News
Verschueren and Smart Little Ruffle Lead the 2021 NRHA European Derby Non Pro Qualifier
Dries Verschueren
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.
Bo Brutsaert
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.
Pauline Engel
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).
Stephanie Blessing
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
Cira Baeck and Phantom Face Lead the NRHA European Open Derby Qualifier
Cira Baeck
Lyon, October 27—The National Reining Horse Asociation (NRHA) European Derby presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Markel—Official Insurance Partner of NRHA— officially opened the doors to competition in Equita Lyon, Lyon, France, today. Open riders vying for the $114,000*-added Euro Derby titles showed in the qualifier which counted 80 horse-rider combinations entered in the four levels.
Markus Gebert
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cira Baeck of Belgium riding Phantom Face, a 2013 stallion by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit out of Gorgeous Like A Star, scored a 223 for owner by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci to top the Level (L)4.
It took a 220.5 to top the L3 division. Performing to the score was Markus Gebert of Austria aboard Spooks Gotta Deal, a 2015 American Quarter Horse mare by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun out of The Rio Deal, owned by Lisa Schlatter.
Roberta Dubini
Topping the L2 division was Italian Roberta Dubini riding Magnum Chic N Chex, a 2014 American Quarter Horse mare owned by Lara Lorengo by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out Buenonics Doughter.
Lena-Marie Maas, assistant trainer at Italian Quarter Dream, rode Gunnersbabe, a
2015 American Quarter Horse mare by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Shine Like A Babe owned by Bartolomeo Rubino.
Lena-Marie Maas
Held concurrent with the NRHA European Derby Open Qualifier was the inaugural European €1.750-ADDED American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Derby Level 4 Open Chrome Cash Incentive presented by APHA and Volker Schmitt Reining Horses.
Thursday will feature the 66,000€-added* NRHA European Non Pro Derby Qualifier. To follow the action live, click below:
For the livescore, click here
For the Livestream, click here
Photos by Wanted Photos
Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
For futher info NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
2021 NRHA European Derby
Lyon, October 26—Open to 5, 6, 7, and 8-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA European Nomination Program, the 2021 National Reining Horse Association(NRHA) 114,000€-added* Open and 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, will be taking place at Equita Lyon in Lyon, France.
Celebrating its eleventh anniversary, the prestigious NRHA owned event will feature the Open Euro Derby qualifier— counting 80 horse-rider combinations entered across the four levels— on Wednesday, October 26. Finalists will then make their way to the finals on Saturday, October 30.
Officially opening to the public on Thursday, October 28, Equita Lyon will welcome 55 Non Professional riders entered in the four levels competing to qualify for a spot in the finals which will take place on the final day of the internationally renowned horse fair on Sunday, October 31.
Making its debut in Europe this year is the inaugural NRHA Alliance Partner APHA (American Paint Horse Association) Chrome Cash Incentive Program rewards—an innovative incentive program for registered Paints offered as a class in class at select NRHA, NCHA, NRCHA, ACHA, WCHA and APHA events. During the European Derby, Chrome Cash will pay out €10.000 in added prize money exclusively to registered Paint Horses in four classes: €3.250 APHA Open Chrome Cash Incentive presented by Arcese Quarter Horses & Gunnatrasha (run concurrent with the €10,000-added NRHA Open); €3.250 APHA Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive presented by Phantom Face Dunnit (run concurrent with the €5,000-added NRHA Non Pro); €1.750 APHA Derby Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive resented by APHA & Volker Schmitt Reining Horses (run concurrent with the €45,000-added Level (L)4 Open Derby go-round); and the €1.750 APHA Derby Non-Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive presented by APHA & Jinetes Del Cielo (run concurrent with the €26,000 L4 Non Pro Derby go-round). Horses may be entered until the day before the show.
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
As horses and riders prepare for the 2021 edition of the European Derby, APHA’s Chrome Cash Incentive Program makes its European debut in Lyon
2021 NRHA European Derby:
As horses and riders prepare for the 2021 edition of the European Derby, APHA’s Chrome Cash Incentive Program makes its European debut in Lyon
Lyon, October 12—This year the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby returns to one of Europe’s biggest international horse trade fairs: Equita Lyon.
The renowned horse exhibition held in Lyon, France—which generally brings together over 170,000 visitors over the four days—was cancelled due to COVID in 2019. This year, the motto is “bringing people together again,” and reiners are joining in!
Open to 5, 6, 7, and 8-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA European Nomination Program, reiners will be vying for the 114,000€-added* Open and 66,000€-added* Non Pro Derby Championships (*subject to change in nominations) presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Insurance with the support of gold sponsor, NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses. NRHA representatives will be present in Lyon at the NRHA booth.
Making its debut in Europe this year is the inaugural NRHA Alliance Partner APHA (American Paint Horse Association) Chrome Cash Incentive Program rewards—an innovative incentive program for registered Paints offered as a class in class at select NRHA, NCHA, NRCHA, ACHA, WCHA and APHA events. During the European Derby, Chrome Cash will pay out €10.000 in added prize money exclusively to registered Paint Horses in four classes:
€3.250 APHA Open Chrome Cash Incentive presented by Arcese Quarter Horses & Gunnatrasha (run concurrent with the €10,000-added NRHA Open); €3.250 APHA Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive presented by Phantom Face Dunnit (run concurrent with the €5,000-added NRHA Non Pro); €1.750 APHA Derby Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive resented by APHA & Volker Schmitt Reining Horses (run concurrent with the €45,000-added Level (L)4 Open Derby go-round); and the €1.750 APHA Derby Non-Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive presented by APHA & Jinetes Del Cielo (run concurrent with the €26,000 L4 Non Pro Derby go-round). Horses may be entered until the day before the show. APHA representatives will be at the APHA booth in the Western Hall at Equita Lyon for on-site memberships, transfers, duplicate certificates and more.
For online entries and NRHA European Derby late entries click here https://www.showmanager.info/Livescore/Documents/doc_979_210826034603.pdf
For further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
NRHA Euro Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
2020 Colonels Shining Gun NRHA European Derby Open Finals: Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun Do It Again!
Wiener Neustadt, July 3–The $112,700-added Colonels Shining Gun NRHA European Open Derby finals closed the 2020 edition of the European event.
Nico Sicuro
Draw #4 in the second section, Nico Sicuro and Quarter Dream’s Colonels Dancing Gun set the bar by scoring a 221.5. Twenty horses later, their score held, securing the $45,000-added Level (L)4 European Derby Open Championship as well as the $24.300 paycheck for first place.
The talented 7-year-old stallion sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Dance Little Spook, owned and nominated by Quarter Dream SRL, was in the breeding shed at Frozen Partners in Germany and then made his way to Puglia, Italy, where Sicuro is head trainer for Quarter Dream. As the Italian professional had mentioned following his top score in the qualifier, the Euro Derby was the first ‘real’ show together. “I am thrilled and won’t hide the fact that waiting for 20 horses to go after me was not easy,” said a smiling Sicuro. “There were quite a few strong horses and riders after us and there were a couple of maneuvers today that weren’t perfect and our score wasn’t that high. He’s a great horse and was great today, I guess I didn’t communicate too well with him and once again he proved how special he is!”
Taking reserve honors a half a point behind were 2019 NRHA European Derby L4 Open Champions NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck and Diego Dalla Gassa’s Gunners Specialolena (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Dolly Jac Olena), a 2014 American Quarter Horse mare bred and nominated by Luigi Parise.
Sebastiano Valtorta
The $33,800-added L3 and $22,533-added L2 Open Derby Championships were all about Italian Sebastiano Valtorta riding Four Season Whiz (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz x Dun It Preciously), a 2013 AQHA gelding bred and nominated by Luga Quarter Horses and owned by Luca Mauri. “Everything went according to plans even though I didn’t trust him enough in the stops and I should have!” said Valtorta. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He’s eight years old now, I’ve had him for the past four years and every time I’ve shown him, we placed. He’s made the difference in my career and I can’t thank him and his owner enough for all that they’ve given me.”
The L3 and L2 Reserve Championship was for Dutch Petra Van Ede riding Cee U In Tinseltown (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Miss Wimpy Hollywood), a 2014 American Quarter Horse mare bred and owned by Gisela Haas and
nominated by Paulus Beurskens.
Lars Suechting
The $11,267-added L1 Championship went to Lars Suechting riding JF What A Ruf Juice (Ruf Dun It x What A Juicy Chic), a 9-year-old stallion owned by Markus Suechting, bred and nominated by Frank Huchzermeier. “I would describe my ride as being very solid, not over paced and my horse gave me exactly what was needed for this show,” said the German professional. “I started him as a 2-year-old, have had him in training ever since, and he’s been good-minded and honest all the way. Every single year I earned a title with him.”
Suechting shared that a fundamental part of his and his brother’s [Markus] training program is that they try to keep their horses as fresh-minded and as well trained as they can so as to get solid scores.
Tying for the L1 Reserve Championship with a 210.5 score was Swiss Philipp Kueng riding Shine On Pretty Whiz (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shine A Belle), a 2015 gelding owned by Romina Kueng, bred by Carluccio Orsi, and nominated by Greenway Stables, and Italian Alessandro Roasio riding NRHA/Markel Sale Grad Il Be Automatic (NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Hickadora). The 2015 AQHA gelding was bred by David Pratt, nominated by Quarter Dream SRL, and is owned by Norbert Juhász.
Once the curtain fell on the 2020 NRHA Euro Derby, organizer Otto Ziefreund was pleased with the outcome. “The 2020 event was supposed to be held in the renowned fairgrounds in Wels, Austria. Due to the pandemic, the show was postponed to 2021 and at the very last minute was canceled,” he said. “We were very fortunate to have Helmut and Dennis Schulz offer their facility as host, and I would personally like to thank them. I never lost faith in the fact that this event could successfully be held this year; the numbers and the support of all our sponsors speak for themselves and a big thank you goes to all. I truly hope that our bid to host the 2022 NRHA European Futurity in Wels will be accepted.”
NRHA European Open Derby Finalists / Markel Sale Graduates:
Bugs At Nite (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Scats Ebony Shiner) ridden by Czech Jonas Bujnoch, owned by Renata Rudolecka, bred and nominated by Sheryl Kaefer.
(2016 Marketplace Sale; Gary Putman, Agent; Filippo Masi, Buyer)
Wrapped In Tinsel (Hollywoodstinseltown x Smart Shiney Lena) ridden by German Oliver Stein, owned by Kathrin Schuette, bred by Butch Coggins, nominated by Elizabeth Weston.
(2016 NRHA/Markel Select Yearling Sale; Consigner Kyle Ranch; Sylivia Rzepka, Agent for Buyer)
Hey Joe (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Best Stop) ridden by Belgian Nimroid Vannietvelt, owned by Steve Vannietvelt and Gina De Pauw, bred and nominated by Wagman Ranc Inc.
(2014 NRHA/Markel Select Yearling; Consigner Wagman Ranch, Inc.; 4V Livestock LLC, Buyer)
II Be Automatic (Magnum Chic Dream x Hickadora) ridden by Alessandro Roasio of Italy, owned by Norbetrt Juház, bred by David Pratt, nominated by Quarter Dream SRL.
(2017 NRHA/Markel Futurity Prospect Sale; Bobby Avila Jr., Agent for David Pratt; Quarter Dream SRL, Buyer)
Spooks Gotta Deal (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x The Rio Deal) ridden by Markus Gebert, owned by Lisa Schlatter an nominated by Bur Oak LLC.
(2016 NRHA/Markel Marketplace Sale; Cinder Lakes Ranch, Agent; Iris Petchening, Buyer)
All American Vintage (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x All Ruffed Up) ridden by Italy’s Gennaro Lendi owned by Eyal Carmon, bred by Petra Zeitler and nominated by Gennaro Lendi.
(2016 NRHA/Markel Futurity Prospect Sale; Withdrawn; Tallone Reining Horses Consignor)
Walla Whiz A Dun It (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x The Bun Is Dun) ridden and nominated by Gal Grahelj of Slovakia owned by Katja Zrimsek, bred by Susan Jones.
(2016 NRHA/Markel Marketplace Sale; Heritage Farms, Agent; Gal Grahecj, Buyer)
Saturday Ancillary Action
$1,200-added NRHA Non Pro
Tina Kuenstner-Mantl riding Mizzfire (Gunner x West Coast Mizzen)
2011 AQHA stallion owned by Jacpoint QH – score 214
$600-added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro
$400-added NRHA Limited Non Pro
Rudolf Maurer riding his own 2015 gelding Tinseltownconnection (Hollywoodstinseltown x Smart Connection) – score 212.5
For further information: www.NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
Ferrarol and Wimpy Margarita Are 2020 Smart Spook NRHA European Derby Non Pro Champions
Wiener Neustadt, July 2— The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) $48,000-added* Smart Spook European Non Pro Derby held at Western Training Center H&D Schulz in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, provided thrills and excitement.
Francesca Ferrarol
Until Francesca Ferrarol and her Wimpy Margarita, owned and nominated by her father Maurizio Ferrarol, rode in the pen with one horse left to go in the Finals, two riders had posted a 214.5 for the lead: Gina Schumacher with Little Joe Rush and Wolfgang Hammer aboard Call Me Lil Josie.
The 18-year-old Italian rider and her stallion by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Custom Margarita (by Custom Crome) had won both the $19,200- added* Level (L)4 and $14,400-added* L3 qualifier. Determined to take the title, the duo came back strong, riding to the Championship and to the $12,150 guaranteed paycheck. “All I can say is ‘thank you Wimpys Margarita,’” said an emotional Ferrarol about her NRHA/Markel Sales Graduate. “I couldn’t be more blessed and, as I said after the go round, he was the coolest horse at our place and I never thought I would ever be able to show him. Thanks to my dad, who believed in us, we managed to win the L3, 2, and 1 Non Pro divisions at the 2019 edition of the NRHA European Derby. We would have won the level 4 division had we entered and now, his performance today made up for that.” Once again Ferrarol thanked her trainer past NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion Guglielmo Fontana who, in turn, had three words to say: “They deserve it!”
Nikolai Stiller
Schumacher and her NRHA/Markel Sales Graduate Lil Joe Rush (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x Rush N Cat), a 2015 American Quarter Horse gelding bred by Lorenzo Lotti, nominated by Prospects Unlimited, LLC, owned by CS Ranch Management SA, and Hammer riding his own Call Me Lil Josie (NRHA Million Dollar sire Lil Joe Cash x Call Me N Hollywood), a 2015 American Quarter Horse mare bred by Sergio Elia and nominated by Wolfgang Hammer tied for the L4 Non Pro Reserve Championship.
Tying for the L3 Non Pro Reserve Championship with a 214 score was Enrico Sciulli of Italy riding his own SH Spooksgottabadger (Que Peseta x Shot Gun Shea), a 2015 American Quarter Horse stallion, nominated by Staffoli Horses SNC, and Dutch Suzanne Scharroo riding her own Shortyslittlestep BB (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Short Rooster), a 2014 American Quarter Horse gelding bred and nominated by Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck.
Markus Spreitzhofer
Three riders decided to run off for the $9,600-added* L2 after posting a 213.5: Nikolai Stiller riding his own Hollywood Gunrunner (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dun It For Missy), a 2012 double-registered AQHA and APHA mare bred by James Frahm, nominated by Rudi Kronsteiner; Markus Spreitzhofer riding his own Cant Hide A Gun (The Big Gun x Cattrena), a 2013 APHA gelding bred by Robert Windisch and nominated by Spreitzhofer; and Jürgen Pritz riding his own Rose of Mercedes (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes x Smooth Star Freckles), a 2013 AQHA mare nominated by Pritz.
Following the run off, the latter took the win with a run paid back by the judges with a 215.5. “This is simply amazing. Winning this title is unbelievable,” said Pritz who has had his mare since she was a yearling. “She’s 8-year-old now and has always been great to show. The best thing about her is that she is always calm and always perfect!”
Jürgen Pritz
Spreitzhofer and Stiller settled for the Reserve Championship after scoring a 213 and 212 respectively and also agreed to tie for the $4,800-added* L1. “We decided to tie for the level 1 and run for the level 2 because it was fair on the horses to do so,” said Stiller who also tied to win the L1 and 2 qualifier with his mount. “This mare who I’ve had since she was a yearling has been so good in the past two years and I am thrilled with these results tonight.”
Spreithofer was also happy with his rides and the Championships. “He’s an 8-year-old gelding who I paid in last year and he was so good,” he said. “He did well in the go round and tonight. He’s so easy to ride and has a huge heart.”
NRHA $112,000-added* Colonels Shining Gun European Derby Open finals will conclude the tenth edition of the Euro Derby on Saturday, July 3. The riders will be vying for the Championship titles as well as a guaranteed $24.300 paycheck for the L4 Open Champion. The 2020 European Derby is open to 6-7-8 and 9-year old horses.
(*subject to change in nominations)
FRIDAY ANCILLARY ACTION
NRHA Youth 13 & Under – Tie with a 206 score
Sophie-Marie Muendl riding Star Miss Dunitwhiz (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz x Gk Hollywoodshowtime), owned by Sonja Muendl
Emanuel Gebert riding his own Gunnalittlestep (NRHA Four Million Dollar sire Gunnatrashya x Gay Jays Little Step)
NRHA Youth 13 & Under – 208 score
Alice Baldazzi riding Holly Jolly Whiz (Whiz Ruf Peppy x Smart Dolly Hickory)
owned by Ettore Baldazzi
$1,600-added NRHA Open – 217.5 score
Klaus Lechner riding Cody Rooster Delmaso (Ricochet Rooster x Made Of Lacy)
owned by Julia Gaupmann-Lechner
$700-added NRHA Intermediate Open – 214 score
Patryk Peszke riding HA Handsome Harry (NRHA Two Million Dollar sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chick Peas) owned by Bernice Engel
$500-added NRHA Limited Open – 209.5
Morgane Bohu riding MLC Whiz On Top (Sail On Top Whizard x CDS Frozzy Sail Spat)
owned by Danielle Dhinaut
Photos by NRHA Euro Derby Official Photographer Tom Hautmann
For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanderby.com
To follow the action live:
https://rh-video.de/livestreaming
To follow the live score:
https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1050
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
The NRHA European Open Derby Qualifier: Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun Top the Leaderboard
Wiener Neustadt, July 1—The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) $112,000-added* Colonels Shining Gun Open Derby, held in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, counted 90 horse-rider combinations across the four levels.
Nico Sicuro
In the first section of the $44,800-added* L4 Open Derby qualifier, Italian Nico Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun performed to a 223: Their score held to lead the Level (L)4 Open qualifier securing them a place in the Finals. Until February, the talented 7-year-old stallion sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Dance Little Spook, owned and nominated by Quarter Dream SRL, was in the breeding shed at Frozen Partners in Germany and then made his way to Puglia, Italy, where Sicuro is head trainer for Quarter Dream. “It’s my first ‘serious’ show with him,” said the 25-year-old about his mount who was shown by Franco Bertolani and Andrea Fappani in the U.S., by Gennaro Lendi both in the U.S. and in Europe, and by Markus Gebert in Europe. “I rode him at a regional show to get the feel of how he would be in the arena and I will not hide the fact that I was a little concerned. He proved me wrong! He’s a super cool horse and I must admit that I’ve never ridden a horse like him. He’s so aggressive in the show pen, wants to do well, and I just have a lot of fun riding him.”
Gal Grahelj
On top of the $33,600-added*L3 and $22,400-added*L2 was Gal Grahelj riding Walla Whiz A Dun It (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x The Bun Is Dun), a 6-year-old stallion owned by Katja Zrimsek, bred by Susan Jones and nominated by Grahelj. The pair closed their run with a 219 score. “Today’s a wonderful day: Our stallion did it again!” said Grahelj about his mount purchased as a 2-year-old in the Markel Prospect Sale. “He was with me all the way, was really relaxed, and once again proved how great he is. Not only did we top levels 3 and 2, we also made the level 4 finals.” The Slovenian professional trained the horse and went on to win the 2018 Italian Reining Horse Association L2 and L1 Open Futurity. “Since his Italian Futurity win, he’s become more and more solid and now I can say that I am the one learning from him and not vice-versa.”
Tying to lead the $11,200-added*L1 European Derby Open qualifier with a 215.5 score was Gisela Denk of Austria and Alessandro Roasio of Italy, now based in Hungary, near Budapest, at BL Farm.
Gisela Denk
Denk rode Shinedeninger (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Shining Whiz), a 7-year-old mare owned by Gernot Kuttner, bred and nominated by Katarzyna Roleska. “My boyfriend [Gerot Kuttner] and I actually purchased this amazing mare for him. They didn’t get on very well together—he only rode her three times— so the reins passed on to me,” shared Denk who has been showing Shinedeninger successfully in European arenas. “She’s been in training with me since and always tries to do her best. Today we had an underscore penalty, but that was totally my fault. I’m really looking forward to the finals now.”
Alessandro Roasio
Roasio piloted Il Be Automatic (NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Hickadora), a 6-year-old gelding owned Norbert Juhász, bred by David Pratt and nominated by Quarter Dream SRL. “I’m really happy also because I never thought he would do so well,” said Roasio. “It’s our first show together and he was really honest. The cool thing about this horse is that one of our clients, who was looking for a trail horse, purchased him on the net. They didn’t get on very well together and that’s when we decided to give reining a chance…and chance was on our side!”
Colonels Shining Gun NRHA European Derby Open Bubble score:
Level 4 – (entries 24) – 216
Level 3 – (entries 29) – 215
Level 2 – (entries 31) – 213
Level 1 – (entries 15) – 208
Open finalists will make their way to the show arena on Saturday, July 3, vying for the Championship titles as well as a guaranteed $24.300 paycheck for the L4 Open Champion.
The Smart Spook NRHA European Derby Non Pro Finals will take place on Friday, July 2, at 3 p.m. Non Pro finalists will battle their way to earn the prestigious titles in the Western Training Center H&D Schulz arena where the Level 4 Non Pro Champion will also take home the $12,150 guaranteed paycheck.
(*subject to change in nominations)
Photos by NRHA Euro Derby Official Photographer Tom Hautmann
For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanderby.com
To follow the action live:
To follow the live score:
https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1050
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
Ferrarol and Wimpy Margarita Top the 2020 Smart Spook NRHA European Non Pro Derby Qualifier
Wiener Neustadt, June 30—The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) $48,000-added* Smart Spook European Non Pro Derby qualifier filled the day at Western Training Center H&D Schulz in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, with 79 horse-rider combinations making their way through the in-gate.
Francesca Ferrarol
Riding to the top spot with a 217.5 score in both the $19,200- added* Level (L)4 and the $14,400-added* L3— counting 23 and 30 entries respectively—was Italian Francesca Ferrarol riding Wimpy Margarita (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Custom Margarita x Custom Crome), a stallion nominated by her father Maurizio Ferrarol and bred by Judy Box. The duo had captured the Levels 3, 2, and 1 Championships in the last edition of the NRHA European Derby (in 2019)
“I’m really happy even though I must admit that last night I was a little worried, especially after the long break,” said Ferrarol. “Today he was super and I already felt he was good in the warm up pen. Once again I have to stress the fact that he has a huge heart and always gives me everything. I started riding him in 2018—until then he was ‘the cool horse we had at home!’ My dad finally decided to let me ride him and I’m truly blessed.” The young rider was quick to give her trainer, Italian professional past NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion Guglielmo Fontana, credit for the work done with her and her horse. “Guglielmo is amazing,” she added. “He’s always reassuring, even in the most difficult moments, and that’s exceptional.”
Sara Karasova
Tying to win the $9,600-added* L2 and the $4,800-added* L1 Non Pro division—counting 23 and 27 entries respectively—were Sara Karasova of the Czech Republic and Nikolai Stiller of Germany.
Karasova rode her KH Yankee Step (Rowdy Yankee x Step A Little Closer x Wimpys Little Step), a 6-year-old gelding nominated by Franz Lechner, to a 214 score. The 17-year-old who started showing reining horses five years ago was thrilled with her horse and their performance. “We purchased this horse from Franz Lechner two years ago and fell in love with him immediately,” said Karasova who has been riding with Czech trainer Jonáš Bujnoch for the past four years. “I showed him at the Italian Futurity but unfortunately didn’t make the finals. In 2019 we were reserve champions in the Level 1 ARHA Futurity, our first international show, and it’s great to be able to make the finals here. My thanks go to Jonáš for always being so supportive, from the beginning when I didn’t have a clue. Huge thanks to my family who is amazing: My father Tomáš, my mother Iveta, and my sister Thea.”
Nikolai Stiller
Stiller reined his own Hollywood Gunrunner (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dun It For Missy), an American Paint Horse mare bred by James Frahm and nominated by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Rudi Kronsteiner, to the same score. “We purchased her when she was six months old,” said Stiller. “She’s always been very nice but has a really strong personality. I rode with [German professional] Jurgen Pouls for two years and after that, even though I ride her myself at home, I train with [NRHA Million Dollar Rider] Ann and [NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider] Bernard Fonck. Last year she was in training with them for a couple of months and since then, at least two weekends a year, I go ride at their place in Belgium.”
As Stiller states, the past two years have been very good for him and his mare. “We were Level 2 reserve champions at the Swiss Derby and last year took the IRHA Level 1 Derby Championship. The NRHA Breeders Derby was the cherry on the cake where we won all four levels in the qualifying go and also rode to the championship in all four levels.”
The Euro Derby Non Pro finals will be held on Friday, July 2. The L4 Non Pro Champion will take home a $12,150 guaranteed paycheck.
Smart Spook NRHA European Derby Non Pro Bubble score:
Level 4 – 211.5
Level 3 – 211
Level 2 – 210.5
Level 1 – 209.5
Thursday will welcome the NRHA $112,000-added* Colonels Shining Gun European Derby Open
Qualifier. Open finalists will make their way to the show arena on Saturday, July 3, vying for the Championship titles as well as a guaranteed $24.300 paycheck for the L4 Open Champion.
(*subject to change in nominations)
Photos by NRHA Euro Derby Official Photographer Tom Hautman
For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanderby.com
To follow the action live:
To follow the live score:
https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1050
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2020 NRHA European Derby Stage is Set
Wiener Neustadt, June 28—Europe’s best 6-7-8 and 9-year-old horses nominated in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Nomination Program have made their way to Wiener Neustadt, Austria, where the 2020 edition of the NRHA European Derby is being held.
On the first two days, riders vying for the (subject to change in nominations) €112.000-added Euro Derby Open and €48.000-added Non Pro titles have a chance to test the ground of the Western Training Center H&D Schulz arena in the Jackpot schooling classes.
Derby action is set to start on Wednesday, June 30, with the Smart Spook Euro Derby Non Pro qualifier. On Thursday, the Colonels Shining Gun Euro Derby Open go-round will determine the finalists. As announced by show manager, Otto Ziehfreund, a guaranteed payout of €20.000 and of €10.000 will be assigned to the Open and Non Pro Champions respectively. Due to the pandemic, the finals draw will be computer-generated.
The event, originally scheduled to be held last at the Western Horse Show in Wels, Austria, was rescheduled multiple times. “We are very happy to finally bring the show together here in Wiener Neustadt thanks to Helmut Schulz’s collaboration,” said Ziehfreund. “We wish all the very best to all the riders who are competing and would like to thank all the generous sponsors who contributed in making this event happen. We also look forward to being able to offer an NRHA owned event in Wels next year.”
For further information: nrhaeuropeanderby.com
To follow the action live:
https://rhvideo.de/livestreaming?fbclid=IwAR3wQINjTvCP4LlkoTyYLJpuAAqnQo95PpnbxpWIE9IDGOgxX9qB3IQt1NY
To follow the live score:
https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1050
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629
2020 NRHA European Derby Entry Deadline
Wiener Neustadt, June 2—The 2020 edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby will be held at Western Training Center H&D Schulz Quarter Horses Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on June 28 – July 3, 2021.
Originally scheduled to be held in May during the Western Horse Show Fair in Wels, Austria,—and following cancellation of the same due to COVID restrictions—Austrian Reining Horse Association (ARHA) President Helmut Schulz of Western Training Center graciously offered his facility to host the €106,200-added* Colonels Shining Gun Open Derby and €45,510-added* Smart Spook Non Pro Derby (*subject to change in nominations).
The event presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Markel, Official Equine Insurance Partner of NRHA, is open to NRHA nominated horses that are 6 to 9 years old and will be held behind closed doors.
The entry deadline is June 10, 2021.
For online entries click here or email Show Secretary Andrea Papaianni: shows@ai-pap.com
The 2021 NRHA European Derby will be held in Lyon, France in conjunction with Longines Equita Lyon October 27–31, 2021. This event will be open to NRHA nominated horses that are 5 to 8 years old in 2021.
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com