News
Successful $237,422-Added NRHA European Derby Closes in Lyon, France
The highly successful 2022 edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby held during the renowned European horse fair Equita Lyon in Lyon, France, closed on Sunday with the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix.
This year’s European Derby, open to 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA Nomination Program counted a rise in the number of entries with riders representing Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The $153,235 European Derby Open counted:
58 entries in the $61,294-Added L4
71 entries in the $45,970.53-Added L3;
70 entries in the $30,647.02-Added L2;
39 entries in the $15,323.51-Added L1
The $84,187-Added Non Pro Derby counted:
50 entries in the $35,039-Added L4
60 entries in the $24,574-Added L3
72 entries in the $16,383-Added L2
49 entries in the $8,191-Added L1
16 entries in the Youth
Competition ran deep in the Open Finals with two horse-and-rider combinations tying for the L4 Championship with a 228: NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and Shines Like Spook (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Shines), a 6-year-old gelding owned and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, and Grischa Ludwig and M Snow Pearl (NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Spooks Pearl), a 5-year-old mare owned by Fabian Strebel and nominated by La Maqueline. It took a 219.5 or more to be in the top 20 final rankings.
Markel/NRHA Sale Grads Open Derby Finalists:
• Dances With Spook (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Shining Dancer), owned by Margot Van Doorne and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, ridden by Levin Ludwig.
• Dun Lost My Shine (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shine Chic Shine x Dun Lost My Freckles), owned by Julia Schuberl, ridden by Morey Fisk.
• Angel On Fire (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six x Lena Dun It), owned by Luga LLC and nominated by Stacey Huska, ridden by Mirko Midili.
• Spooks Gotta Deal (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x The Rio Deal), owned by Lisa Schlatter, ridden by Markus Gebert.
Youth dominated the Non Pro Derby Championships with 18-year-old Sára Karasová of the Czech Republic riding to top honors in the L4 and L3 divisions aboard her KH Yankee Step—the pair scored a 223.5 for the win and also won the Churross Derby Youth. Taking home the L2 and L1 Championships, as well as Derby Youth Reserve honors with a 219.5 score was 9-year-old Emanuel Gebert and his Gunnalittlestep. Ten youth riders made the Non Pro Finals: three representing the Czech Republic, two representing Switzerland, two Italy, two Germany, and one Poland.
European Derby Novice Horse and APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
This year the inaugural and very well-accepted $3,000-Added LL Tecnologie Novice Horse Open Derby and $3,000-Added Gunna Sparkle Novice Horse Non Pro Derby divisions for horses that have less than NRHA $5,000 LTE (Lifetime Earnings) were introduced. For the second year running, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive Program offered $1,500-Added to both the Open and Non Pro L4 Champions.
$11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix
Once again the level of competition was high with Italian Nico Sicuro scoring a powerful run worth a 227.5 and the Open Gran Prix win riding Quarter Dream’s Sugar Little Step (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimps Little Step x Ah Sugar Sugar).
Second place honors, with a 224.5 were for NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and Nathalie Derua’s ND Pop Gun Trash (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Pop Tart).
Anders Josefsson of Sweden closed his run aboard Annika Bootsman-Kleberg’s Gotta Shiney Whiz (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Cee Bee Shine) with a 221.5, enough to win both the Lambey Intermediate Open and the Deniro Boots Limited Open and Prime Time Open.
Quarter Dream NRHA Youth
In the Quarter Dream Youth 13&Under class, French Chjara Maria Gaffory and Zag Candy Step (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x RS Candy O Lena) walked away with the Championship for their 206.5 run.
Alice Baldazzi of Italy rode Holly Jolly Whiz (Whiz Ruf Peppy x Smart Dolly Hickory) to a score of 212.5 to win the Quarter Dream Youth 14-18.
Quarter Dream NRHA Intermediate Non Pro & Prime Time Non Pro
French Laura Pouzol and Tricky Vobinda Whiz (CJ Whiz x RS Cayenne Jac) claimed the Quarter Dream Intermediate Non Pro with a score of 215.5.
Half a point behind was the Reserve Intermediate Non Pro Champion Ettore Baldazzi of Italy aboard PL Magnum Chic Chex (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Nu Dynamite Chex), who also claimed the Prime Time Non Pro Championship.
A special thank you to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Global Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Global Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Global Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
NRHA Global Partner Cardinal Ranch
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churross.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
For complete results: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2022 $153,234-Added NRHA European Open Derby: Fonck and Ludwig Share the Championship
On Saturday, Equita Lyon hosted the $153,234-Added National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby Open Finals in Lyon, France. In the evening, 64 Open Finalists met to compete for the Championship titles, 19 of which competed for the most prestigious division: The $61,294-Added Level (L)4 in front of a packed audience. The high level of competition in all the divisions kept the public glued to their seats until the last set of horses where most Champions were determined.
$61,294-Added Level 4
Two of Europe’s most competitive professionals opted to share the L4 Open Championship: NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck of Belgium and Grischa Ludwig of Germany. With five horse-and-rider combinations left to go, Fonck and Shines Like Spook (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Shines), a 6-year-old gelding owned and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, performed to a 228 after laying down an electrifying run.
Three horses later, Ludwig stormed into the arena with M Snow Pearl (NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Entrerprize x Spooks Pearl), a 5-year-old mare owned by Fabian Strebel and nominated by La Maqueline, between the reins. Determined to give it all they had, the duo repeated Fonck’s score, tying for the Championship.
“I think my wife [NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck], who has always ridden this horse, did a super job with him,” said Fonck. “We actually switched horses for this event, I showed him and she showed GP A Spook In Town as I thought he would work better with her after my competing with him for four years. I did a few schooling rides with Shines Like Spook and today was the first time I rode him asking for more and he was really good. When I went in the arena tonight I was really relaxed: I felt good and my horse felt relaxed also. Before going in, my wife told me to trust him, ‘if you speed him up he’s going to be there for you; put your hand down and just go.’ I did exactly that and it worked out.”
Ludwig was just as happy with his two mounts. “It was one hell of an evening,” he commented. “I felt it was my arena. I knew that I could completely trust my horses and the level of competition was so high that I could not afford to think about how to show. I just put the hammer down, hand on the neck, and went. I wanted to finish my runs with a high score, I knew I had the horses—even though they are two completely different horses—and they were both good in the qualifier. To top it all off, here in France the people are with me even if I am not French. I must say that 2022 has been a great year!”
Ludwig also went on to clinch the $45,970-Added L3 Open Championship aboard the talented mare and also took the Reserve Championship riding Gunnit In Hollywood (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Buffy In Hollywood). The 6-year-old stallion, owned by Alexandra Schmitz and nominated by Giulio Trevisan, performed to a 227.
$30,647-Added Level 2
L2 qualifier leaders Quentin Galliere of France and Tinsel Whizington (Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis), a 6-year-old stallion owned and nominated by Sharon De Groot, repeated their success when they topped the division in the Finals, this time scoring a 223. “I feel amazing, my horse did all he could do today. We started him and trained him all the way and last year his owner Sharon [De Groot] showed him and won over $20.000 with him in the non pro classes. This year, she asked me if I wanted to show him and of course, I said yes. We began the season a little rough, he didn’t feel like he was with me the whole time, but at this show, he definitely did. He will have some time off now and I hope I can show him again next year. Today is also special for both of us because this win pushed him over $30.000 in LTE and me over $100.000, so I am truly happy. He is a really sweet horse.”
Reserve honors with a 221.5 went to Italian Stefano Cerutti and FB Topsail Shine (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shine Chic Shine x Topsail Del Cielo), a 6-year-old mare, owned by Claudia Rizzola and nominated by Francesco Bonadeo.
$15,323-Added Level 1
It was a big night for Italy’s Filippo Paris riding Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s Americasnextcovrgirl (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Americasnextgunmodel), a 5-year-old royally bred mare, bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA. The pair scored a 218.5 which brought them the L1 Open Championship. Showing at a major NRHA event for the first time, Paris was quick to credit his horse for the results, as well as owner Maria Cecilia Fiorucci and the whole Elementa team. “This mare is fantastic. She deserves to be in the L4 Finals and win just that, but for me, this is my first big show, so I am really happy with the results. She helped me in there a lot, so my biggest thanks definitely go to her. I am very thankful to the owner [Maria Cecilia Fiorucci], who trusted me with her horses even though I don’t have very much experience showing. This mare is really special to me, she is like a princess. Sometimes I stay in her stall and talk to her and I know she understands me; she can definitely pull the best out of you. I’ve only been riding her for about a month and a half and I love her, so I hope to be showing her again next year. ”
With Fiorucci’s 6-year-old stallion Mister Grey Wolf (NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x NRHA Million Dollar Sire Dun It For Chex), bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, the Italian Professional took reserve honors.
LL Tecnologie European Derby Novice Horse Open
The inaugural Novice Horse Open Derby sponsored by LL Tecnologie is a division for horses that have less than NRHA $5,000 LTE (Lifetime Earnings). Canadian Professional based in Switzerland Morey Fisk and Jayson Henri’s owned and nominated by Gunny Trashy Tucker, a 6-year-old mare by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya out of Tuckers Starlight, scored a 220 to win the division. “I was really happy with the mare, she did everything I asked her to. I especially liked how she stopped, she is a big stopper. There is no particular plan for her for next year, I think we are going to breed her and then decide if she should show more,” said the Fisk about his horse. “To have the Novice Horse classes here at the Derby is great because it gives the horses another shot to do something at this major event. It was a tough qualifier this year, so this is definitely a nice bonus.” A point behind, Fisk also took reserve honors on Addys Lil Step (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Miss Lil Adytude) owned by Annika Bootsman-Kleberg.
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
It was an emotional night for Showgirl Shining Gun (Colonels Shining Gun x Shes A Lil Showgirl) shown by French Professional Arnaud Girinon. The flashy double-registered AQHA/APHA 7-year-old mare owned by Grey Stone Ranch closed her career in front of a full house with top honors and a 225 score which earned her the $1,500-Added APHA Chrome Cash European Derby L4 Open Championship as well as her retirement after a successful show career.
$7,958.37-Added ELEMENTA NRHA Non Pro Grand Prix
The morning started with the inaugural $7,958.37-Added Non Pro Grand Prix presented by ELEMENTA, including the ELEMENTA Non Pro and Limited Non Pro divisions.
In the ELEMENTA NRHA Non Pro, Alex Kubli riding Gunna Ruf Ya (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Lil Ruf Lady) took the lead with a score of 216. Stephanie Blessing and Dance Gotta Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook) tied for the top score. The two Swiss riders decided to share the title be Co-Champions.
ELEMENTA NRHA Limited Non Pro class also saw two champions when French Laura Pouzol and Tricky Vobinda Whiz (CJ Whiz x RS Cayenne Jack) and Italian George Wiedenhofer and Don Magnetic (Chic Magnetic x Donnola Chex) both scored 214.5 for their runs.
€5.500-Added Cheval Liberté French Non Pro Futurity
The €5.500-added Cheval Liberté French Non Pro Futurity took place at Equita Lyon today and it was Alexandre Giarratano riding his own The Electric Bandit (Dont Miss My Guns x Electra Stop Ruff) to a score of 146.5 to win both the €3.300-added Level 4 and €2.200-added Level 2 Championships.
Special thanks to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churross.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
Highlighting ancillary action on Sunday, October 30 will be the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition of the NRHA European Derby.
Follow the webcast here: https://vimeo.com/event/2534512
Follow the live score here: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2022 $84,187-Added NRHA European Non Pro Derby: Youth Riders Steal the Show In Lyon
In front of a full house, 47 horse-and-rider combinations made their way to the $84,187-Added 2022 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby Non Pro Finals on Friday at Equita Lyon in Lyon, France. No stranger to the Equita Lyon arena, Sára Karasová of the Czech Republic returned this year to hold on to her last year’s title and added on the Level (L)4 Championship.
In 2021, Karasová and her 7-year-old gelding nominated by Franz Lechner, KH Yankee Step (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Rowdy Yankee x Step A Little Closer), had claimed the L3, 2, 1 and Youth Non Pro Derby Championships. This year, the young Czech rider tied for the lead in the Youth Non Pro Derby go round and made the L4 and L3 Non Pro Finals. After their thrilling performance in the Finals, the duo was awarded a 223.5 score that held until the very end of Section 2 and brought the pair the 2022 NRHA European Derby Non Pro $35,039-added L4, $24,574-added L3, and Churros European Derby Youth Championships.
“I am so incredibly happy; I didn’t expect this at all,” said the excited Champion who praised her horse for being with her the whole run. “My horse has been awesome the whole week, but during the run today he couldn’t have been any better. I was hoping for a 220 or so, but not this. When they announced the score, it was in French, so I didn’t understand, and then they announced it in English and I couldn’t believe it. He is a seasoned horse, he will be 8 next year, so it will be his last derby year, but today I knew after the first set of circles that he would be good. He truly shows from his heart and after today I feel like nothing can stop us,” said the 19-year-old rider, who showed for the last time in the Youth division at this show and closed her youth career with a run to be remembered.
Next year, Karasová is planning to ride her other horses besides KH Yankee Step. “I have another derby aged mare at home that I plan to show and we also have a few coming 2-year-olds, so there will be plenty to ride, but I will mainly focus on the derbies. I am also planning to go to the U.S. in the winter to intern with a reining trainer for a few weeks, so I am looking forward to that.”
Karasová thanked her parents and her sister Thea, also an NRHA European Derby Non Pro Finalist. “They are my biggest support. Also, special thanks go to our trainer, Jonáš Bujnoch, without whom we would have never been where we are today; he is truly the best.”
The current NRHA European Youth Council Historian was excited about the youth’s results in today’s Finals. “Youth is the future of reining, so it is great to watch the young riders succeed in the top-level competitions. It also shows the great support we get from our parents. At our age, we are not able to afford to show at this level, so I think it’s great to see that reining is a family affair for so many people and the kids have great support from their families.”
Swiss Adrienne Speidel aboard her own 7-year-old stallion nominated by Fabian Strebel, CDC Cromed Resolve (Custom Del Cielo x Kaysolve), tied to win the first go-round and closed with reserve honors in both the L4 and L3 with a 221.5 score. “He is really a show horse and did his best today. He was better than in the go round and did everything I asked him. Maybe I should have been more proactive, but I am so happy with the way he went,” she said about her horse who she had had for the past two years. “Plans are now to give him a well-deserved rest and then show him in all the European derbies again.”
Emanuel Gebert today made history as being the youngest rider to ever win the $16,383-Added L2 and $8,191-Added L1 Non Pro European Derby as well as the Reserve Championship in the Churros Youth Derby. He rode his own 7-year-old gelding Gunnalittlestep (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Gay Jays Little Step), nominated by Ambrosini QH, to a score of 219. “I am really happy to have won the level 2 and 1 European Derby,” said the 9-year-old who in 2021 also made history by being the youngest rider to qualify for the European Non Pro Derby Finals. “I have been riding my horse for the past two years and I have to thank him because he is really good and I love him, and thanks to my mom and my dad for this result.”
Swiss Nanina Staub and Whizkeywood, a 5-year-old stallion by Whizkey N Diamonds out of Hollywood Footprints, owned by Sabine Schmid and nominated by Humphrey Quarter Horses, closed their run with a 218 to claim the L2 and L1 Reserve Championships.
Tying to lead the Gunna Sparkle European Derby Novice Horse Non Pro with a 211 score was Belgian Ingrid Vermeiren riding Whiz N Polly (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz x Shine On Ruff), a 5-year-old mare owned and nominated by Codan NV, and Finja Florian of Germany with Bang Bang Pistol (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Pistol Silhouette), a 6-year-old gelding owned by Vera Katja Florian and nominated by Sylvia Maile.
“I am really happy because this is my very first Derby Championship and my horse was very good with me,” said Florian. “He is a really fun horse to show; we had a few bobbles today but he is always there for me. This was a super horse show, the crowd was great, so it was a great way to close the season.” Vermeiren, who tied to lead the L4 Non Pro qualifier, was quick to credit her horse: “We bred this mare and own her dam, which is actually the grand dam of the horse that Ann [Fonck] is showing here [GP A Spook In Town], so that is quite exciting as well. I haven’t shown her much this year, I only schooled her and competed at the BO Ranch Maturity and here; my goal for this season was to do well at these two shows. She has really developed, but I still try to stay safe showing her because I believe she will be even better next year as she needs more time to grow up. Having made the finals gives me huge confidence and I look forward to showing her next year.”
The $1,500 NRHA European Derby L4 Non Pro APHA Chrome Cash Incentive win was for George Sternberg Allen of Great Britain who closed his run with a 215 riding Francesca Sternberg’s A Shining Gun (Shine My Gun x Lady Buena Freckles), AKA ‘Goofy.’ Sternberg purchased the 8-year-old stallion three years ago from [NRHA Professional] Grischa Ludwig. “At that time I went to ride with Grischa. He bred and raised Goofy and after getting on him the first time I realized he was my horse,” said George. “I called my mom, told her, and soon enough the horse was mine. I have always made the L4 finals on him and am thrilled to be here with this result today as my family and myself really love the APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program.”
8,500€-Added Cheval Liberté French Open Futurity
Between the sections of the NRHA European Derby Non Pro Finals, the Cheval Liberté French Open Futurity was held. Twelve riders entered the 4-year-old Futurity competing for the €5.100-Added L4 and €3.400-added L2 Championships.
Jeremy Vandenabeele rode Whiz Devil Inside (Reining Whiz x Norma Silver Lands) owned by Earl Du Val De Pouilly to the €5.100-Added L4 Open Championship scoring a 213.5.
L2 saw Benjamin Blaise and BHB My Little Teddy (BHB Mr Wimpys Royal x Okies Little Diamond) score a 217 for owner Flavie Catalan to win the €3.400-added L2 title.
Special thanks to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churros.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
A full-slate of NRHA approved ancillary classes will be offered during the show. Highlighting ancillary action will be the $7,958.37-Added ELEMENTA Non Pro Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 29 October, and the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition on Sunday, 30 October.
Follow the webcast here: https://vimeo.com/event/2534512
Follow the live score here: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
$208,000-Added NRHA European Derby: The Open Qualifier Thrills the Crowd
The 2022 NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) European Derby Open qualifier took place at Equita Lyon today with 117 horse-and-rider combinations vying for a spot in the Finals which will be held on Saturday, October 29.
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck of Belgium went last in the pen today. After a thrilling run, Fonck and her mount GP A Spook In Town (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Spook N Perla) were awarded a 224.5 score by the judges. The six-year-old stallion owned by Golden Paint Ranch was previously shown by Ann’s husband, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck.
“Bernard gave me a long list of things to do and not to do, and that was what I was thinking coming in the pen, but I remembered everything,” said a smiling Fonck. “It is so much different when you show a horse that you don’t know; I showed him a few times before, did some schooling as well as an Open class so I could feel him under pressure and he was nice, so I think I figured out where the buttons were. Today, he was honest and relaxed like he just didn’t care he was showing.”
Arnaud Girinon and Honey First Gunny (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x ARC Honey Chick), owned by Società Agricola Le Fattorie di Matilde, set the bar in Section 1 and walked out of the pen with a 223.5. Their score held through Section 2 until the very last run.
The French Professional was excited about his run. “I just got the stallion in training this year. He hasn’t been shown much, but so far I am very happy with him. He is a very consistent horse, so I am very excited for the future.” The 7-year-old stallion was bred and raised by Vittorio Rabboni and Girinon shared some future plans for the horse. “Vittorio and I are talking about taking him overseas next year for The Run For A Million qualifier. It is not sure yet, but he is so talented, he deserves the chance.” Girinon and Honey First Gunny also topped the APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 qualifier.
German Dominik Reminder and Call Me Mr Voodoo (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x ARC Sassy Snapper), owned by Elisabetta Zoccarato, performed a stellar run in Section 2 and matched Girinon’s score. Their run also brought them the lead in L3. “I was really happy with our ride today. He showed me everything he can do and was really energetic both in the mind and body,” said Reminder about the eight-year-old stallion who he’s had in training for six years. “He was in the breeding station until the end of July so easy riding was what he needed to do what he did today.”
French Professional Quentin Galliere showed Sharon De Groot’s Tinsel Whizington (Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis) to a score of 220 to lead the L2. Johannes Heil and Gunnanicya MM JB (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x The Knick Nic) closed their run with a 219.5 for owner Christina Lenz to top the L1.
LL Technologie Novice Horse Open Derby
26 horse-and-rider combinations entered the inaugural LL Technologie Novice Horse Open Derby in Lyon. Belgian Kim Obenhaus rode Anja De Raet’s AJ Allstar Whiz (CJ Whiz x Select A Star) to a 218.5 score for the lead.
The day closed with the finalist draw party offered by GL Events, where finalists picked up their spot for tomorrow’s Non Pro Finals as well as Saturday’s Open Finals.
Non Pro Bubble Scores
Level 4 – 214
Level 3 – 214
Level 2 – 212.5
Level 1 – 210.5
Churros Youth Derby – 212.5
Gunna Sparkle Novice Horse Non Pro – 208.5
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Non Pro L4 – 209
Open Bubble Scores
Level 4 – 219.5
Level 3 – 217
Level 2 – 214.5
Level 1 – 211
LL Technologie Novice Horse Open – 212.5
APHA Open L4 – 219
Special thanks to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churros.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
A full-slate of NRHA approved ancillary classes will be offered during the show starting tomorrow morning. Highlighting ancillary action will be the $7,958.37-Added ELEMENTA Non Pro Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 29 October, and the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition on Sunday, 30 October.
Follow the webcast here: https://vimeo.com/event/2534512
Follow the live score here: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
$208,000-Added NRHA European Derby: The Non Pro Qualifier
The 2022 NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) European Derby Non Pro qualifier filled the day at Equita Lyon today with 93 horse-rider combinations (49 entries in Level L(1); 75 in L2; 60 in L3; 50 in L4) riding for a spot in the Finals which will be held on Friday, October 28.
With a 218.5 score, Belgian Ingrid Vermeiren and Whiz N Polly (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz x Shine On Ruff) owned by Codan NV tied to lead the L4 and L3 divisions with Swiss Adrienne Speidel aboard her own CDC Cromed Resolve (Custom Del Cielo x Kaysolve).
Vermeiren and her mount also topped the L2 as well as the inaugural Gunna Sparkle European Derby Novice Horse L4.
Rebecca Folcia of Italy and LS Dun Blue Berry (Spat A Blue x Hollywood Greatberry) scored a 217 for the lead in the L1.
Churros European Derby Youth
Sophia Staub of Switzerland closed her run with a 216.5 to tie for the highest score in the Churros European Derby Youth qualifier aboard her mother’s [Sabine Schmid] Sailorsarcofpride BB (Whizasunnysailor BB x Donna Arc Escapes BB). The young Swiss rider was happy with her run. “My horse was with me 100% today, so I had fun in the show pen. I ride with [Italian Professional] Andrea Costa, and we are all very thankful for his help with our horses.”
It’s a family affair to show reining horses in the Staub family. Sabine said she is thrilled that all four of her daughters are into horses and they go to horse shows together. “I am extremely proud of them and especially how they did today.” Sophia’s sister, Nanina, also chimed in: “Reining is something that keeps our family together really close and thanks to that we all have a very good relationship.” Nanina will be joining her sister and her mother in the Non Pro Finals.
Tying Staub was Sára Karasová of the Czech Republic with her KH Yankee Step (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Rowdy Yankee x Step A Little Closer) between the reins. “I was a little stressed today, probably like most people at such a big show, but my horse felt good. I enjoyed going right after the drag because I didn’t feel confident in all the maneuvers, but the last stop was just awesome, so now I am excited about the finals,” she shared. “This is my second time at this show and it is great. The weather this year is perfect, and even though it’s a little too hot for the horses, we tried not to override them and so far, it has worked out. We also like to watch other disciplines while we are here, in fact we just got back from the show jumping. I don’t understand it much and have never really tried it, except for only a few little jumps that I was very scared of. I think I will definitely stick to reining, but it’s fun to watch other disciplines too.”
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
Five riders competed for a spot in the in the APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 qualifier Non Pro Derby Finals. Closing with the highest score—a 215.5— was George Sternberg Allen of Great Britain riding Francesca Sternberg’s A Shining Gun (Shine My Gun x Lady Buena Freckles).
Thursday in Lyon will see the NRHA European Derby Open qualifier starting at 6:30 a.m. with Section 1. Section 2 will follow at 3:00 p.m.
A special thank you to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churros.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
A full-slate of NRHA approved ancillary classes will be offered during the show. Highlighting ancillary action will be the $7,958.37-Added ELEMENTA Non Pro Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 29 October, and the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition on Sunday, 30 October.
Follow the webcast here: https://vimeo.com/event/2534512
Follow the live score here: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2022 NRHA European Derby: Non Pro Action Opens the Show
The twelfth edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby, held during Equita Lyon in Lyon, France, will showcase the first of the 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA Nomination Program starting Wednesday 26, with the first go round of the Non Pro Derby.
94 horse-rider combinations (49 entries in Level L(1); 75 in L2; 60 in L3; 50 in L4) will perform in the Equita Lyon Reining Arena vying for a spot in the finals on Friday, October 28.
This year the European Derby will also include the Gunna Sparkle European Derby Novice Horse Non Pro division for horses that have less than NRHA $5,000 LTE (Lifetime Earnings), as well as the Youth division. NRHA Alliance Partner APHA (American Paint Horse Association) will once again offer the Chrome Cash Incentive Program which will pay out $1,500 in added prize money exclusively to registered Paint Horses to the L4 Open and L4 Non Pro European Derby Champions. The program is returning to Equita Lyon following its debut in Europe in Lyon last year.
A full-slate of NRHA approved ancillary classes will be offered during the show. Highlighting ancillary action will be the $7,958.37-Added ELEMENTA Non Pro Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 29 October, and the $11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition on Sunday, 30 October.
The NRHA European Open Derby qualifier will take place on Thursday, October 27.
Special thanks to the 2022 NRHA European Derby Sponsors:
GL Events
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA
NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch
NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop
LL Tecnologie
ELEMENTA
Quarter Dream
Gunna Sparkle
DeNiro Boot Co.
Nice
Churros.com
APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Program
Follow the webcast here: https://vimeo.com/event/2534512
Follow the live score here: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1175
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by Wanted Photo Press
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
Equita Lyon Sets the Stage For the $228,500-Added 2022 NRHA European Derby
Lyon, September 30—The twelfth edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby will be showcased during one of Europe’s most prestigious horse fairs, Equita Lyon in Lyon, France, on October 23-29. Dedicated entirely to horses, the fair offers international horse competition with four Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cups, equestrian sport at all levels, eleven arenas running concurrently, a huge dedicated trade fair (140.000 square meters), evening shows, and attracts over 170,000 visitors.
No better place could best Equita Lyon to further promote the sport of reining and the event open to 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA Nomination Program. This year the European Derby will also include the LL Tecnologie European Derby Novice Horse Open and the Gunna Sparkle European Derby Novice Horse Non Pro divisions for horses that have less than NRHA $5,000 LTE (Lifetime Earnings).
A full-slate of NRHA approved ancillary classes will be offered during the show. Highlighting ancillary action will be the $7,958.37 -Added ELEMENTA Non Pro Grand Prix, held on Saturday, 29 October, and the 11,369-Added ELEMENTA Open Grand Prix which will close this year’s edition on Sunday, 30 October.
Once again, NRHA Alliance Partner— the American Paint Horse Association (APHA)— will offer the Chrome Cash Incentive Program. During the European Derby, Chrome Cash will pay out $1,500 in added prize money, exclusively to registered Paint Horses, to the Level 4 Open and Level 4 Non Pro European Derby Champions. The program is returning to Equita following its debut in Europe in Lyon last year.
All horses entered in the NRHA European Derby are subject to examination. Please refer to the
NRHA European Region Animal Welfare and Medications policy at NRHA.com. In cases, where NRHA shows are held in states, provinces or countries with medications rules and regulations, the rules and regulations of the state, province or country take precedence.
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com / EQUITALYON.com/en/western
Attached photos by Wanted Photo Press
2021 NRHA European Level 4 Open Champions, Lukasz Czechowicz & Frozen Shining Gun
2021 NRHA European Level 4 Non Pro Champions, Fabio De Iulio & RS Cronos Jac
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2021 NRHA European Derby Non Pro Finals: De Iulio and RS Cronos Jac Soar to Top Honors
Fabio De Iulio
Lyon, October 21—The 2021 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby presented by Markel and sponsored by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining closed the reining arena at Equita Lyon, Lyon, France, with a great Euro66,000-added Non Pro Finals. In a field of 29 finalists, Italian Fabio De Iulio rode his stallion RS Cronos Jac, a 2016 American Quarter Horse by RS Great Jac Feona out of RS Shadow Olena, to an impressive 218.5 to claim the Level (L) 4 Championship.
“I really tried to do my best today, and with this horse it is always an indescribable emotion! I bought him as a foal from [NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee] Claudio Risso] and both my family and I are in love with him! He’s an atomic horse, with a big heart … as big as all of Lyon!” said De Iulio. “After a series of unlucky events that accompanied us in the last shows, today everything finally came our way! My biggest thanks go to my trainer, Pierluigi Chiodo. He is truly special to me, both as a person and as a trainer, and without him I wouldn’t be here.”
Taking co-reserve honors with a 215.5 score in the L4 division was Belgian Dries Verschueren and his 2015 American Quarter Horse mare Smart Little Ruffle (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Ruffle Me Up) owned by Golden Paint Ranch, and Swiss Alex Kubli riding his own Gunna Ruf Ya, a 2013 American Quarter Horse stallion (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Lil Ruf Lady).
Sara Karasova
The two riders joined Czech youth rider Sara Karasova who, aboard her 2015 American Quarter Horse gelding KH Yankee Step (Rowdy Yankee x Step A Little Closer), performed earlier in the draw to a score of 215.5 which resulted in a three-way tie for the L3 Championship. After an exciting run off, it was the 18-year-old rider who scored an impressive 219 to take home the Championship.
“This means so much to me, because in the Czech Republic it is little hard, we don’t have very many trainers there, but our trainer, Jonas [Bujnoch], is amazing and he has done so much for us. I have always wanted to win a European event and we didn’t make it to the NRHA European Futurity because I had only had the horse for a short time then. I won the go round at the 2020 NRHA European Derby earlier this year, but then we made some mistakes in the Finals and had a zero score. So, I was very excited to come here and it worked out.,” said NRHA European Youth Historian Karasova. “In the run off I did not expect to get a 219, so I am really happy. I have gotten this score before at our local shows, but it is much more special to receive it at big European show. I was so excited for the result that in that moment I did not if we were first, second, or third; it just meant so much to me that we made it and my horse was with me for all three runs here. I’ve had the gelding for about three years now. He can be little shy, so I don’t think we can ever sell him, because he wouldn’t trust anyone else, he is so spoiled but so special! At home, he can sometimes have a bad day like all the horses, and at shows the important thing is to stay calm and keep everything same, which can get little challenging for me because I am naturally a stressed person and get really nervous at shows yet, he always stays the same with any kind of pressure. Now he really deserves some rest and next year I hope to be back for the NRHA European Derby and Italian Derby. We want to focus more on the shows abroad, because this year we also competed for the NRHA Czech Championship, so next year we want to show more internationally. I would like to thank everyone, who helped me get here: my family–my dad, who also comes to the shows and supports us—and my mom, who stays home to take care of things for us, and everyone who helped us along the way.”
The young rider also claimed the L2 and 1 Championships with her original score of 215.5, as well as the Youth Non Pro Derby Championship. Thea Karasova, Sara’s sister, rode her 2016 American Quarter Horse gelding Playin For Big Guns (Tinseltownsmokingun x Playin For Big Chex) to a score of 213 to take the Reserve honors in the Youth Non Pro Derby.
With a 214 score, it was another three-way tie for the L2 Reserve Championships: Austrian Jürgen Pritz and his own Rose Of Mercedes, a 2013 American Quarter Horse mare by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes out of Smooth Star Freckles, Belgian Bo Brutsaert with Koen Brutsaert’s KB CJ Gun, a 2016 American Quarter Horse mare by CJ Whiz out of KB Jenny Whiz A Gun, and George Sternberg Allen of Great Britain with his mother Francesca Sternberg’s 2013 American Quarter Horse gelding Colonel Chic Dream (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Princess Colonel). The latter also claimed the Reserve Championship in L1 with his 214 score.
Stephanie Blessing
Two riders tied to win the €1.750-added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Derby Non Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive presented by APHA & Jinetes Del Cielo with a 213:
Swiss Stephanie Blessing and Dance Gotta Gun, 2016 American Quarter Horse mare (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook) owned by Grey Stone Ranch and Austrian Markus Spreitzhofer reached the top score aboard his 2013 APHA gelding Cant Hide A Gun (The Big Gun x Cattrena).
Markus Spreitzhofer
“I would like to congratulate the co-champion [Markus Spreitzhofer] and also thank the [APHA & Jinetes Del Cielo] for starting the [Chrome Cash] Incentive, because it is a nice chance for Paint horses, who have always been a little less valued,” said Blessing. “I registered my horse at the Euro Futurity this year, where I was approached by the representatives and presented this opportunity which I gladly took. There is more money in the program to earn, nice buckles and awards, so it is a great benefit.”
Prior to the Non Pro Derby Finals, the Grand Prix NRHA Youth 14-18 class saw French rider Adelie Blaise and Emy Cowgirls Whiz, a 2012 Quarter Horse mare by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Dunnit All Right owned by Christine Van Hauw, score 203.5 to top the class.
The successful 2021 edition of the Euro Derby came to a close today with an ‘au revoir’ to Equita Lyon 2022!
For complete results: https://www.showmanager.info/Result.aspx?eventID=20001&turnierID=979&klassenID=1951&status=3
For further information NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Photos by NRHA European Derby Official Photographer Wanted Photo
NRHA European Derby Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
2021 NRHA European Open Derby: It’s A Win for Czechowicz and Frozen Shining Gun
Lyon, October 30–Saturday at Equita Lyon, Lyon, France, provided thrills and excitement as the 114,000€-added*-added National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open Derby Finalists vied for the titles in the four divisions in front of a full house.
Lukasz Czechowicz
With a 227 score to beat posted by Mirko Midili in the second section, and with only two finalists left to go, Lukasz Czechowicz of Poland rode Frozen Shining Gun, a 2016 American Quarter Horse gelding by Colonels Shining Gun out of Frozen Slide, owned by Katarzyna Roleska, to a great ride paid back by the judges with a 227.5 and the Level L(4) Open Championship presented by LL Tecnologie.
“He hasn’t been very fortunate at the shows,” said an enthused Czechowicz. “We participated in several big shows but something always happened…tonight, everything went according to plans and I am so happy for him; he has always been my best horse. This year we took him to the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City and he had a really good run in the Finals, but unfortunately, after the last stop, we backed up, so we got a zero score. I really wanted to make up for this so that he could show off what he could do and tonight I am much happier for him than I am for myself.” When asked why the talented gelding was different, Czechowicz added that he is so unlike other horses to train. “I have had the opportunity to ride some great horses, but he is on another level; his mind is very special and it was that way from the day we started him. I am really happy that Lady Luck finally turned to his favor.”
Mirko Midili riding Maytheforcebewhizyou (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Jac Golden Faith) a 2014 stallion AQHA/APHA owned by Alberto Capello closed his run with a 227 settling for reserve honors. “This horse is really cool; the only thing is he was a little bit tired this time around,” said Midili. “I was in Germany for the Breeders Futurity last week and he stayed at home. When I got back, I had to work him a little more than usual so the program was a little different from all the other shows. I am very happy with him, and in my opinion he has yet to perform to the show of his life! I have been riding him for two years now and he just keeps getting better and better.”
Sebastiano Valtorta
Riding to the L3 and 2 Open Derby Championships with a 222 score was Sebastiano Valtorta of Italy riding Four Season Whiz, a 2013 American Quarter Horse gelding by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Dun It Preciously owned by Luca Mauri.
“He’s 8 years old so this was the last special event for him,” said the Italian Professional. “We didn’t make the level 4 finals but he was really fantastic, especially considering that between one special event and the other we never did any schooling runs, only go rounds and finals. At every show, it seems that every time it’s like the first time for him. I am very happy to have managed to win this last one show! Now he deserves a winter of rest and maybe next year we’ll show him in some open classes.”
220.5 was the second highest score that was awarded to two riders who tied for the Reserve Championship in the L3: Belgian Matyas Gobert riding AJ Commander Dun Gun, 2015 American Quarter Horse stallion (Colonels Shining Gun x AJ Dunnit Lady), owned by Bruno Costantini and Markus Gebert of Germany, who rode Spooks Gotta Deal, 2015 American Quarter Horse mare (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x The Rio Deal) for owner Lisa Schlatter.
The Reserve Championship in the L2 went to Roberta Dubini of Italy and Magnum Chic N Chex, who scored 218.5. The 2014 American Quarter Horse mare (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Buenonics Doughter) is owned by Lara Lorengo.
Lena-Marie Maas
Italian trainer Lena-Marie Maas and Gunnersbabe, a 2015 American Quarter Horse mare by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Shine Like A Babe took the L1 Open Championship, scoring a 217.5 for owner Bartolomeo Rubino.
“I’m really happy and so proud of this mare. She is so honest inside the show pen and she just gave me everything. I felt like she was a little bit tired, but she still tried her best, and I enjoyed the ride,” said Maas. “This season was really good for me: I had nice horses to show and they always gave me everything. Pietro Marseglia and the whole Quarter Dream team always stayed behind me. This show was a little different, not having the head trainer Nico Sicuro here as he is in the U.S. I was alone and had to manage everything, so it was even more pressure and I wanted to do well. I had the chance to go late in the draw between all the Level 4 riders, so it was an amazing feeling and I am really happy about it. ‘Barbie’—her nickname since she is so cute— will now have a well-deserved winter break and hopefully next year we can do some more derbies together.”
Two riders split the Reserve Championship scoring a 213.5: German Julia Staedele and Sweet Big Gun, a 2016 American Paint Horse (Big Chic Gun x Perfectly Sweet) owned by Simone Quaeck, and Italian Andrea Visigalli with Missing Spook, a 2014 American Quarter Horse Stallion (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Missin The Whiz), owned by Mayla Sollima.
The €1.750-added APHA Derby L4 Open Chrome Cash Incentive Champion presented by APHA & Volker Schmitt Reining Horses—with a 227 score—was for Mirko Midili riding the double registered AQHA/APHA 2014 stallion Maytheforcebewhizyou.
Taking second place was NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cira Baeck riding Phantom Face, a 2013 stallion by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit out of Gorgeous Like A Star owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci. The pair closed with a 224.5 score.
Following the Finals, NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter was pleased with the outcome of the NRHA European Derby so far. “Equita Lyon is an ideal venue for our event: I think it is wonderful for our sport to be exposed to the other disciplines and for them to see what we do at a very high level. It’s all happening here, I love that and I hope that we will be here for many years to come. I also hope that if our European members haven’t been here yet, they will come and see what this is about. There is not much more you can do to improve this event. The spectators are going crazy and the riders are really bringing it on: They are giving it all they have and we are proud to be NRHA, especially here.”
SATURDAY ANCILLARY ACTION:
Saturday action started with the ancillary Non Pro classes before the Open Finalists stepped in the arena in the afternoon.
It took a 216.5 for German Nikolai Stiller and his 2012 AQHA/APHA mare Hollywood Gunrunner (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dun It For Missy) to win the $6,075-added NRHA Equita Lyon Grand Prix Non Pro. As the mare is double registered, the pair also claimed the $3,770-added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive Amateur class presented by Phantom Face Dunnit.
Second place honors in the Non Pro went to Belgian Dries Verschueren riding Missedouttinseltown, a 2013 American Quarter Horse gelding by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown out of Miss Sliding Peppy owned by Golden Paint Ranch. The duo scored a 215.
German 8-year-old Emanuel Gebert took second place aboard Angelika Gebert’s Whiz A Lot, a 2013 APHA stallion by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lotti Vom Letter Berg, scoring 210.
Italian Gerardo Ponzio rode his stallion Big Code, a 2015 American Quarter Horse by Electric Code out of Roosterina, to a 213.5 score to top the $498-added NRHA Limited Non Pro.
French rider Paola Benoit-Cattin de Longueil and her 2005 American Quarter Horse gelding Shining Step (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Spark N Pretty) placed second with a 212.
Reining action will close the day on Sunday with the Grand Prix Youth 13&Under and Youth 14-18 followed by 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.
Follow the action live:
Live stream: https://equitalyon.tv/
Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=979
Photos by 2021 NRHA European Derby Official Photographer Wanted Photo
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
NRHA European Derby Ancillary Action in Lyon
Ann Fonck
Lyon, October 29–Following the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby Open and Non Pro Qualifiers, horses and riders who made the Finals took a day off in sunny Lyon, France, where the event presented by Markel Insurance and sponsored by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses is taking place.
Tiara Van Dongen
Friday at Equita Lyon offered the first NRHA ancillary classes. A thrilling $12,150-added NRHA Equita Lyon Grand Prix Open saw NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck take the win riding Shines Like Spook, a 2016 American Quarter Horse gelding by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook out of NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Shines, owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner and Hall of Famer Rosanne Sternberg. The pair performed to a 223.5.
Tiara Van Dongen
With a 222 score reserve spot went to 2019 NRHA Intermediate Open World Champions Klaus Lechner and 16-year-old stallion Cody Rooster Delmaso (Ricochet Rooster x Made Of Lacy) owned by Julia Gaupmann Lechner.
Belgian Tiara Van Dongen and Mr Gun WR San Jo, a 2009 American Quarter Horse stallion by San Jo Freckles out of Smokes Covergirl, rode to a 221.5 for owner Marleen Suttels. The duo claimed first place honors in the $6,075-added Equita Lyon Grand Prix NRHA Intermediate Open presented by Elementa and $498-added Limited Open presented by Nice Horse Fashion.
Adrienne Speidel
Van Dongen also clinched the $3,770-added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Open Chrome Cash Incentive Program presented by Arcese Quarter Horses & Gunnatrashya, aboard her second mount, Wimpy Special Gun, a 2014 double registered AQHA/APHA mare (One Gun x Ruff And Tuff Wimpy), owned by Sandra Smetsers.
Ingrid Vermeiren
Adrienne Speidel and her own ARC Walla Smart (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Please Pass The Chic) scored a 213.5 to win the $2,430-added Grand Prix NRHA Intermediate Non Pro presented by Elementa.
In the Prime Time Non Pro, first place honors were for Ingrid Vermeiren riding Spook N Ruff, a 2009 American Quarter Horse stallion by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook out of Shine On Ruff owned by CODAN NV. The duo also placed second in the Intermediate Non Pro.
Reining action will continue on Saturday, October 30, with the $6,075-added Equita Lyon Grand Prix NRHA Non Pro run concurrently with the APHA Chrome Cash Amateur and the $498-added NRHA Limited Non Pro.
Closing the day will be the $114,000-added NRHA European Derby Open Finals presented by LL Tecnologie where the first 2021 Derby Champions will be crowned. The Non Pro Derby Finals will close the event on Sunday afternoon.
Follow the action live:
Live stream: https://equitalyon.tv/
Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=979
Photos by 2021 NRHA European Derby Official Photographer Wanted Photo
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com