’m extremely happy – this horse has a heart of gold and tonight he knew I was hoping he could give me all he had …and he did!” Closing with the L1 Non Pro Derby Reserve Championship, as well as third place in the L3 division, was Marie Guensner and her Hot Spark Olena, a 6-year-old gelding by Shiner Olena out of Roosters Hot Piq, bred and nominated by Katarzyna Roleska.
2020 NRHA European Derby May18-24, Wells, Austria
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Photo Bonaga Communication
Spat Olena & Claudio Risso
2019 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee:
Claudio Risso
Claudio Risso’s dedication to promoting reining in Europe has landed him in the NRHA Hall of Fame. For the Italian breeder and keen reining enthusiast, this year was also very special for him: His 26-year-old stallion, Spat Olena, surpassed the NRHA Million Dollar Sire mark — the very first sire in the history of NRHA whose offspring earnings are all won in Europe!
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hen Claudio Risso was told he’d be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame this year, the news didn’t quite sink in. Risso assumed NRHA President Mike Hancock was talking about his stallion, Spat Olena, the first sire in Europe to become an NRHA Million Dollar Sire. Risso thanked Hancock for the honor for the stallion, but when Hancock corrected him and said, “No, not Spat Olena. The nomination is for you,” the Italian native was stunned. “It was very good news and a surprise,” Risso said. “[It] gave me incredible pleasure and seemed like a movie. After 30 or more years dedicated to reining— since 1988— I’ve had some beautiful times and sometimes disappointments, but with this recognition, it’s big.” Risso’s NRHA membership dates back to the early 90s and has spanned many categories— owner, exhibitor, breeder, nominator, and mentor. He is 13th on NRHA’s Leading Owner list after breeding money-earning offspring with more than $921,500 LTE. His achievements
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didn’t come without challenges, though. When he first became involved with NRHA, there were few reining shows in Europe. Risso took on the hefty job of promoting the sport throughout the continent and found sponsors to increase the payouts offered at European shows. “The objective I pursued in promoting the sport of reining in Europe was to try to create a large family of passionate people who aimed to make
Claudio Risso & RS Craggan More, 2010 NRHA Non Pro Reserve World Champions
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NRHA HALL OF FAME
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Claudio Risso & Spat A Blue, 2011 NRHA Non Pro World Champions
Photo Bonaga Communication
reining great,” he said. “Of course, the challenges we faced were many. One, in particular, was creating the breeder incentive program (IRHBA), which was a winner for increasing the added money at reining shows. In associations like the IRHA [Italian Reining Horse Association], and on the IRHA governing council, we’ve always looked for sponsors and created programs to increase added money for our events and one of the most important aims was to expand reining on a regional level in Italy — a mission we accomplished,” Risso added. “It took 20 years to achieve the target, but today we can be satisfied with the programs made and realized.” Risso has since supplied notable reining horses to almost all of Europe and has mentored many well-known and successful reining trainers’ careers, including those of Maurizio Tonini, Jim Kiser, Stefano Massignan, Martin Gamper, Nicola Brunelli, Pierluigi Chioldo, Matteo Cuniglio, and Matteo Nadalini. He is also an IRHA Past President and current Board Member. On the international stage, Risso has been instrumental in the promotion of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Reining Championships in Manerbio, Italy. He has worked closely with Cesare Croce, the Italian Equestrian Federation, and the FEI to promote youth events around the world. Even with everything Risso has done for reining in Europe, he humbly asserted there were two things he was most proud of—both of which were very recent developments for the sport. “My best accomplishment with reining is the nomination into the NRHA Hall of Fame, which is like the
icing on the cake, for all the time and attention I spent for this beautiful sport [via] NRHA and IRHA,” he said. “Another important accomplishment is having my stallion, Spat Olena, as the first NRHA Million Dollar Sire [in Europe]. From 2004 to 2019, he’s the first stallion in Europe to have achieved this goal.” Spat Olena received that honor in July due to the success of several of his offspring, including RS Starfighter Lena, who was named 2019 IRHA L4 and L3 Non Pro Maturity Champion in Caluso, Italy. By Smart Chic Olena and out of Steps Little Remedy, Spat Olena has produced progeny including RS Fondadores Olena (out of RS Foxy Jacs), who has $116,157 LTE; RS Spat Man O War (out of RS Hollywood Hglo), with $81,778 LTE;
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The Italian Stallion,
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Spat Olena
wenty-five years ago, Jim Kiser watched one of the first groups of Smart Chic Olena offspring compete at the NRHA Futurity. They made such a large splash in the first go round that Kiser decided to leave the Futurity and head to Pilot Point, Texas, to look at a couple of yearlings by the now Six Million Dollar Sire. It was there Kiser found Spat Olena for owner and 2019 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Claudio Risso. “It was a pleasure to have purchased this horse from the beginning,” Risso shared. “We knew he had great talent, and
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Non Pro World Champion and the 2012 NRHA Non Pro Reserve World Champion. Now that he’s been inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame, Risso has set a goal of continuing the work dear to his heart. And, he has an even loftier plan— bringing different European reining groups under one umbrella association for the continent. “I think that promoting the wonderful sport of reining in Europe at all levels will always be an objective,” he said. “It would be fabulous to succeed in bringing together European associations into one—the ERHA, or European Reining Horse Association—in order to reach the goal of continuing to offer great shows, always under the umbrella of the National Reining Horse Association!”
Photo Bonaga Communication
and RS Ramses Olena (out of Docs Jabalena) who boasts $80,973 LTE. Spat Olena himself is an earner of more than $38,000 LTE. Outside the realms of breeding reining horses and promoting reining, Risso has earned many accolades in the arena. Some of his top triumphs include the 2002 NRHA European Non Pro Affiliate Championship ; 2008 IRHA Non Pro Reserve Futurity n; 2009 and 2011 IRHA Non Pro Futurity championships; 2010 NRHA Germany Breeders Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity ; and 2009, 2013, and 2014 NRHA European Futurity Non Nro Championships. Risso was also the 2010 NRHA Non Pro Reserve World Champion on RS Craggan More; with Spat A Blue, a son of Spat Olena, he was the 2011 NRHA
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NRHA HALL OF FAME
we had quite a few people interested in buying him. But I wanted a Smart Chic Olena son to take back to Italy.” Besides his stellar pedigree, Kiser was also impressed with the horse’s personality. “Spat Olena has always been an extremely kind horse,” he explained. “He’s never acted like a stud and is a pleasure to be around.” But before Spat Olena would ultimately make the journey back to Italy to stand at stud, Kiser and Risso decided to leave the promising young stallion in the U.S. under the guidance of Craig Johnson, in hopes of Spat Olena making a name for himself in the show pen. After working for Risso in Italy for several years, Kiser made the decision to head home to the States, eventually taking over the reins and showing Spat Olena in the derby events the following years. “There was a bit of a learning curve with showing Spat Olena,” Kiser explained. “He was such a powerhouse of a horse and a very honest one.” But the pair proved up to the task. Accolades acquired include Open Reserve Champion and Limited Open Champion in the ancillary portion of the 1997 NRHA Championship Show, 1997 year-end top 10 in the Open and Limited Open divisions, 1998 National Reining Breeders Classic Limited Open Champion, and 1998 All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Reserve Champion and Intermediate Open Champion. By the time Spat Olena ended his career in the show arena, he’d accumulated more than $38,900 in NRHA LTE. The Italian Stallion Reining continues to grow all over Europe, and thanks to owners like Risso and horses like Spat Olena, their breeding programs have also grown
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in size and talent. “The Europeans and the Italians have invested so much time and effort into the reining industry, and it was hard for them in the beginning,” Kiser explained. “To build their programs they had to come over to the United States and buy their horses over here and then send them back to their home countries. Having a horse like Spat Olena over there [in Italy] made it easier for people to get involved in the industry.” When asked about the 26-year-old stallion’s million-dollar achievement, Risso noted he couldn’t be happier. “This is such a great achievement for Italy and for Spat Olena,” he shared. “He’s such a wonderful horse, and I hope he continues to live a happy, healthy life outside in his paddock for many years to come.” By Nicole Chirico/ NRHA Reiner
Spat Olena and Jim Kiser
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By Simona Diale and Chris Schmersal Photos by Bee Silva
Cade McCutcheon & Custom Made Gun (Gunner x Custom Made Dunit) owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci, score 229.5, $307,500
The Run For A Million Invitational 80 • IHP - YEAR IN REVIEW •
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Craig Schmersal & No Smoking Required (Gunner x Icing Required) owned by Wranglen Partnership, score 229.5, $307,500
…Reining will never be the same again! www.internationalhorsepress.com
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THE RUN FOR A MILLION
Andrea Fappani & Platinum Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Starjac Miss) owned by Silver Spurs Equine, score 229, $75,000
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Making History
The Rookie Championship — which opened the event — followed by the $100,000 Open Shootout, $50,000 Non Pro Championship, $50,000 Freestyle, and the closing Million Dollar Invitational, filled the air with excitement in the South Point Arena Equestrian Center. Enthusiastic fans, as well as spectators new to the sport, never let their energy level down and once Saturday night came along, the energy hit the roof ! The Run For A Million was a ticketed event with over 5500 seats available in the arena, hotel management stated, “We sold 95% of the tickets for this event and gave the other 5% to management to use at their discretion.” Successful Hollywood actor, director, producer and Academy Award Nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan grew up on a ranch in a small West Texas town outside of Waco. He admits that along his busy life journey he needed horses to bring balance to his life and when, in 2011, he discovered reining he was fascinated by “the bond and trust between the horse and rider, how simple and hidden the cues were, and yet how complicated it was.” Once he ‘got the bug,’ he said, it never leſt him, leading him to write and produce Paramount Network’s hit TV series Yellowstone with Kevin Costner and the reality TV series The Last Cowboy which led to the historic event: The Run For A Million. Thanks to Sheridan’s vision, the western industry was promoted through mainstream television and,
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Shawn Flarida & Spooks Gotta Spark (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dolittle Lena) owned by Gaynia Revenberg, score 228, $65,000
for the first time in the history of our sport, a purse worth one million dollars was offered in a reining class. Sheridan is the recipient of the inaugural NRHA Reiner of the Year award. He was also presented the AQHA Spirit Award at the 2019 Lucas Oil AQHA World Championship Show.
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THE RUN FOR A MILLION
Jason Vanlandingham & A Vintage Smoke (A Sparkling Vintage x Lady Smoke Peppy) owned by Diane Mesmer, score 226.5, $60,000
Abby Lengel & Gotta Twist It Up (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Make It With A Twist) owned by Sandy Bentien, score 225, $50,000
Once the ‘magnificent twelve’ were done with their autograph session which lasted close to three hours on Saturday afternoon, and spectators had waited patiently in [an amazingly long line] to make their way to their seats, the show was on: Everyone knew who the riders were, nobody knew which of their horses they would be riding, except for a handful who had only brought one horse. The stage was set and once the curtain was up, the first to burst into the arena was NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida aboard Spooks Gotta Spark for owner Gaynia Revenberg. The duo did not let down as they set the house on fire with their powerful run paid back by the judges with a 228. The legendary rider left the pen by setting the bar — and the pace — for those that followed. Second in the draw with Fiorucci’s Custom Made Gun between the reins, 19-year-old Cade McCutcheon was determined to repeat his 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games performance where, aboard the 8year-old stallion, he had worn both the team gold medal and individual bronze medal. “I’ve been showing this horse since he was 4 and he gets better and better all the time,” said the young rider before his run. “He’s a show horse. A lot of horses at this age will start to cheat you, but now he knows when he goes in there that it’s time
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Tom McCutcheon & Gunna Cash Ya (Lil Joe Cash x Gunners Blonde Chic) owned by Gunna Cash Ya Partners, score 224, $35,000
Casey Deary & Gunnarickashay (Gunnatrashya x Rondas Tio) owned by Jody and Jolan Puno, score 223.5, $30,000
to play.” And play they did: once they left the arena, a 229.5 appeared on the score board, score which held until, six great runs later, NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal and No Smoking Required owned by Wranglen Partnership ran a beautiful, precise and powerful pattern which kept the crowd on their feet cheering non-stop. The announced score was a 229.5 and, once the curtain fell on the prestigious arena, the two horse-rider-combinations were tied. NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, who once again showed off his skill and talent, as well as his mount’s Platinum Vintage owned by Silver Spurs
Equine, came dangerously close by closing their stellar ride with a 229.
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Both McCutcheon and Schmersal chose to share the title. The riders decided unanimously that a run-off was not going to happen — they both cared about their horse’s welfare above all else. “Co-Champion or Champion, you are still a champion,” said Schmersal. “It would be a shame to go out there to run-off, make a mistake, or even worse get in an accident and be reserve champions. It is not worth it for my clients or myself to put my horse’s health in jeopardy after he just gave me everything he
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THE RUN FOR A MILLION
Franco Bertolani & Dun It For Whizkey (Topsail Whiz x Dun It For Chex) owned by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, score 222, $25,000
had. In coming here my horse chose himself and as long as he was healthy and sound, he was ‘the one’ I was going to show here. I was every bit as confident in my horse as Cade
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Jordan Larson & ARC Gunnabeabigstar (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic) owned by HDC Quarter Horses, score 217, $15,000
was in his. No Smoking Required is super gritty, super fun to ride, and he has been easy to maintain. He deserves the co-championship!” McCutcheon was quick to agree. “I have had a lot of success with Custom Made Gun in the past four years and the owner, Maria Cecilia [Fiorucci], made the decision to send him over for this event at The Rome Shoot In held last March,” he said. “I never considered coming here with another horse because I knew that we could win. I went in determined to slide to the top spot and we did it! This is once in a lifetime horse; I trust him completely and am overwhelmed with the result and the great crowd.” “Never in my lifetime have I ever seen a
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Duane Latimer & Ruf Lil Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Dunit A Lil Ruf) owned by Silver Spurs Equine, score 214.5, $15,000
Matt Mills & Chic Dreamin (Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) owned by Silver Spurs Equine, score 214, $15,000
show like The Run For A Million!” added Schmersal about the great attendance. “We have never shown to a crowd as large and welcoming as the fans of reining and ‘The Last Cowboy.’ There were around 5,000 people in the stands cheering for all of the riders and they did not care if there was a mistake; they still cheered each rider on to the end and participated in many standing ovations. The Run For A Million was evidence of the TV shows’ ability to reach a new audience. The trickle-down effect from what Taylor has done will be felt for years. I can honestly say now that the season has ended that it was one of the best experiences of my career. I am proud to say my horse, No Smoking Required, gave me everything I asked for. He has been an incredible partner, and I am so happy the world was able to see and share in the incredible animal I know.”
Tim Anderson and Mark Blake
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THE RUN FOR A MILLION
The Run For A Million MS Diamonds TX by Sleipner Trophy Ring went to the owners of the Million Dollar Invitational Co-Champions.
The twelve horses and riders that took part in the Invitational left an incredible mark in Las Vegas, showing off great horsemanship and great athletes. On top of ‘the big cash prize,’ the sponsors were extremely generous and duplicated every champion’s award, starting
from the custom six horse Bloomer horse trailer [donated by Randy Bloomer], to the custommade gold buckle from Gist Silversmiths, the one of a kind Bob’s Custom Saddle by Andreas Maschke, and the MS Diamonds TX $100,000 Owner’s Champion Ring by Sleipnir.
THE RUN FOR A MILLION OWNER'S CHAMPION RING BY SLEIPNIR MAKES ITS WAY TO ITALY The owners of the horses that tied to win the Million Dollar Invitational chose to share the ring. During the inaugural Elementa Masters Premiere, held in Verona, Italy, Oded Fein of Sleipnir, by MS Diamonds TX, made his way to the "City of Love" to present Maria Cecilia Fiorucci with the custommade Trophy RIng. In the picture, from leſt to right, Oded Fein, Maria Cecilia Fiorucci and Marco Di Paola, Italian Equestrian Sports President (FISE).
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Dany Tremblay & PS Mega Shine Chic
$100,000 OpEN SHOOOtOut Fresh off their Level 3 Derby win at the Reining by the Bay Dany, Tremblay and PS Mega Shine Chic (Shine Chic Shine x Megas Sugar Baby) were determined to leave their mark in the $100,000 Open Shootout. With an incredibly strong run, paid back by the judges with a 232.5 score —77.5 across the
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board —Tremblay firmly took the win and the attention of the crowd. After completing the first set of spins, the Canadian professional based in the U.S. looked at the judges and nodded, as if to say “that was cool!” His performance set the house on fire and a standing ovation. “I love this horse,” he said about the stallion owned by Adh-Mor Ranch aka Crush. “We’ve been together a while, with ups and downs, but he tried so hard and gave me everything he had. He’s an incredible show horse and I am extremely proud of today’s achievement.” Second place honors went to NRHA Million Dollar Rider Jason Vanlandingham riding Spooks Gotta Crush owned by Vandorp Inc.
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$50,000-ADDED INvItAtIONAl FREEStylE Andrea Fappani would probably be the last person you would think of when someone brings up freestyle reining. As he showed us all in Vegas, he was ready! “The idea came to me a few years ago at the [All American Quarter Horse] Congress,” Fappani said. “I don’t remember who I was watching it with, but I thought, ‘I could do that.’ It takes so much work to do it right and highlight the maneuvers while putting on a show. When this opportunity came along, I knew it was the right time.” Fappani’s choice in horse for his brideless pattern was always at the back of his mind: It had to be Custom Spook (Smart Spook x Custom Spinderella). The 12-year-old stud, owned by Rancho Oso Rio, has been in Fappani’s program the horse’s entire life and the NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider spent four months prior to the event preparing the performance. The duo put everything together and, as Fappani said, it was a totally different experience, especially since horses learn to anticipate with the music. “ It was definitely a different experience,” he added. And it certainly was, for all of us! With a 227, the took the title.
Dan James and his own Don Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Chex By Dunit) didn’t let their fans down. With the flashy and incredibly talented palomino, James put on a show to be remembered bringing in a ‘family’ of horses that accompanied him and his mount…closing one point behind the winners.
THE RUN FOR A MILLION
Shelby Clausen & Smart Tinseltown McKinnon Larcombe & Designed With Shine
$50,000 NON pRO CHAMpIONSHIp
It took a runoff to determine who would take home the win and once the two contenders — Shelby Clausen and her 9-year-old gelding Smart Tinseltown (Smart Spook x Tinseltown Lil Step) and McKinnon Larcombe, aboard Designed With Shine owned by Shauna Larcombe — came back to the pen, Clausen’s 226 score determined the winner. “I knew I wanted to run off and once again my horse showed me what a big heart he has,” said Clausen.
year-old stud raised by Addisyn’s parents. The young talent gave it all she had and took home the Championship! “He was really fun,” Addisyn shared. “His circles were my favorite part, plus my first stop and I have to thank all my family for being behind me in this very special experience.” Kachina Olena Tag, ridden and owned by Kyla Thurlow closed in second place.
tHE RuN FOR A MIllION ROOkIE CHAMpIONSHIp
At the 2019 AQHYA World Show, Addisyn Schmersal made the finals on both her horses; her family decided to give one of the horses a rest and sold her other mount. Right before the show in Vegas, longtime family business partner and friend Kim Nivin loaned Addisyn Cashing Black Chex (Big Chex To Cash x Blazing In Black), a 7-
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Addisyn Schmersal & Black Chex
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Photos by Tom Hautmann
SVAG FEI European & World Reining Championships
the beautiful CS Ranch, owned by Corinna Schumacher, hosted the 2019 SvAG FEI World Championships for young Riders & Juniors and European Championships for Seniors. Great horses and riders showed off their talent thrilling the crowd.
2019 SvAG FEI European Reining Championship for Seniors: team Germany Cruises to victory!
team Gold for Germany: Markus Suechting & Spotlight Charly, Elias Ernst & USS N Dun It, Gina Schumacher & Shine N Whiz, Grischa Ludwig & Coeurs Little Tyke. team Silver for Italy: Luca Dossetto & RS Nebbiolo Blu, Lorenzo De Simone & The Cocked Gun, Davide Brighenti & Custom Genetic and Davide Brighenti’s, Enrico Sciulli’s & Snips Gotta Bud team Bronze for Switzerland: Adrienne Speidel & Arc Walla Smart, Sabine Schmid & Gotta Make It Baby, Annika Riggenbach & Great Little Gunner, Daniel Schmutz & SLJ Smart Doc
Individual Gold: Grischa Ludwig & Coeurs Little Tyke (GER), owned by Georg Hozwarth
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Individual Silver: Adrienne Speidel & Arc Walla Smart (SUI), owned by Adrienne Speidel
Individual Bronze: Lorenzo De Simone & The Cocked Gun (ITA), owned by Gildo Mercuri
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2019 SvAG FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors: team uSA and the “Reining Queens” take the Gold! team Germany captures the silver; Switzerland wears the bronze team Gold uSA: Sarah Armenta & Gun Smoke Dennis, Mattie Gustin & Guns R Spooky, Raeanna Thayn & Coded N Karma, Emma Lane & Gunner Gump team Silver Germany: Lenya Lamberg &SH Topsail Badger, Celine Beisel & Gunner Be Good, Georgia Wilk & A Lunar Revolution, Leann Stein & Litn Up Conquistador team Bronze for Switzerland: Flurin Staub & Don With Chrome, Nanina Staub & Chant For Chics, Sophia Staub & Gunslinger Lil Step, Justin Haeberlin & Wimpys Cody Step
Individual Gold: Raeanna Thayn & Coded N Karma
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Individual Silver: Sarah Armenta & Gun Smoke Dennis
Individual Bronze: Emma Lane & Gunner Gump
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2019 SvAG FEI World Championships for young Riders: team Germany flies to the Gold medal as it takes a tiebreaker to determine team Silver for France and the Bronze for the uSA team Gold for Germany: Michelle Maibaum & her Star Sailor Whiz, Johannes Heil & Whizper Lil Gump BB, Franziska Engel & KD Whizoffthefuture, Merrit Neben & Tin Whizin team Silver for France: Axel Pesek & Uncle Sparky, Margaux Legrand & Wound Up Whiz, Estelle Sole & RS Bloody Mary Spat team Bronze for uSA: Taylor Zimmerman & Wimpys Dolled Up, Cade McCutcheon & Smart Little Dunnit, Dani Latimer & Could You Be Loved, a horse she loaned from Italian Letizia Tosetti.
Individual Gold: Cade McCutcheon & Smart Little Dunnit (USA)
Individual Silver: Yessie Van Der Individual Bronze: Nimroid Vannietvelt Zwan &Walla Whiz N Tari BB (NED) & What A Wave (BEL)
2019 FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MOSCOW On November 19, proceedings got underway with an Extraordinary General Assembly during the FEI General Assembly in Moscow, Russia. The first vote was to retain Reining as an FEI discipline which was passed unanimously in favor to resounding applause! “I am so proud of our NRHA Task Force that worked diligently with the officials at FEI to come to a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). All of these individuals have focused on our mission to promote the reining horse. Although each organization has different needs, we were able to meet those needs and agree on a path forward,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock.
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Photos by Troullioud Fotografie
2019 NRHA European Affiliate Championships
the $23,800-added NRHA European Affiliate Championship and $21,800-added NRHA Show was held at the tuse Creek Ranch in Regstrup, Denmark. 140 horses with riders representing 12 Nations (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, and Sweden) offered great reining competition in the beautiful Mega Arena. the 2019 European Affiliate Champions: Jolien Rottiers (BEL) riding SV Quarter Horses’ ND Spooks Shaggy Gun and Mariska Hak (NED) aboard 12-year-old Ripped Wrangler decided to run off for the $500-added NRHA EA Rookie professional Championship; the win was for Hak. “I am thrilled,” she said. “It’s tough to qualify, and have to run-off. I’ve had this horse for five years and I love him to death.” Reserve honors went to Rottiers: “I was really excited; I’ve never scored this high!” Jan Persson (SWE) rode Mikael The $500-added NRHA EA limited Open Körner’s Tangys Walla Whiz to third place. Championship with a 219 went to Tor Erik Eggen — the only NRHA Professional in Norway — riding TP Ranch’s 6-year-old mare Hollys Final Spark. “She’s a true show horse and was really good for me,” said Eggen who purchased her from Brian Bell. Tying for reserve was Pete Perkiö (FIN) riding his own Winchesteratomic, and Doug Allen (GB) aboard Spooks Gotta Lena. “This is my second year as an open rider and I am thrilled with this result,” said Pete. “I purchased my horse from Kate Roleska and it’s my second
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
time showing him. Imm very happy.” Allen added: “I’m very happy with my horse, she loves to do her job and is really good-minded. We went in early in the draw and she did very well for me.” In the $4,000-added NRHA EA Intermediate Open, Anders Josefsson (SWE) and Maganic owned by Annika Bootsman Kleberg set the bar by scoring a 218.5. Pete Perkiö and Winchesteratomic tied to lead. The two settled for reserve after Tiara van Dongen (NED) and 9year-old Don Quintanas Whiz, owned by Kristel Wauters, performed to a 221. “I cannot believe we actually won, even though it was our goal,” she said. “I knew this mare could do it and that she really deserves this title. I told her owner that we needed to qualify her because I knew that we could win, and we did!”
said. “I would like to thank Bernard Fonck for the work on this horse and my parents; without them I would not have these great horses!” Taking reserve honors with a 217.5 was Francesca Sternberg (GB) riding her own Spooks Gotta Lena followed by Lia Freriks (NED) atop Ready For Revolution. “This has been a fantastic show. We’ve come as a family, and each of us made it to the podium,” said Sternberg. Winning the $2000-added NRHA EA Intermediate Non pro Championship with a 219.5 was Piet Metsdagh (BEL) aboard his own 12-year-old stallion Reining Whiz. “He is such an
Clinching the $5,000-added NRHA EA Non pro Championship with a 218.5 was Dries Verschueren (BEL) riding his 11-year-old stallion Smart N Sparkin. “I am proud of my horse because he was in the breeding barn until three weeks ago and here he did an excellent job,” he
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amazing horse, so consistent, never says no, and always there for me,” he said. “This title means a lot and I hope to make it to the World title.” Lia Freriks (NED) and her 9-year-old stallion Ready For Revolution took reserve. “It was a tough class so I’m twice as happy with my super horse,” said Freriks about her mount who she trained herself since he was a 3-year-old. Third place went to Tabitha Sternberg Allen (GB) riding Dunnit In Pale to a 216. “I’m super thrilled with this result and my horse really tried hard for me,” she said. Leonoor De Bruin (NED) riding her Crome Dont Corrode and George Allen Sternberg (GB) aboard RS Barbaresco Blue ran off for the $500added NRHA EA limited Non pro Championship. Top honors were for De Bruin: “This is a dream come true. My fantastic 11-yearold horse was really nice to me and yes, I really wanted to win. I’ve been riding him for six years now and he truly deserves this title.” George, who was pleased with his performance, said: “I had to go to the Belgian Futurity to get enough points to qualify my two horses here. It was a goal to do well with both, but I must admit I do have a soft
spot for RS Barbaresco Blue. He was the first horse I showed and has done really well for me.” Evelyn Boots (NED) rode her leased horse MC Jacs Tuff Girl to third place with a 215.5.
The NRHA EA Rookie Championship, with a 218.5, was for Britta Spies (NOR) aboard her Chics Special Nite. “I purchased my horse two years ago from Brian Bell. When he arrived, it was freezing in Oslo, so I didn’t get to ride him much but last year we managed to qualify for the EAC. It’s been a great ride and I am thrilled with this prestigious title.” Tying for reserve honors with a 215.5 was Kyra te Paske (NED) riding Hit The Rode Jac, and Anna-Maria Zehetbauer (AUt) aboard Big Leo Gun. Jody Fonck (BEL) closed her first EAC with a great 218.5 riding Topgun Showtime to win the NRHA EA youth 13&under Championship. “I started riding two years ago and really wanted to qualify for this event,” she said. “I knew I had to give it all we had but during my run, because my horse kept her head so low in the circles, the left rein went over her neck so I had both reins on one side. I tried to keep calm,
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2019 NRHA EUROPEAN AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
she was there for me all the way, and I could not be any happier!” Reserve with a 217 was Alicia Nouwen (BEL) riding Sheza Tuff Jacky. “I’m very proud of my horse. Before this class she was very nervous but once she went in the pen she calmed down and was just great,” said Alicia who was quick to credit her trainer, Wim Vervecken, for her result. It was special for 12-year-old Oliver Svensson (SWE) who rode his 16-year-old mare Shes Madonna to third place. “I am so proud of my horse who my father [NRHA Professional Johan Svensson] bought for me three years ago,” said Oliver. “When we bought her she was a lesson horse and my father helped me to train her but I’ve been the only one to ride her. She is now in foal, so it’s her last show, and I really look forward to riding her baby!” In the NRHA EA youth 14-18 Championship Nimroid Vannietvelt (BEL) won aboard Nic Ricochet owned by Vannietvelt/De Pauw scoring a 221. “I really love this horse,” he said. “We won an EAC title two years ago, which is when I started riding him. He’s 11-years-old and
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never tries to trick you in the show pen; he’s special.” Isabeau Keiser (SWE) performed to a 218.5 and reserve riding her own 7-year-old gelding Gumps Hummer BB. “I’ve never scored a 72 before and I am thrilled,” she said. “I’ve had my horse for three years and fell in love with him when I tried him; he’s sweet and was super special for me today.” Nicoline Andersen (DEN) riding Chic N Charme owned by Annette Andersen and Cora Kümmerling (SWE) reining Asa Kümmerling’s Freckles Whiz Delmaso shared the third step. In Denmark Ann Fonck unofficially surpassed the NRHA Million Dollar Rider mark winning the $10,000-added NRHA EA Open Championship aboard Spook N Perla owned by Golden Paint Ranch. The duo had won the $10,000-added NRHA Open the day before. “I’m really happy,” she said. “Becoming a milliondollar rider was never in my plans! My priority was being a good mom so, for a couple of years, I showed very little. When I went back to showing I wanted to prove to myself that I could do
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something special in a ‘man’s world.’ This is the outcome and I still cannot believe I made it, thanks to the great horses I have had the honor of riding.” Wim Vervecken (BEL) scored a 220 riding Janne Beate
Melby’s Wimpy Genuinediamond and NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck claimed third place honors aboard Missedouttinseltown, also owned by Golden Paint Ranch.
Country Standings & Youth Team Tournament Sweden officially topped the 2019 NRHA EAC Country Standings with 413 points. The Swedish Reining Horse Association will receive $500 from NRHA. The NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament counted 14 teams, each composed of two 14-18 Youth and two Youth 13 & Under riders. The top 10 teams each received a medallion offered by NRHA and the winning team components each received Montana Silversmiths buckle. Looking forward to 2020, July 6-11 - Tuse Creek Ranch - Resgtrup, Denmark
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WATCH THE RUN
Bernard Fonck & Shiners Voodoo
Photos by Tom Hautmann
Fonck rides Shiners Voodoo to the BO Ranch Open Maturity Championship
Bernard Fonck and Shiners voodoo left their mark in the Open Maturity Qualifier by marking the highest score. they kept their lead in the finals and took home the Championship.
T
he duo made up of NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and Shiners Voodoo took the lead in the qualifying go round of the $26,000added BO Ranch Level (L)4 Open Maturity. Draw #1 in the second section of the Finals, the pair performed to a 224.5 and their score held until the end which secured them the title. The 6-year-old stallion by Shiners Voodoo DR out of BR China Rose, owned by Kimberly Wegner, added the Open Maturity Championship to his accolades and $55,500 NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE). “I started riding this horse at the beginning of this year as my wife, Ann, had three open horses to show so she passed the reins to me,” said the Belgian professional. “He’s a really powerful horse with a lot of talent and I like him a lot. He did good for me here from day one and I must say that the facility and organization here made it great for us to show.” www.internationalhorsepress.com
Taking the L3 and L2 Open Maturity titles as well as the L4 Open Reserve Championship was Bastien Bourgeois of France. Riding ARH Trashy Surprise for owner Manuela Masson on home turf, he scored a 222.5. “I am really happy with our performance tonight,” he said about the 6-year-old stallion sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya out of ARC Lena Surprise. “I’ve had this great horse since he was a yearling and I broke and trained him. He is very athletic and talented, but we’ve never actually made it to the top step of the podium WATCH THE INTERVIEW
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2019 BO RANCH MATURITY
Bastien Bourgeois & ARH Trashy Surprise
together so this championship really means a lot to me. What makes this win even more special is having Axel [Pesek], who I coached as a non pro, taking home great
Axel Pesek & Uncle Sparky
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results here tonight as well.” Axel Pesek, who represented his country, France, at the past FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon, showed his team mate Uncle Sparky to win the L1 Open Championship as well as the L3 and L2 Reserve Championship. The 9-year-old stallion, owned by owned by Yannick Pesek, is sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark out of Cats Okey Dokey. “We entered the four levels here because we knew he was ready— mentally and physically — for this event,” said the 19year-old. “He proved us right both in the go round and in the finals tonight. He’s always with me, we know each other inside out and it’s almost as if we were one entity! I will always be grateful to him because he has made me who I am today and gave me the courage to give up my non pro status. I know that we will do a lot more together and I really look forward to showing his offspring in the futurities next year.” Taking the L1 Open Reserve Championship was Clémence Neveux, also of France, riding her 2019 NRHA European L1 Open CoReserve Champion Frankiegoestoholywod. The 8-year-old gelding sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Hollywoodtinseltown out of CN Misselnium is owned by Thomas Soutric. The duo made the finals in all four levels and closed their run with a 219.5. •
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The BO Ranch Maturity $10,000-added NRHA Open... all about Ann Fonck It is truly a special year for Ann Fonck: she crossed the NRHA Million Dollar Mark at the NRHA European Affiliate Championship held in Denmark becoming the second lady professional to join the elite group.
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he week prior to the BO Ranch Maturity, Fonck and Diego Dalla Gassa’s Gunners Specialolena, a 5-yearold double registered AQHA/APHA mare by NRHA’s Three Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite out of Dolly Jac Olena, took first place honors at the 2019 AMERICANA €40.000-added NRHA Open. In La-Chapelle-la Reine the talented Belgian professional rode two of her favorite 2019 horses to both first and second place honors. With Spook N Perla (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire
Smart Spook x Shine On Ruff) owned by Golden Paint Ranch, Ann performed to a 223 for the lead. She also conquered the second step of the podium riding Sabine Lisec and Chuck Klipel’s Made In Walla (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Hollyood Made) with a 221 score. “I truly love both these horses, and they’ve both given me so much so far,” she said. “Once again they were so good for me today and I must say that I am extremely lucky to be able to ride wonderful horses, have great horse owners, and be able to work with my husband, who gives me the opportunity to do what I love doing. I would like to thank Greg and Claire Morat for everything they have done to make this place exceptional: great organization, ‘wow’ ground and a super place for our horses to be.”• WATCH THE INTERVIEW
Ann Fonck & Spook N Perla
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2019 BO RANCH MATURITY
The BO Ranch Non Pro Maturity is a Thrill! With a review following the last horse in the second section of the BO Ranch Non pro Maturity, it was uncertain who would take home the coveted title of the inaugural event. Once the judges gave their final verdict, it was determined that the two riders would make it in the top of the rankings: Edoardo Bernardelli and Dries verschueren.
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ernardelli sealed the deal with a 217.5 scored with his Whiz Wild West between the reins. The duo left the beautiful BO Ranch facility with both the Level (L)4 and L3 titles to their name. Verschueren and Smart N Sparkin rode to the L2 and L1 titles as well as the Reserve Championship in both the L4 and L3. Whiz Wild West, a 9-year-old stallion by Spark
N Whiz out of West Coast Oak, owned by Edoardo, has left his mark in the arena many a time both with NRHA Professional Guglielmo Fontana in the saddle as well as with his owner. The latter are fresh off their win at the past edition of the NRHA European Derby where they tied for the L4 Non Pro Championship. “I’ve been riding this horse for the last year and a half,” said the Italian rider about his horse aka ‘Mosé’. “It took us a while to get to know each other and now I finally feel that we have clicked. At the end of the day I guess I should have tried harder to undertsand him and not vice-versa.” Bernardelli was quick to thank BO Ranch owners, Greg and Claire Morat having invested so much in the
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Edoardo Bernardelli & Whiz Wild West
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Dries Verschueren & Smart N Sparkin
WATCH THE INTERVIEW
Ranch Non Pro division of the Maturity — open to horses 6-years-old and up — young Johannes Heil of Germany had performed to the highest score in the L2 and L1 divisions riding his 10-year-old mare Whziper Lil Gump beautiful facility and for the great organization.” BB (Little Gump x Soft Whizpers). They scored The two closed their performance with a 217.5, a 215.5 in the finals taking reserve honors in only one half point in front of Belgian both the divisions. Verschueren and his 11-year-old stallion by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena out of Setting Off Sparks. “I could not be any happier with how our career together has evolved,” said Verschueren. “This horse had done so much with [NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider] Bernard Fonck in the saddle and when I took over the reins, the expectations were high but we worked hard bringing home many a title BO RANCH MATURITY: BEST GROOM AWARD including, in 2018, the Team Silver at the FEI We all want our horses to look great and the jury World Equestrian Games in Tryon. This year during the BO RANCH Maturity had a tough time has been just as successful, including another determining who the winner was. Once the final decision was made, the Stefano Ferri Performance NRHA European Affiliate Championship title. Horses horses Best Groom Award went to He is such a steady, talented and consistent Sabine Schmid who also received a Bo Ranch Maturity Platinum Sponsor Chateaux Partners horse and I am such a proud owner!” Champagne and a one year banner on: In the first go round of the $16,500-added BO www.internationalhorsepress.com
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2019 BO RANCH MATURITY
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THE BEST OF THE 2019 BO RANCH MATURITY
EQUITA LYON 2019 - REINING HIGHLIGHTS Photos by Dead or Alive
Bernard Fonck & Ricostyle Take the Equita Lyon Grand Prix Open Combining top-level riding competitions, a trade fair dedicated to the equestrian sector, and an original performing art show, Equita lyon is the biggest annual equestrian show in Europe and part of the FEI World Cup circuit.
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ast to enter the show arena in Lyon in the $15,000-added Equita Lyon Grand Prix Open was NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck. Following a last-minute decision, the Belgian professional rode Ricostyle, a 6-year-old mare by Ricochet Rooster out of Gangsters Chrome now owned by Nuria Puig
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Bernard Fonck & Ricostyle
Ribas. With a 215.5 to beat, posted by French Charlene Aubreton aboard A Reminic Star owned by CJA Quarter Horse, Fonck showed the 6year-old mare to a 216.5 for the win. “I rode this mare as a 2-year-old since she was bred by Manuel Bonzano who I worked for at the time,” said Fonck. “My assistant, Lorenzo De Simone,
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and Manuel both showed her and I also showed – and won – the Americana Futurity in 2017. When Manuel decided to sell her I thought she would fit Andreu [Nogue Puig] and they purchased her. She’s been doing well for Andreu and I am very happy to have showed – and won — here!” Aubreton and her mount by Lenas Starfish out of Miss Reminic Chex settled for reserve honors after holding the lead until the last horse. “I was really happy with the way my horse went and hoped until the very end my score would hold; of course Bernard is always a threat and he proved it here,” said the French rider. In a field of 14 riders, Andreu Nogue Puig of Spain conquered in France winning the $8,000added Equita Lyon Grand Prix Non Pro aboard his A Whiz N Cash and a 216 score. "I'm very happy with my horse and with my mare [Ricostyle]," said Andreu about his horses. "Both of them were really 'wow' for me; they always waited for me and looked really good in the pen. This time around my trainer [Mirko Midili] could not be here, so [NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider] Bernard Fonck followed me and I have to thank him a lot for everything. He's a great horseman and of course every time I learn something more." Puig’s 4-year-old mount is by Custom Cash Advance out of A Whiz N Wranglers. The talented www.internationalhorsepress.com
Charlène Aubreton & A Reminic Star
gelding piloted the 17-year-old to the 2018 Italian Reining Horse Non Pro Futurity Levels 4,3,2,1 bringing home an impressive $$61,566. With Rocostyle (Ricochet Rooster x Gangsters Chrome), he tied for third place honors with German Gina Schumacher riding Snip O Lution
Andreu Nogue Puig & A Whiz N Cash
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EQUITA LYON 2019 - REINING HIGHLIGHTS
(Einsteins Revolution x Snip O Chex) owned by CS Ranch Management SA. Both posted a 213.5. Reserve honors went to yet another German rider, Nikolai Stiller, who reined his Hollywood Gunrunner (Gunner x Dun It For Missy) to a 214 score. Equita lyon NRHA 5&up Cup Morey Fisk and Xtra Ruby Cocktail (Wimpyneedsacocktail x HA Ruby N Diamonds), owned by Sabine Schmid performed to a great 221.5 taking home the 2019 Equita Lyon NRHA 5&up Cup Level 4 Open Championship. "Ruby was fantastic again and never lets me down," said the Canadian professional based in France. “I have been riding Sabine's [Schmid] horses for the past four years and it's a great collaboration thanks to the super horses she trusts me to ride.” Anders Josefsson riding Gotta Shiney Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Cee Bee Shine) owned by Annemanna AB scored a 220 to take the Level 2 Open Championship.
Markus Dünser of Austria swept the 2019 Equita Lyon NRHA 5&Up Level 2 and Level 4 Non Pro divisions riding LMD Millhouse Jac (Dolls Union Jac x She Whiz Rowdy). "I bred, raised and trained this horse myself," said Duenser. "Unfortunately last year I couldn't show him following an injury, but this year he's back and I am very happy with the way this show went for us!"
Morey Fisk & Xtra Ruby Cocktail
Markus Duenser & Millhouse Jac
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Nikolai Stiller & Hollywood Gunrunner
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Morey Fisk & Xtra Ruby Cocktail
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ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE Photos by Bonaga Communication
Elementa Masters Premiere FieraCavalli Verona, 2019
Chicks Smokingun Rides Fisk to the $101,000-added Elementa Masters premiere Open and unofficially Claims the 2019 NRHA Open World Championship
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Morey Fisk & Chicks Smokingun
ith $116,600 NRHA Lifetime Earning (LTE) prior to making his way to Verona, Sabine Schmid’s 11year-old stallion Chicks Smokingun — an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and American Paint Horse Association (APHA) — bay stallion by NRHA Ten Million Dollar Sire 118 • IHP - YEAR IN REVIEW •
Gunner out of Dun It By Chick (by Hollywood Dun It), slid Morey Fisk to the $101,000-added Elementa Masters Premiere Open win. The duo thrilled the crowd and was paid back by the judges with a 226.5 which put them in front of NRHA Million Dollar Riders Ann Fonck and Cira Baeck by a point. www.internationalhorsepress.com
Ann Fonk & Gunners Specialolena
Cira Baeck & Phantom Face
“‘Blue’ [Chicks Smokingun’s barn name] is simply the best; he’s a very special horse to me,” said the 45-year-old Canadian professional, head trainer at Horse Academy in Moorslargue, France, who has been riding this horse since 2016. “I love this horse and it’s just awesome we won tonight. Doing well at this show was on my agenda — it was our strategy — and everything went well and now we can celebrate this special winning.” Taking home over $27,500 for the win puts the flashy stallion owned by Sabine Schmid unofficially on top of the 2019 NRHA Top Ten Open standings, thus making the pair the unofficial Open World Champions. “I’m very proud of my horse and Morey, I trust them both, they are such a great team!” said owner Schmid, a successful non pro rider. “For sure Blue will take a winter break now and then we’ll see how to plan the future.” Sharing reserve honors was Fonck riding Gunners Specialolena, an own daughter of NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite out of Dolly Special Lena owned by Diego Dalla Gassa, and Baeck on Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s Phantom
Face (Pale Face Dunnit x Gorgeous Like A Star x Smart Like Juice). Sylvia Rzepka rode to first place in the $40,000added Elementa Masters Premiere Intermediate Open marking a 225 with Winnie The Boo (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Jac Golden Faith), owned by Florian Aubruner. “I absolutely love this horse, he’s the sweetest in the world and is so special. I’ve had him for the past three years but during this show season we really found the key in understanding each other,”
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Sylvia Rzepka & Winnie The Boo
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ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE
Niklas Ludwig & Whiz N Spook
said the Austrian professional. “He gets better and better at every show and has a heart of gold. We had a lot of ups and downs during this show, especially in getting used to new things and new rules, but I think it’s normal and that’s OK. I want to thank the organization of this show for putting out that much money and making possible for us to achieve this.” With a 223 score, Klaus Lechner of Austria reined Cody Rooster Delmaso (Ricochet Rooster x Made Of Lacy x ) to second place. The 14-year-old stallion, owned by his wife Julia [Gaupmann-Lechner], has been shown successfully by both the husband-wife team earning over $53,500 in the show pen. Thanks to the reserve earned in Verona, the talented stallion is unofficially the NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion! Niklas Ludwig was crowned $500-added Elementa Masters Premiere Limited Open Champion after closing his run on 218.5 aboard 2013 stallion Whiz N Spook (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Whizicle x Topsail
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Whiz) owned by Margot Van Doone. “My brother Grischa showed this horse before I started to ride him two months ago and I can say he’s really a great horse,” said the 26-year-old professional. “I really love him, he’s fun to train and I really need to thank my brothers, Grischa and Levin, who always help me and it’s great to
Klaus Lechner & Cody Rooster Delmaso
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Gina Maria Schumacher & Shine N Whiz
know that they are always by my side. Ours is really a family business and I love it.” Ludwig not only took home the prestigious win and paycheck; he also left wearing the custom-made MS Diamonds TX by Sleipnir Champion ring offered by Oded Fein. Gina Schumacher and Shine N Whiz Clinch the Elementa Masters premiere Non-pro title The $40,000-added Non Pro, $20,000-added Intermediate Non Pro and $500-added Limited Non Pro counted 107 total entries. With a 223 score, Gina Schumacher and her mother’s Shine N Whiz (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz x Spark N Pretty x Shining Spark). “This is actually my mum’s horse,” said Gina in front of a smiling Corinna [her mother]. “I haven’t
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Anna Lisec & This Wimps So Fly
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ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE
been riding him very long, but since mum has less time to ride she has given him to me to show. This is our third outing together and he tries really hard, so I enjoy riding him every time.” Gina also showed her 8-year-old stallion Snip O Lution (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Einsteins Revolution x Snip O Chex x Nu Chex To Cash) who officially retired after closing his show career performing to a 221 and taking third place. A point behind was Austrian Anna Lisec who closed her run with 222 aboard Sabine Lisec and Chuck Klipfel’s flashy 9-year-old palomino This Wimps So Fly (NRHA Eleven Million Dollar SireWimpys Little Step x Fly Flashy Jac x Boggies Flashy Jac). The pair have left their mark in many a prestigious NRHA European competition and Anna was thrilled with her placing. “He is simply special and I am very fortunate to be able to show him to so many titles,” she said. Tying for first place with a 218 score in both the Intermediate and Limited Open was German Justin Ketterer aboard his uncle’s 7-year-old Jacs Electric Snap by Jacs Electric Spark out of Shania Snapper (by Snapper Cal Bar) and Gregory Morat on OK Spook (Smart Spook x OK Mate x Smart
Mate). “This is my third year showing this horse that was bred by my dad," said Ketter. "I had a good feeling coming here and was really pleased with the way my horse went. The show was cool as well: everything looked nice, the ground
Justin Ketterer & Jacs Electric Snap
Gregory Morat & OK Spook
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was good, and the organization went smoothly.” Morat was also pleased with his win. “I love horses and my horse was with me all the way today, giving me all he had and I have to give credit to my trainer, Stefano Ferri,” he said. The talented French rider and businessman turned to reining after completing the 2017 Paris-Dakar Rally by bike. A dream come true which in turn led him to make another dream come true: the beautiful Bo Ranch located close to Fontainebleau, the French horse capital. Thanks to his co-championship and a flip of the coin to his favor, Morat also took home the custom-made MS Diamonds TX by Sleipnir Elementa Masters Ring presented by Oded Fein. $50,000-added Elementa Masters Premiere Freestyle: Wonder Woman Baeck takes the win! With a 231 score, Cira Baeck and Phantom Face took the Elementa Masters Premiere Freestyle win performing a superhero run! “The idea was Cecilia’s [Fiorucci],” said Baeck. “We chose Wonder Woman to make a powerful statement for women. I especially enjoyed the run last night because this is the first event in which I showed this horse in the Open earlier and later in the Freestyle and he was there for me all the way.” Closing a half-a-point behind was Giovanni “Dido” Masi who told his ‘horse riding story’ along with his parents, Filippo and Paola, in the show pen. Dressed in perfect English attire,
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Cira Baeck & Phantom Face
Giovanni Masi De Vargas & Majestic Okie
his performance aboard Katharina Dejori’s 11year-old stallion Majestic Okie (Okie Dun It Too x Majestic Ice x ARC Blueyed Redskin) turned to western and a great reining run! With a 228.5, Gennaro Lendi took third place riding Yankee Gun for owner Marco Mele. The 10-year-old stallion recently co-starred in Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo 5: Last Blood. In his performance Lendi was…Rambo.
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Photos Bonaga Communication
Cutting
AMERICANA 2019 - CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS Photos by Dead Or Alive - Video Youviwa.com
2019 Americana WATCH THE RUN
Martina Annovazzi 2019 Americana Bridleless Cutting Co-Champion riding Iminent Cat for owner Maurizio Battista Sandei. “It was a particular experience, it was the first time for me to ride in a bridleless event, and I enjoyed it very much. My horse confirmed one more time to be a really super horse. In the end, I’m so happy to have had the chance to compete in this class, and of course, I’m really thrilled to have won it”.
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WATCH THE RUN
Yvonne Heinzer 2019 Americana Bridleless Cutting Co-Champion riding her own Snappy Hunter. “In the beginning I was afraid, but then my trainer [Sheri Mason] pushed me saying that at the end, when I ride her normally, in front of the cow, I put my hand down so… it would be pretty much the same to ride her bridleless! And the special thing that makes us even prouder o is that this horse is bred, raised and trained in Europe”.
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AMERICANA 2019 - CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS
WATCH THE RUN
Americana 2019 NCHA European Non Pro Championship: It's a win for Maurizio Battista Sandei and Iminent Cat. Following the qualifier, 11 horse-ridercombinations made it to the final of the €6,000-added AMERICANA NCHA European Non Pro Championship. Taking the win with a 150 score was Italian Maurizio Battista Sandei with his Iminent Cat between the reins. “I’m very happy about this show and about this win; it’s been an amazing week for us. My horse is super solid and he never misses a chance to demonstrate it,” said Sandei about his mount. "We plan to compete in the
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upcoming NCHA of Italy Maturity in Voghera, Italy, and then we’ll think about Equita Lyon. I really want to thank my trainer, Martina Annovazzi and all the amazing Rosy o' Grady's cutting horse team!” Iminent Cat is a 7-year-old gelding by 23 Million Dollar Sire Metallic Cat out of Play Peek A Boon, bred by Oxbow Ranch, TX. He was trained by Beau Galyean, who boasts $3,877,985.94 NCHA Earnings, and as 4year-old flew to Italy where Martina Annovazzi took over the reins, and they posted the highest score ever earned in European cutting competition: a 78 at the 2019 Spring Show, Salone del Cavallo
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Americano a Cremona, Italy. Iminent Cat was also the NCHA Non-Pro World Cup Reserve Champion in the 2017 AMERICANA edition. Yvonne Heinzer and her Snappy Hunter, the go round leaders, placed second scoring a 147 taking home the Reserve Championship. The
Swiss rider had purchased her 6-year-old mare by Be A Smart Hunter out of Sweetly Snapper four years ago from renowned cutting and reining horse breeder Roberto Cuoghi of Italy and was trained by professional Sheri Mason. The duo is the 2018 NCHA European Amateur Champion.
WATCH THE RUN
2019 Americana NCHA European Open Champions Federico Fanti and Highbrowcd Is Playin (High Brow CD x Playing Lucinda) owned by Hansruedi Baumann. "This great mare is a bet I made years ago with his owner and she is the first horse I rode as an open rider; we had a lot of difficulties in the beginning, but tonight's result made up for all the hard work done in the past. The second horse I rode in tonight finals, Metallic D Nero, is owned by Damiano Avigni. He’s really a strong and solid horse, was bred in the U.S. and I have been riding him since May. We placed fifth, but he deserved more tonight. Unfortunately, we had bad luck with a cow, but that's the name of the game!"
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NCHA OF ITALY Photos by Bonaga Communication
NCHA of Italy Maturity
Vincenzo Fontanili 2019 NCHA of Italy $50.000 Amateur Maturity Champion riding his own Bearly A Cd Light (Five Million Dollar Sire CD Lights “Boss” x Bearlyaboonsmal). The duo topped the class with a 144 composite score! Gaia Salvatori and Metallic Savannah (30 Million Dollar Sire Metallic Cat x Savannah Holli), owned by Marco Salvatori, are the 2019 NCHA of Italy Non Pro Maturity Champions with a 147.5 composite score!
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Denis Pini 2019 NCHA of Italy Open All Ages Maturity Champion riding Tassa Mia Cat 012 (Cats Quixote x Tassa Mia) owned by Elisa Artioli. The duo topped the second go and grasped the Championship with a 147 composite score!
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NCHA OF ITALY Photos Bonaga Communication
NCHA of Italy Pre Futurity It was the 2019 NCHA of Italy 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity Championship for Federico Mainolfi and Babygoterboonjeanson, a mare by Boon Too Suen out of Cat O Connor
“I
bought Babygoterboonjeanson at the beginning of the year in the United States from Michael Cooper”, Mainolfi said. “His son [Lance Cooper] was used to show her and together they reached a good show record in the National Cutting Horse Association Non Pro classes. From the first day in Italy she joined the training program of Pietro Valeri and Martina Annovazzi (head trainers at Rosy o' Grady's Cutting Horse), and she is currently under her guide. We are really proud of this mare, since the very first show in which she competed here, she
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gave us a lot of satisfaction. Martina [Annovazzi] will show her at the European Championship in Equita Lyon Western Horse Show in about two weeks and after this event she will be shown at the NCHA of Italy Futurity. Then, before planning the next show season, she will enjoy couple of months of deserved relax.” Gaia Salvatori took Reserve honors riding Smart Green Acres, an American Quarter Horse stallion by Peppy Of Acres out of Smart Rey Gal by Dual Rey and owned by Marco Salvatori. The talented chestnut is also the 2018 NCHA of Italy 3-year-old Non Pro Futurity Reserve Champion and 2019 NCHA of Italy First Show 4-year-old Open Reserve Champion.
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NCHA OF ITALY
They were draw #1 in the NCHA of Italy 3-yearold Pre Futurity Open class and they held the highest score till the end. Gianluca Marchesini had a smooth run aboard Martin Luther Cat, for a proud owner Lisa Brunelli. The cowy horse is by More Than Stylish out of a great mare from Allevamento Ongaresca with big names in her papers like Kiss My Cat and Peptoboonsmal. “I really want to thank the turnbacks,” said a really happy Marchesini after his win. “They were all really helpful during the whole run. I was lucky to enter first so I had the best choice of cows, my plan was try to have a clean run without asking to my horse more than what he could give me, and I guess at the end it worked out… I’m planning to show him and my second mount of the day, Dual Shooting Star, owned by Valeria Sinico, at the upcoming Futurity. Unfortunately I had bad luck with her on the last cow and we took some penalties, but the first two cows were great, she’s a really good prospect!” Pietro Valeri riding Arnicat owned by Marco
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Salvatori took Reserve honors in the NCHA of Italy 3-year-old Pre Futurity Open. The talented Quarter Horse sired by Smart Rey Pepto out of Savannah Cathouse by High Brow Cat.
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EQUITA LYON 2019 - CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS Photos by Dead or Alive
NCHA European Championship 2109
The 2019 edition of Equita Cutting, where the 2019 NCHA European Champions were crowned, turned out to be a success — in terms of number of horses and riders, level of competition and crowd cheering in the stands. “Showing in a fair is not always easy for the organizers because of the ground, taking care of the cows and overall conditions needed for a cutting show,” said Marco Salvatori, president of NCHA of Italy. “Equita did a great job in trying to make us comfortable and the fact of having such a huge and active crowd is not only good for the promotion of our sport, it also gives the competitors motivation. I think it was a great experience for all of us.”
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his is a really exceptional Imminent Cat & Martina Annovazzi horse. I’ve been riding him for the past four years and all I can say today is that when you go in the pen, you can be sure he gives you all he has,” said Martina. Annovazzi who rode Iminent Cat owned by Maurizio Sandei to a total 294 score and the NCHA Equita European Open Championship. “He’s a really solid horse, very consistent, and extremely generous — he’s truly special and always earns a place in your heart when you ride and show him. I am really happy with him bringing his owner to the Reserve Championship in the $50,000 Amateur. The 138 • IHP - YEAR IN REVIEW •
special thing about Iminent Cat is that, no matter who shows him, be it an open or non pro rider, he gives you all he has.” The Reserve Championship stayed in the family
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Highbrow Time & Marco Salvatori
as Martina’s companion, Pietro Valeri, rode Cat Rey Lou for owner Marco Salvatori to a 292.5. NCHA Equita European Non Pro Championship “Sometimes my daughters let me beat them, and that’s what happened today,” said a smiling Marco Salvatori who rode to the win aboard Highbrow Time with a 294 score ahead of his
Love A Catfight & Margo de Esch
daughter, Greta, who closed in second place with Cat Rey Lou between the reins. “The ‘inhouse’ competition makes it all the more exciting and pushes each of us to do better. Though it’s a battle when we’re in the pen, we obviously all cheer for each other. I’m thrilled with the way things went here; winning with homebred horses is always twice as special and the fact that our horses have proven to be competitive on U.S. soil makes us extremely proud and is a boost for the European cutting industry,” he added. Love A Catfight and Margo de Esch of the Netherlands made their way to top honors in the $25,000 Amateur. The two took home the win with a total score of 284. In second place, from the Czech Republic, was Katerina Spacilova riding Dual Rey TR with a 271 total.
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EQUITA LYON 2019 - CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS
$5.000 Novice Horse “I was in the last set of horses to go, so not a very good draw, but managed to find the right cows which made the difference,” said Gianluca Munarini of Italy who won with a 295 total score riding Smoking Spook owned by Willem Bembom. “I am really happy with this win since this is a horse bred by Roberto Cuoghi who I broke, trained and won the Futurity on in 2016. The were a few bumbs along the way but here he’s back to great physical form; because I’ve always had him under my guidance, he has a piece of me and I of him, so this is a particularly sweet win.” Second place went to Marco Salvatori who closed with a 292 total score riding B Nimble.
thank my trainers Martina Annovazzi and Pietro Valeri, and Federico Fanti and Denis Pini — my turnbacks — who really made the difference!” Reserve Champions were Maurizio Battista Sandei and Iminent Cat. The duo closed with a 290.5 total score.
$50,000 Amateur “I loved showing here because of the great atmosphere and show conditions, even though showing at a fair is a little more complicated,” said young Gaia Salvatori of Italy who took the win riding her father’s [Marco] Vino Capuccino with a 293 total score. “In this second go we were in the last set so the strategy was to do a clean ride, show smart, make clean cuts. I would like to
Vino Capuccino & Gaia Salvatori
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Smoking Spook & Gianluca Munarini
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Blisterbeetle & Jana Kucerova
Spoonful Of Tears & Anna Maria Koukal
$15,000 Amateur “I purchased my mare in Texas two years ago, and the funny thing is I actually bought her after seeing her on Facebook,” said young Jana Kucerova from the Czech Republic who rode her Blisterbeetle to the win with a 295 total score. “It took me a while to get to know and understand her but, thanks to my great trainer [Martina Annovazzi] we finally clicked and now she’s great for me.” The
Reserve Championship was for Pawel Paliwoda riding Rumor Haz It who closed with a 289. $1,000 Amateur An enthusiastic Anna Maria Koukal of Germany was thrilled with her win riding Spoonful of Tears to a 281 total score. Second place honors went to Ivan Cividati of Italy who closed with a 279 riding his Elaninas.
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EQUITA LYON 2019 - CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS
Any Horse Any Rider It was all about the youngest rider in the show when it came down to the Any Horse Any Rider class: Riccardo Pini who rode Merada Dreamcatcher to a 294 total score and the win. “We purchased this horse as a 2-year-old. My dad [Denis] showed him at the Futurity and then the reins passed on to my mum who convinced him not to sell her,” said Riccardo who has been working on cows since he was six. “I’ve been riding her since then and am really happy with this result. I love the emotion cutting horses give me and I know that I want to be a cutting horse trainer when I grow up.” In second place was Anna Maria Koukal of Germany who closed with a 278 aboard Spoonful Of Tears.
Merada Dreamcatcher & Riccardo Pini
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Photos by Dead Or Alive
Markus Schopfer and Oh Cay Mc Soar to the Pre Futurity Open Championship; Marco Piersanti and Bar Baby Stylish Clinch the Non Pro Pre Futurity!
The eighteenth edition of the ERCHA/NRCHA Pre Futurity, open to 3-, and 4-year-old horses shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore, filled the Palacittá facility in Travagliato, Italy, on July 27-28 with over 50 horses from Europe performing to the best of their abilities.
F
ollowing two days of intense competition, claiming the $2,500added ERCHA/NRHA Pre Futurity Open title was Markus Schopfer aboard Silverstone’s Ranch Oh Cay Mc. Aboard the 4year-old talented stallion by 30 Million Dollar Sire [NRCHA Two Million Dollar Sire] Metallic Cat and out of Oh Cay Meriah, the Italian professional closed with a 219 composite (herd work, 71; reined work, 73; fence work, 75). “I like everything about this horse, from his attitude in the herd and fence work to his ability in the reined work. He has a great mind, is easy to handle and has tons of style. Regarding his breeding, well, there isn’t much
to say about his sire [Metallic Cat]; his offspring earnings say it all, and his dam is just as fancy. Once again he proved he’s a great performer and here he truly showed off his ability in the fence work,” said Schopfer who purchased the flashy sorrel at the NRCHA Futurity in Ft. Worth, TX, for Silverstone Ranch directly from [NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider] Todd Crawford. The Reserve Open Championship was all about Christoph Seiler of Switzerland who closed with a 211.5 (herd work, 68; reined work, 71; fence work, 72.5) aboard his own Chex Lectric Guns, a 4-year old stallion by Chex Your Guns out of Lectric Hick Chic. The duo also
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Markus Schopfer & Oh Cay Mc
took home the $200-added Pre Futurity Limited Open title. Andrea Santini of Italy rode Meradas Dual Cat (Hydrive Cat x Blue Boons Lil Sue) to a 209.5 composite (herd work, 69; reined work, 70; fence work, 70.5) and third place honors in the Open for owner Soc. Agr. Le Fattorie Di Matilde and also took the Limited Open Reserve Championship. Marine Richard of France settled for third place in the Limited Open Pre Futurity division aboard Nathalie Thenoz’s Catwoman Peptos (Peptos Lil Bingo x Jamie Handy Cat), a 3-year-old mare who closed with a 200 composite score (herd work 69; reined work 65; fence work 66).
Christoph Seiler & Chex Lectric Guns
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2019 ERCHA/NRCHA PRE FUTURITY Photos Dead Or Alive
M
ERCHA/NRCHA Non Pro Pre Futurity arco Piersanti scored a double win by Non Pro Pre Futurity Championships riding his clinching both the $500-added Non own Bar Baby Stylish! Aboard the 4-year-old mare Pro and $100-added Intermediate by More Than Stylish out of Resketta, the Italian
Marco Piersanti & Bar Baby Stylish
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rider closed with a 205.5 composite (herd work 68; reined work 71; fence work 66.5). “I am thrilled with this result, especially as this is our first show together,” said the Italian rider. “I just purchased her through my trainer [Alessandro Coppari], who will then show him at the Americana. She was good in the herd work, very good in the reined work, we still have to work down the fence…Today I was lucky; I won by half a point, and I must admit Lady Luck was on my side!” The Reserve Championship in both divisions, as well as the Novice Amateur title, was all for Peter Trixner and his CR Tuff Boon Pickens (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow), a 4-year-old mare the Austrian rode to a 205 composite (herd work, 69.5; reined work, 69.5; fence work, 66). “I only got this mare about three weeks ago and have not ridden her more than ten times. I feel I was really lucky to make it through the show,” said the Austrian rider with a smile. “I am very confident that we will have a good preparation during the month of August so
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Peter Trixner & CR Tuff Boon Pickens
that we can be prepared for the Americana and try to compete there as well as we can. What I love about this mare is that she is very ‘cowy,’ quick-footed, nice down the fence, and she likes to stay out of trouble. She has a huge heart and the will to please! I would like to take the time to thank ERCHA for the organization of this wonderful show.” The duo closed in front of Vaclav Vacik of the Czech Republic who closed with a 195.5 composite (herd work, 60; reined work, 64.5; fence work, 67) in both divisions atop his own 4-year-old mare Silver Acres Missy (Acres Of Time x Brassy Dual).
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2019 ERCHA/NRCHA FUTURITY Photos by Dead Or Alive
Americana 2019 Proves the ‘Cow Horse’ is a Huge Success! Who else can judge the show better than the … judges? Renowned NRCHA Judges Bobby Ingersoll and Allen Mitchels sum it up!
“T
his one will be one of the trips that I’ll never forget,” said Ingersoll. “The show was great, there were so many people, and even if we had bad weather for two days, the stands were full and the crowd so excited. Technically speaking, I saw amazing cutting horses, a big part of them can compete and be competitive all over the world including in the U.S. Regarding the reined cow horse, which is my big love, passion, and work since a very very long time; I saw big improvements and nice horses. If I had to give the riders advice, I would suggest working more on the fence work; their horses are perfectly set for the rein work and for the herd work, they just have to add some more knowledge down the fence. It takes time to understand it, and it takes time to have a really broke horse ready to run down the fence correctly. But they are all in the right way!” Just as enthusiastic was Mitchels: “The cow horse and the reining both have hugely grown in Europe,” he said. “The techniques, the quality of the horses, the skills of the riders have really improved a lot in the last couple of years. This is a great event to promote our sport, the tickets for
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the weekend night shows were sold out and that’s huge. The people that are here are not only horse owners, they are also coming just because they love horses and that means that they are all potential customers for our industry.”
€17.000-ADDED ERCHA/NRCHA OPEN FuTuRITY Schopfer & Oh Cay MC steal the show Hosted during the amazing AMERICANA 2019, the ERCHA/NRCHA Futurity open to 3 and 4year-old horses was simply amazing. Closing the Open division in front of a full house that counted over 5,000 fans was the fence work. With an amazing ride, Markus Schopfer riding Oh Cay MC, a 2015 Quarter Horse stallion by 30 Million Dollar Sire Metallic Cat out of Oh Cay
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Markus Schopfer & Oh Cay MC
Meriah owned by Silverstone Ranch closed with a final 874.5 total score. The pair had closed with a composite score go round of 655.5 and their final cow work score, a 219, granted them the prestigious title. “This is a very special horse, and Markus found him for us at the last NRCHA Futurity in the U.S.,” said Michaela Sykorova, owner of Silverstone Ranch. “As soon as he got to Europe the reins passed on to Markus and he has been in training with him since. He’s a really nice horse and he also has a great conformation which makes us think that he’ll be a great sire in the future. It was a very emotional final and they both handled it great. They had a cow changed and it took a while to have a new cow in, but
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anyway, the horse was super calm and Markus did a great job managing the situation. Once again it was confirmed that our choice in trusting him was a great one! The program is to leave him with Markus for at least the next two years, the project is to make a bridle horse out of him. It’s a long program, and it takes time, but we think this is the right horse that can become a really nice bridle horse under Markus’ guide.” Just as emotional was the Italian professional. “This is truly an exceptional horse and winning this title with him means a lot to me,” he said. “He’s been great for me since I got him and once again proved it to me tonight. As Michaela mentioned, our goal is to make a bridle horse out of him and then breed him. For the rest of the
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2019 ERCHA/NRCHA FUTURITY
Giovanni Campanaro & Cute Little Tassa
season we will probably think about some autumn shows but the main thing is to keep him healthy and fresh.” Taking the Reserve Championship was Giovanni Campanaro riding Cute Little Tassa (Tassas Aristocrat x Cute And Cash), a 2015 Quarter Horse mare owned by Lotte Sibilla Anoardo. The pair closed with 869.5 total score (composite score go round, 651; final cow work score, 218.5). In third place was the Limited Open Futurity Champion Davide Di Giacinto, riding Two Timing Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Abbey Roan) a 2015 Quarter Horse mare owned by Lisa Milhoan. Closing with 858.5 total score (composite score go round 642.5; final cow work score 216), Di Giacinto was thrilled with his achievements. “This is my first Futurity and it’s been very emotional,” he said. “I bought this mare three months ago in the States for one of my customers and this show has been fantastic. We’re all having a good time and the win makes it all the more special!” The Reserve Championship in the Limited Open
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division went to Pietro Tuberga from Italy riding MR Cody O Lena, a 2015 Quarter Horse gelding by MR Onemore Max out of To Much Powered owned by Marilena Mione. They closed with a score of 641.5 (rein work, 216.5; fence work, 214; herd work 211). €3.000-ADDED TRAvELIN JONEz ERCHA/NRCHA NON PRO FuTuRITY Duallanx Mr rides Sivori to the Non Pro Championship Winning the coveted title was Lorenzo Sivori with his own Duallanx Mr, a 2015 Paint Horse stallion by Dual Marquis Diamond out of HB Luna Lanx. The two closed with a composite score of 839.5 and the posted the highest fence work score…a 221! “I love this horse, I really have to give credit to my trainer Samuele Poli, he rides him and he takes care of everything, I just rode him and had fun,” said a happy Sivori. Taking the Reserve Non Pro Championship was Eliane Gfeller and CR Rosie The Riveter with a 839.5 score. The duo went on to win the Intermediate Non Pro division. In third place Damiano Avigni and his Purple Faye (Smart Raye Pepto x Oneta Faye). They closed their performance with a 615.5 composite score. THE ERCHA/NRCHA INTERMEDIATE NON PRO FuTuRITY saw Eliane Gfeller take the win riding CR Rosie The Riveter (Woody Be Tuff x Gypsy Rose Rey) owned by Kaethi Gfeller with a composite score of 625.5 (rein work, 212.5; fence work, 209; herd work, 204). “My horse is… phenomenal,” she said.
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Lorenzo Sivori & Duallanx Mr
“We only got her four weeks ago and she’s my mum’s horse. We were looking for a horse for her in USA, and after a long time, we finally found her. Christian and Danielle Lybbert trained her and showed her at the 3-year-old Futurity. I didn’t have so much time to ride her, but she’s so lovely. For sure I want to thank my mum for trusting me and for giving me this great opportunity to show her mare, and my trainer Chris Seiler for putting us together in such a short time” The Reserve Championship was for Lorenzo Sivori of Italy and Duallanx Mr. after closing with a composite score of 618.5 (rein work, 213.5; fence work, 196; herd work, 209). In
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third place Damiano Avigni from Italy riding his 2015 Quarter Horse mare Purple Faye (Smart Rey Pepto x Oneta Faye). They closed with a composite score 615.5 (rein work, 195; fence work, 207.5; herd work, 213). €1.000- ADDED ERCHA NOvICE AMATEuR FuTuRITY 1. Eliane Gfeller riding CR Rosie The Riveter, 2015 Quarter Horse mare sired by Woody Be Tuff out of Gypsy Rose Rey, owned by Kaethi Gfeller, score 839.5 2. Peter Kun riding his own RJ Smart Gunpowder, 2105 Quarter Horse gelding sired by Ill Be Smart out of RJ Tough Feather, score 847
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Photos by Dead Or Alive
2019 Nations Cup Team Results
1971 points ITALY
“The first edition of the Nations Cup was held in 2016 and hosted in Mooslargue Horse Academy”, said Otto De Fazio, ERCHA Vice President “At the beginning of 2016, at the first board meeting, we decided to propose some new things to the members and to the discipline also. We wanted to gather different nations in one event, that’s where the idea of Nations Cup come from. We always had 6/7 teams during all the editions with different nations coming. Being at Americana is great for everybody, it’s one of the most awaited fairs in Europe, there’s a lot of audience which is great for promoting the discipline and the riders love it! We are having a great edition this year, with more than 30 horses in the Futurity classes, and also in the other classes the numbers have grown.”
2019 Nations Cup Individual Results Highbrow Fletch Thaz a boy Peptos Lil Bingo Player Cat Rock Me Graygun GS Top On Whizard MR Chesmu Peppy Boon Chelsea Little Bar Our Smart Chexolena Mas Quiero Cattin Downtown Metamoorphosis Snapper Lil Bingo Spangled Speedy Bakers Premium Choice Wonder Whos Chexinic Bluster Rambolena
Samuele Poli Barberis Coppari Alessandro Markus Schopfer Ricky Bordignon Joschka Werdermann Marine Richard Martin Schemuth Radek Holub Sara Lindberg Patrick Sattler Hannes Winkler Jitka Radosova Philipp Haug Buttigliero Laurent Jacky Molliex-Donjon Urban Gullberg Xavier Bailly
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ITA ITA ITA ITA GER FRA GER CZE SWE GER AUT CZE GER FRA FRA SWE FRA
661 651 651 646 639 636.5 631.5 619.5 617 617 612 604.5 604.5 594 580 393.5 0
1924.5 points SWITZERLAND
1899.5 points GERMANY
1877 points
CZECH REPUBLIC
1838.5 points AUSTRIA
1811 points FRANCE
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Once again Team Italy for the fourth year in a row topped the Nations Cup, closing with a total composite score of 1971 points.
Italy earns the gold medal, Switzerland takes silver and Germany clinches bronze.
2019 ERCHA NATIONS CUP
RIDER Samuele Poli Barberis HORSE Highbrow Fletch (Royal Fletch x Lil Sally Cat) NATION ITALY
“It’s been a wonderful experience, shared with a wonderful team. We always supported each other, and it was really emotional for all of us. My horse was super nice from the first day. We marked a 219 in the herd work and this morning we topped the rein work class with a 223 score. For the third year in a row this horse has given me the opportunity to compete in this event and always with great results. In the 2018 ERCHA Nations Cup edition, hosted in Mooslargue, we won both the team and the individual gold medals, and in the 2017 edition of Americana we won the Open Bridle. I’m sure he will be a great sire in the upcoming future!”
Samuele Poli Barberis & Highbrow Fletch 2019 ERCHA Nations Cup Individual standings
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RIDER Alessandro Coppari HORSE Thaz A Boy (Smartaz x Snap And Twist)
“This was definitely one of the most important shows of my life, and I’m really proud to have had the chance to be part of this team with such great riders. I’m really satisfied with this result! I bought Thaz A Boy six years ago from Alba QH, from then to now he has given me only big satisfactions, he’s really a great horse and I hope we’ll do a lot more together in the future. We’ll probably go to Verona in November, I like the program and since we also compete in reining classes I think we’ll try the Limited and Intermediate Open classes.”
NATION ITALY
Alessandro Coppari & Thaz A Boy 2019 ERCHA Nations Cup Individual Co-Reserve Champions
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2019 ERCHA NATIONS CUP
RIDER Markus Schopfer HORSE Peptos Lil Bingo (Peptoboonsmal x Conchita Gay Bingo)
“There’s only one word with which I can describe our team: fantastic! We had fun together, we got ready and we prepared this team since the Pre Futurity show, and that was probably one of our strengths. The boys were amazing and they all committed themselves to the maximum, it was really emotional and now… we’ll go together to the saloon to celebrate our win! No words needed to introduce my horse, he’s the perfect team mate, always solid, always smooth and ready to go!”
NATION ITALY
Markus Schöpfer & Peptos Lil Bingo 2019 ERCHA Nations Cup Individual Co-Reserve Champions
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RIDER Ricky Bordignon HORSE Player Cat - Owned by Ilaria Traverso (Smooth As A Cat x Dual Play Shorty) NATION ITALY
“What just happened was really huge… each member of our team gave the best to reach this great result! Competing for your nation is always a great experience, and it’s even better when at the end you have the chance to hear your national anthem! The horse I rode [Player Cat], is owned by Ilaria Traverso, was bred and raised at Ongaresca, so it’s a 100% ‘made in Italy’ horse. He’s an incredible horse, he’s a cutter turned into a working cow horse; big heart, big talent. He gets better and better at every show we go, I’m sure he’ll do great things. Next year Ilaria will show him a little bit more (even if she still doesn’t know it). We need to work on some details, but he’s becoming a solid horse in all the maneuvers.”
Ricky Bordignon & Player Cat 2019 ERCHA Nations Cup Individual 4th place
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2019 ERCHA NATIONS CUP
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