Verschueren and Smart Little Ruffle Lead the 2021 NRHA European Derby Non Pro Qualifier

Lyon, October 28—The 2021 edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby held during Equita Lyon, Lyon, France, welcomed the €66,000€-added* Non Pro Derby (*subject to change in nominations), presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Insurance with the support of gold sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses.

Performing to a great ride, Dries Verschueren of Belgium rode Smart Little Ruffle (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Ruffle Me Up) to a 217, enough to lead the Level (L)4 and L3 qualifiers. The 6-year-old American Quarter Horse mare is owned by Golden Paint Ranch.

Topping the L2 division, a half-point behind, was fellow countrywoman Bo Brutsaert riding KB CJ Gun (CJ Whiz x KB Jenny Whiz A Gun). With the 2016 American Quarter Horse mare owned by Bo’s father, Koen, between the reins, the Belgian rider also rode to the second-highest score in the L4 and 3 divisions along with Italy’s Roberta Gianformaggio aboard her own One Shot One Nic (Rooster Nic x Smart Jakalope).

Young Pauline Engel of Germany and Bernice Engel’s 7-year-old mare Gumpatrashya (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Bubblicious Gump BB), scored a 214.5 to lead the L1 as well as the Youth Non Pro divisions.

Leading the qualifier of the €1.750-added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive Program L4 Non Pro division presented by APHA & Jinetes Del Cielo, are Stephanie Blessing and Grey Stone Ranch’s Dance Gotta Gun. The 5-year-old AQHA/APHA double registered mare is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook.

The NRHA European Derby Non Pro finals will be held on Sunday, 31 October.

Photos by Wanted Photo

Follow the action live:
Live stream: https://equitalyon.tv/
Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=979

NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com