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2020 NRHA European Open Futurity: And the Winners are Manuel Cortesi and AR Vintage Dream!

May 21, 2021

Manuel Cortesi

Cremona, May 20—The 2020 edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity, held concurrently with the 2020 IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Futurity in Cremona, Italy, wrapped up on Thursday night with the €160.623,00-added European Futurity Open Finals.

Nailing the €71.000,00-added Level (L)4 Open and €48.000,00-added L3 Championships with a strong performance paid back by the judges with a 223.5 was Manuel Cortesi of Italy riding AR Vintage Dream owned by Azienda Agricola Cortesi Pietro. The duo had tied to lead the qualifier and bettered his score by a point and a half in the Finals. “This is truly a great horse who has always shown me how generous he is,” said Cortesi about his mount by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage out of Sweet Candy Dream. “He was bred by Luigi Parise and nominated by Elisabetta Raviola, who we purchased him from as a 2-year-old. I’ve had him in training since and showed him at the 2019 IRHA Open Futurity where we had the highest composite score after the go rounds. Unfortunately, he had an injury the night before the finals and we had to retire him from competition for a while. Because of the pandemic, he had more time to reach tip-top condition and after showing him for the first time at a regional show a month ago, we came back to Cremona to make up for the lost time and I am thrilled because he truly deserves this!” The pair also took home the 2020 IRHA 4-year-old L4 Open Futurity title.

Gilles Huyghe

Taking reserve honors a point behind was Gennaro Lendi—who qualified all three of his mounts in the Finals—riding Davide Rossi’s Hollywood Dr, a stallion by Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Mistopsail Hollywood bred and owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses.

Gilles Huyghe of Belgium and Christian Baldelli of Italy—who both scored a 217.5—chose to share the €27.548,00-added L2 European Futurity Open Championship. Assistant for Fonck Performance Horses, Huyghe rode Smart Spooky Joe a gelding by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash out of Spookody, bred, owned, and nominated by Jean Louis Coutrot. “We were actually preparing him for Bernard [Fonck] to show here but we then decided that the reins would pass on to me,” said the young professional. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and am thankful that this adventure ended with a co-championship. He’s one of my favorite horses: He’s a fun horse at home, always acts really happy, and is super sweet-minded.”

Christian Baldelli

Baldelli rode Claudia Rizzola’s Step In The Night, a gelding by Saturday Night Custom out of Wimpys Surprize Chex bred and nominated by Ambrosini Quarter Horses. “It’s all really emotional and I still cannot believe that this long-awaited Futurity has finally taken place,” said Baldelli who qualified his mount for the levels 4, 3, and 2 Finals. “It’s too bad we incurred in a penalty tonight, but I am super happy with this result for the horse and for his owners. He’s a gentle big horse with an even bigger heart we purchased last year to show in the Euro Futurity. He will probably be shown by his owner in the [IRHA] Non Pro Derby and I am hoping to be able to show him again in the near future.” The duo also took the IRHA 4-year-old L2 Open Futurity Championship.

The €14.074,00-added L1 Open also saw two riders that chose to share the title with a 213.5 score: Giulia Mandaletti and Andrea Costa. The first rode her own Miss Dr Feel Good (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Miss Doctor Whiz), a sorrel mare bred and nominated by Andrea Castelli. “She is homebred and is out of a mare that my boyfriend Andrea [Castelli] used to ride,” said Mandaletti about her mount who was trained and shown by Mattia Nadalini as a 3-year-old. “I am very excited to have had the chance to ride her here. Last year I started riding her myself under Nadalini’s supervision. She is a very sensitive mare and having started riding her not too long ago, we are still getting to know each other. The finals here went much better than the qualifier. I had a lot of fun and I really hope to be able to show her at the Derby too.”

Giulia Mandaletti

RR Branding Star, an American Paint Horse by past NRHA Open Futurity Champion RR Star out of As I Want, was originally supposed to have been shown at the Euro Futurity by his owner Melaine Cartier. In training with Andrea Costa since the end of last year, and not having had the chance to show during the pandemic, the decision that Costa would keep the reins was made. “I had never shown him prior to this event, but I’m thrilled this decision was taken,” shared Costa. “He was trained by Giovanni Masi who showed him in the 2019 IRHA Open Futurity. He’s a huge stopper, good-minded, and is very talented. We have not made future plans yet and don’t know whether it will be Melanie or I at the reins, but I do hope to show him again eventually.”

Andrea Costa

The successful 2020 edition of the NRHA European Futurity managed by IRHA came to a close once the last rider in the Open division left the arena on Thursday night. Due to the pandemic, it was held concurrently with the 2020 IRHA Futurity at CremonaFiere and was run following strict COVID and EHV-1 protocols. NRHA and IRHA would like to thank Euro Futurity main sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Markel, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA, gold sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses, as well as the nominators, breeders, owners, and riders who once again contributed to supporting the event.

The 2021 NRHA European Futurity will be held in Cremona, Italy, on November 13-20.

Photos by Bonaga Communication

For further information www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

By NRHA European Futurity Media Contact Simona Diale/International Horse Press

2020 NRHA European Non Pro Futurity: One Mr JJ Slides Gina Schumacher To The Win

Cremona, May 20— “I was really lucky this event was postponed,” said a thrilled Gina Schumacher who at first didn’t think she would be able to show in the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity held in Cremona, Italy, in conjunction with the 2020 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) Futurity and Italian Championship Finals.

The young German rider not only made it to Italy, she performed to the highest score— a 223.5— in the qualifying go round, rode to top honors in the NRHA European Futurity Level (L)4 Non Pro Finals, all aboard One Mr JJ (Colonels Shining Gun x QHR Jamaica Express), where she also claimed reserve honors. “I showed ‘JJ,’ in the NRHA Non Pro Futurity in the U.S., where we made the finals, and then went on to show him in the U.S. He only arrived in Europe five days before this show, and that was a big gamble,” said Schumacher about the stallion owned and nominated by XCS Ranch LLC and bred by Brent Loseke. “I’m really happy it worked out and he was truly amazing here from day one. I have to thank Ann and Bernard Fonck for following up our training before coming here, and during the show. Now the plan is to go to some schooling shows and see what will come up for us.”

Schumacher also took L4 reserve honors with a 220.5 riding CS Wallawallaboom, a gelding by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz out of Cheeky Boom, owned and nominated by XCS Ranch LLC.

Belgian Bo Brutsaert and her KB CJ Gun, owned by her father Koen, closed her run with a 216 to win both the L3 and L2 Non Pro Championships. “This is the first horse by my old stallion SJ Whiz and out of one of my mares [KB Jenny Whiz A Gun], so I’m super excited,” said Brutsaert who also won the 2020 IRHA 4-year-old L2 Non Pro Futurity with her mount, bred by Bruko Reining and nominated by Koen Brutsaert. “We didn’t show that much due to the pandemic and I’m super happy to be back in the show pen even though, without having the opportunity to practice I was also a little scared before going in. I ride with Kim Obenhaus, who trained the mare since she was a 3-year-old, and this is her very first big show. Even though she’s not super easy, it’s so much fun to ride and show her. I want to put some money on her, have her join our string of broodmares and continue with my stallion’s bloodline.”

Taking reserve honors in the L3 with a 215 score were Adrienne Speidel and her own CDC Cromed Resolve (Custom Del Cielo x Kaysolve), a stallion bred and nominated by Fabian Strebel. The duo also placed second in the IRHA 4-year-old L4 Non Pro Futurity Finals.

In the L2 division, Andrea Iannetta and Hollywood Gun Bodo (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x

Doc Snapper Bar), a mare nominated by Alessandro Bodei, claimed the Reserve Championship with a 214 as well as the IRHA 4-year-old L2 Non Pro Futurity reserve spot.

Choosing to tie for the L1 Co-Championship with a 212 score were Manuele Maggiorani and OT Skeetme (Skeets Dun x OT Tarisme), a gelding bred and nominated by Appaloosa SRL, and Rebecca Sudati riding Gun Spark Hollywood (One Gun x Duna Smoke), an American Paint Horse mare bred by Elisabetta Raviola and nominated by Manuel Balzani.

“He is a very good and solid horse”, commented Maggiorani. “He was born at Oliviero Toscani’s facility and was raised at KN Reining Resort where I have been riding under the guidance of Andrea Castrucci since last summer. This was a good show for us, we did better in the consolation run, but we also managed everything in the final. We will continue the program and I hope to be able to show him at the next Derby.”

Sudati was also pleased with her run. “I am so happy! I still don’t realize what we have accomplished. I have to thank Angelo Benedusi and Pamela who helped me find this special mare. She was trained by Genni Lazzarini, who I must also thank because she is truly wonderful to ride. My first go was a bit unlucky, as I got a little emotional, but made it and got a chance to run in the finals where everything worked out perfectly.”

Stephanie Blessing and Dance Gotta Gun (Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook), a mare owned by Grey Stone Ranch Germany GMBH bred and nominated by Quarter Dream captured the 2020 IRHA 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity Level 4 Championship scoring a 218.5 as well as third place honors in the Euro Futurity L4 Non Pro Finals which were run concurrently. “I’m super happy with these results,” she said. “We have had this mare since she was a 3-year-old and she already has €18.000 lifetime earnings (LTE). We are super happy with her and her upcoming babies. It’s amazing how this show has an incredible atmosphere even with the Covid-19 situation, we are so happy to be here!”

A special thank you to the NRHA European Futurity main sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Insurance, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA, and to Gold Sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses.

Photos by Bonaga Communication

For complete results click HERE

For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

2020 NRHA European Futurity Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

 

 

2020 NRHA European Futurity Consolation Tuesday

May 18, 2021

Markus Gebert and PL Spooks Gotta Whiz, Open Consolation top score

Cremona, May 18—The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity held in Cremona, Italy, in conjunction with the IRHA Futurity, wrapped up the qualifying process today with the Open and Non Pro Consolation. Those eligible to compete had one more chance to earn a ticket to the Finals.

Following a tight battle, the final contenders vying for the prestigious titles were determined bringing back 54 horse-rider combinations to the € 160,623,14-added European Open Futurity (17 in the L4; 20 in the L3; 20 in the L2; 14 in the L1) Finals and 37 to the €69.707,20-added Non Pro Futurity Finals (16 in the L4; 17 in the L3; 20 in the L2 and 18 in the L1).

The NRHA European Futurity is open to 4-year-old horses nominated in the NRHA European Nomination Program. The 2020 edition, postponed to 2021 following the pandemic, counted €135.810,00 nomination money in the Open and €58.204,29 in the Non Pro. A special thank you to the breeders who nominated their foals in the program, to presenting sponsor Markel Insurance, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA, and Gold Sponsor NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Reining Horses for their continuous support.

For Open Consolation results click here
For Non Pro Consolation results, click here

The NRHA European Futurity Open and Non Pro Finals will be held on Thursday, May 20, and will be held behind closed doors observing strict COVID and EHV-1 protocols. To follow the action online:

Livescore and full results:  https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1024

Livestream: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/e2eec26b-7144-f2c7-b0df-0153dcd0c24b/700a9c79-2f1c-cf5b-44b3-6ba65280613c

For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

Photo credit: Bonaga Communication

2020 NRHA European Futurity Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

Ann Fonck and Manuel Cortesi Slide to the Top Spot of the 2020 NRHA European Open Futurity and 2020 IRHA 4-year-old Open Futurity

May 16, 2021

Cremona, May 16—Following the second section of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Open Futurity held in Cremona, Italy, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck tied to win the Level (L)4 qualifying go round with Italy’s Manuel Cortesi.

Aboard NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and Two Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg’s Shines Like Spook, Fonck scored a 222. The talented gelding by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook out of NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Shines, bred and nominated by Sternberg, had already left his mark in the pen by winning the 2020 Belgium and German Breeders 4-year-old L4 Open Futurity with the Belgian professional in the saddle. “The last time we showed was in October last year and I must admit that I was a little worried. My horse was really nice for me; he’s super talented, athletic, and has matured so much since last year,” said Fonck with her trademark smile. “If you see him in the stall, you just walk by because he’s ‘just a small sorrel,’ but when your ride him, he’s amazing. I have to thank Rosanne [Sternberg] for her trust in our program and for always making me feel confident that everything will be alright!”

Fonck also qualified her second mount, Colonels Whize Gun (Colonels Shining Gun x Alicias Conquistador) for owners Anneliese and Hermann Meinhert. The gelding was bred and nominated by Voel van Dyk.

Closing the first section of the NRHA European Open Futurity with the top score of the day were Manuel Cortesi and AR Vintage Dream (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Sweet Candy Dream). With their 222 score, the duo also lead the L3 division of the European Open Futurity and tied to lead the €2.520,00-added IRHA 4-year-old L4 Open Futurity qualifier.

AR Vintage Dream, owned by Azienda Agricola Cortesi Piero, was bred by Luigi Parise and nominated by Elisabetta Raviola. “We purchased this horse as a yearling from our client Elisabetta [Raviola] so I trained him myself,” shared Cortesi. “In the beginning he didn’t seem as promising as he turned out to be. I showed him the first time in a regional pre futurity which we won. Together we earned reserve honors in the 2019 Austrian Open Futurity and also topped the composite go round rankings in the IRHA Open Futurity. Unfortunately, he was injured right after the qualifiers and wasn’t shown until a month ago, so I am really happy with the result here.” It’s two in the finals for Cortesi as well: The Italian professional also qualified Like A Showgirl (My Showbiz Whiz x Sliden Like A Winner) for owner Lenka Lukackova. The mare was bred and nominated by Ambrosini Quarter Horses.

Christian Baldelli of Italy topped the L2 European Open Futurity qualifier as well as the €1.480,00-added IRHA 4-year-old L2 Open Futurity go round riding Claudia Rizzola’s Step In The Night (Saturday Night Custom x Wimpys Surprise Chex), a gelding bred and nominated by Ambrosini Quarter Horses. “He’s a great horse and I’ve finally managed to show him. We’ve been waiting to show in this futurity since last year when we purchased him!” said Baldelli. “He showed us all how talented he is and I am certain he will be even better in the finals. The best thing about showing him is that we both had fun.”

Spooks Gotta Dance (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook), owned, bred and nominated by Quarter Dream, rode Lena Maas to top the L1 qualifier. “I started riding this horse a few months before the Belgium Futurity last year where we won the Level 1. We were really looking forward to this Futurity that was supposed to be held last year in November so I am really happy for how things went in the go round,” said an enthused Maas, assistant trainer at Quarter Dream. “I really like him a lot, he’s really honest, and since last year we’ve become a team. I wanted to have a clean run in the go round so as to make the finals: We did and now I’m truly looking forward to Thursday.”

Riders eligible for the Consolation will have the chance to earn their way to the NRHA European Open Futurity Finals on Tuesday, May 18. The Finals will be held on Thursday, May 20. 

The Numbers:

€160,623,14-added NRHA European Futurity Open

€71.000,00-added Level 4: 22 entries

€48.000,00-added Level 3: 24 entries

€27.548,76-added Level 2: 29 entries

€14,074,38-added Level 1: 13 entries

IRHA 4-year-old Open Futurity

€2.520,00-added Level 4: 16 entries

€1.480,00-added Level 2: 13 entries

The 2020 IRHA/IRHBA Futurity, run in conjunction with the NRHA European Futurity and FISE Reining Championship Finals, is held behind closed doors following COVID and EHV-1 protocols.

For those that would like to follow the action, see below:

Livescore and full results: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1024

Livestream: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/e2eec26b-7144-f2c7-b0df-0153dcd0c24b/700a9c79-2f1c-cf5b-44b3-6ba65280613c

For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

Photos by Bonaga Communication

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

2020 NRHA European Non Pro Futurity and IRHA 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity Finalists are Determined

May 15, 2021

Cremona, May 15—European reiners finally made their way to the show arena in Cremona, Italy, where the first day of competition of the first major event of the year offered the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Non Pro Futurity and Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity go round run concurrently.

Topping the Level (L)4 Non Pro division with a 218.5 score was Gina Schumacher riding One Mr JJ (Colonels Shining Gun x QHR Jamaica Express), owned and nominated by XCS Ranch LLC. Fresh off her Non Pro Derby win at the 2021 Cactus Reining Classic —as well as qualifying for the 2021 The Run For A Million Open—with Gunnastepya between the reins, the young German rider slid her way to the highest spot with One Mr JJ, a 5-year-old American Quarter Horse Stallion bred by Brent Loseke who she had also shown at the West World of Scottsdale event. Thrilled with having qualified her three horses for the finals, Schumacher was quick to thank NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck for all their help in Cremona.

With a 213.5, Roberta Gianformaggio of Italy rode her own One Shot One Nic (Rooster Nic x Smart Jacalope) to lead the L3 Non Pro division. The stallion, bred and nominated by Gianformaggio, was shown by his owner in the 2019 German and IRHA Futurity.

Jessica Sternberg and Andrea Iannetta tied to lead the L2 division with a 213 score. Sternberg of Great Britain rode A Ruff Spookin Gal, a mare by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook out of A Ruf Gal bred, owned and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg; Italy’s Iannetta rode his own Hollywood Gun Bodo (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Doc Snapper Bar), a mare nominated by Alessandro Bodei. Piero Priori of Italy rode Lil Joe Gun 246, a stallion by NRHA Lil Joe Cash out of Gunna Sing, bred and nominated by Priori, to top the L1 division.

On Tuesday, May 18, Consolation eligible riders will make their way back to the show arena for a chance to earn a ticket to the NRHA Euro Futurity Non Pro Finals which will be held on Thursday, May 20.

Stephanie Blessing of Germany and Dance Gotta Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook), owned by Grey Stone Ranch GMBH and bred by Quarter Dream, topped the IRHA 4-year-old Level 4 Non Pro Futurity qualifier with a 216. Sternberg with A Ruff Spookin Gal and Iannetta with Hollywood Gun Bodo, tied to top the L2 division.

The first section of the NRHA European Open Futurity closed the day with Manuel Cortesi and AR Vintage Dream (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Sweet Candy Dream), posting a 222—the highest score of the day— to lead the L4 Open division as well as the IRHA 4-year-old L4 Open Futurity. The sorrel stallion, owned by Azienda Agricola Cortesi Piero, was bred by Luigi Parise and nominated by Elisabetta Raviola. The second section will start the day on Sunday, May 16 and will be followed by the 2020 Quarter Dream IRHA/IRHBA Non Pro Futurity.

The event is held behind closed doors following COVID and EHV-1 protocols.

For those that would like to follow the action, see below:

Livescore and full results: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1024

Livestream: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/e2eec26b-7144-f2c7-b0df-0153dcd0c24b/700a9c79-2f1c-cf5b-44b3-6ba65280613c

For further information: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

Photos by Bonaga Communication

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

Europe’s Best Horses and Riders Saddle Up in Cremona

May 14, 2021

Cremona, May 14—It’s show time in Cremona, Italy, where the 2020 edition of the National Reining Horse (NRHA) European Futurity is set to start on Saturday, May 15, with the €135.810,00-added Non Pro division qualifying go-round.

With 35 entries in both the €31.500,00-added Level (L)4 and €20.111,57-added L3, 46 in the €12.063,75-added L2 and 37 in the €6.031,88-added L1, the CremonaFiere oval arena will be offering tough competition between Europe’s best horses and riders vying for the titles. The first section of the €160,623,14-added Open division will follow.

Held concurrently with the 2020 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA)/Italian Reining Horse Breeders Association (IRHBA) Futurity and FISE (Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) Italian Championship Finals, the Open and Non Pro European Futurity qualifiers will run class in class with the 2020 IRHA 4-year-old Futurity [this year 5 years old] go round.

Following strict COVID and EHV-1 protocols, Europe’s first major event counts over 650 horses accompanied by enthusiastic riders, owners, and staff. “Our compliments go to Giancarlo Doardo’s Tfy for the strength and tenacity in organizing this competition during a year as difficult as the one we are living in, and with pride we salute the new edition of the IRHA and NRHA European Futurity,” said Roberto Biloni, president of CremonaFiere. “The realization of this event is the result of a joint effort between the local community, the city council administration, together with CremonaFiere, IRHA, NRHA, and FISE demonstrating the fact that even in the most difficult moments, the best results are achieved by unity. This edition will make history thanks to a group of professionals from the industry, along with equestrian professionals, that were not intimidated by this historical moment but continued on their path with competence, persistence, and courage. Well done and enjoy the ride!”

The event will be held behind closed doors. For those that would like to follow the action, see below:

Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1024

Livestream: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/e2eec26b-7144-f2c7-b0df-0153dcd0c24b/700a9c79-2f1c-cf5b-44b3-6ba65280613c

For further information and updates: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

Photo by Bonaga Communication

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

 

The Stage is Set for the 2020 NRHA European Futurity

May 13, 2021

Mirko Midili and SG Icetopman, 2019 NRHA European Futurity L4 Open Champions

Cremona, May 13—The oval arena in CremonaFiere is set to welcome European riders vying for the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity titles.

Open to horses born in 2016 named and nominated in the NRHA European Nomination Program, the 2020 edition counts 111 horses entered in the €160,623,14-added Open division and 60 in the €135.810,00-added Non Pro.

Held concurrently with the 2020 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA)/Italian Reining Horse Breeders Association (IRHBA) Futurity and FISE (Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) Italian Championship Finals, the European Futurity will run class in class with the 2020 IRHA 4-year-old Futurity [this year 5 years old] with the first go of the Non Pro division officially opening the event on Saturday, May 15. The first section of the Open will follow.

Gina Schumacher and Colonels Danger Zone, 2019 NRHA European Futurity L4 Non Pro Champions

Run following strict COVID and EHV-1 protocols, the event hosting over 650 horses and managed by IRHA, is not open to the public and will be held behind closed doors. “My gratitude goes to both the IRHA and NRHA European Council board members and to the IRHBA directors for their support and collaboration with Giancarlo Doardo’s TFY organizing committee in drawing up the safety protocols,” said IRHA President Roberto Cuoghi. “The ride was exhausting but rewarding. The stage will now welcome the horses and riders: It’s your show and, even though the public will not be there to applaud you in person, they will do so from their homes and I am certain you will feel the warmth of your public, hoping that this will be one of the last times the stands will be empty.”

For those that would like to follow the action, see below:

Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1024

Livestream: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/e2eec26b-7144-f2c7-b0df-0153dcd0c24b/700a9c79-2f1c-cf5b-44b3-6ba65280613c

For further information and updates: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

Photos by Bonaga Communication

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

SG Icetopman slides Mirko Midili to the European Futurity Open Championship

April 7, 2019

Cremona, April 7 – Provided by Simona Diale/IHP – The 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 Cappello 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.”

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. “My mare did so well for me tonight and I am very proud of her,” said Baeck.

Taking home the L3 Open Championship with a 219 was German Grischa Ludwig riding 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 L2 Open Championship with Whizoom in 2009. We all want to bring this title home and 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.

Clinching the L2 Open Futurity with a 215.5 score was Giovanni Masi De Vargas riding Bugs At Nite (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Scats Ebony Shiner). The Markel Graduate bred ad 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 Alessandro Frassa 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.

Owned and ridden by Daniela Saupe, Smart N Surprising (NRHA Five 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 Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Starlights Gate, owned by Arturo Pappagallo who was bred and nominated by Carluccio Orsi.

2019 NRHA European Futurity Facts & Figures

  • Over 300 horses made their way to Cremona
  • Open Futurity entries: L4 (21), L3 (21), L2 (23), L1 (15)
  • Non Pro Futurity entries: L4 (41), L3 (42), L2 (42), L1 (31)
  • Seven Markel Insurance Grads were entered in the two divisions of the Futurity and all made the finals. Entered in the Open division: Joes Sweet Dream, Great Customer, Bugs At Nite, Walla Whiz A Dun It, Spooks Gotta Deal. In the Non Pro division: Shiney Dun Face and Il Be Automatic

Photos Courtesy Bonaga Communication

Gina Schumacher and Colonels Danger Zone steal the show!

April 6, 2019

Cremona, April 5 – Provided by Simona Diale/IHP – The very last horse-rider-combination to enter the show arena in Cremona tonight 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 go-round 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 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.”

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).

A point behind the champions, Austrian Wolfgang Hammer and Chicago Lena (NRHA Five 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 Kuratli-Sutter riding Alpha Top Gun (NRHA 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.

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.”

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.

Action in Cremona includes a full-slate of NRHA Ancillary classes and will close on Saturday, April 5 with the much anticipated NRHA European Open Futurity Finals.

Photos Courtesy Bonaga Communication

Gennaro Lendi and Showgirl Shining Gun hold the lead in the Open Futurity

April 3, 2019

Cremona, April 3 – Provided by Simona Diale/IHP – The second day of competition in Cremona, Italy, where the eleventh edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity is held, saw riders competing in the second section of the €162,223–added* (subject to change in nominations) NRHA European Open Futurity qualifier.

Once the last horse-rider combination left the show arena, leading the Level (L)4 Open division was Gennaro Lendi aboard Grey Stone Ranch’s Showgirl Shining Gun, a mare nominated by Vincent Miot. The duo had posted a 220 in the first section. A half-point behind the go-round leaders were the 2018 IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA L4 Open Futurity Champions, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck and Spook Sunburst (Great Sun Burst x All About Spook), a gelding owned and nominated by Koen Symoens. The pair posted the highest score in the second section. The bubble score to make the L4 finals was a 214.5.

Topping the L3 division with a 217.5 score was Davide Brighenti riding AR Spat Snapper (Spat A Blue x Doc Snapper Bar) owned and nominated by Renato Fiorio. For Brighenti, who posted a 217.5. For the Italian Professional, posting the highest score in the in this division he rode to the lead with a multiple leg fracture. The bubble score to make the L3 finals was a 214.5.

In the L2, Frassa Alessandro and Giovanni Masi De Vargas closed their runs with a 215.5 score. The first rode his own Spat Gun Showtime (Spat Split And White x Jamie Showgune), a mare nominated by Ambra Alice Bergese. The second rode Bugs At Nite, a Markel Graduate by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite out of Scats Ebony Shiner. The flashy stallion is owned by Mariangela Di Pierro and was nominated by Cheryl Kaefer. In the L1, Stefano Ladetto rode Nikola Neef’s White And Whizzy (Spat Split And White x Rooster Roohide), a stallion nominated by Nicola Roberto Occleppo, to a top score of 215. The bubble score for the L2 and the L1 divisions respectively was a 210 and a 208.5

Those riders who did not make the finals had the chance to make it back to through the Open Consolation Run held on Wednesday, April 3.

The NRHA European Futurity Open finals will be held on Saturday, April 6.

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Photos courtesy Andrea Bonaga