2023 NRHA European Futurity: The highest-paying edition with a record number of entries welcomes the World Youth Reining Cup

Cremona, May 21—The 36th edition of the renowned Salone del Cavallo Americano in Cremona, Italy, is host to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity with $250,000 added money on top of the nominations; the highest added recorded in the 15-year history of the event.

NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and IRHA President, Eleuterio Arcese, author of the Euro Futurity and main supporter from 2009 to 2011, was keen on revamping the show. “In recent years, this wonderful Futurity for various reasons has lost its shine. The purse, which initially was important, has lowered significantly and it was important, together with the IRHA Board and Giancarlo Doardo’s TFY, to once again elevate the money offered,” he said as a record number of riders from Europe are making their way to Cremona, Italy.

APHA Chrome Cash

For the second year, APHA Chrome Cash incentives — exclusively for registered Paints and sponsored by Arcese Quarter Horses USA — will be offered during the Euro Futurity. Any eligible Paint can make a run for $10,000 in added money in four classes: $3,250 APHA Open Chrome Cash Incentive; $3,250 APHA Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive; $1,750 APHA Futurity Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive for horses already entered in the European Open Futurity; and $1,750 APHA Futurity Non-Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive for horses already entered in the European Non Pro Futurity.

Spotlight on the 2023 NRHA/RHF/IRHA World Youth Reining Cup

The second edition of the World Youth Reining Cup will be held during the Euro Futurity in Cremona, host of the Global Youth World Reining Cup in 2019. This year, 23 countries from six continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia) will be represented and this is a success in itself! “We are so proud of these riders representing their flag in Cremona,” said Joao Marcos, an avid promoter and supporter of youth worldwide. “A special thank you to the riders, their parents, the owners of the horses provided for the youth, the precious sponsors, and all the team behind this event.”

The competition will be held on Saturday, May 27.

For further information: www.NRHAEUROPEANFUTURITY.com
For results and live score: www.SHOWMANAGER.eu
For webcast: www.ANDREABONAGA.it

Media Contact
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com / Cell: +39 3405354629

It’s A Win for Spain as Nogue Puig and Simple The Best 66 Claim the NRHA European Non Pro Futurity Championship

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 29—The 2022 NRHA European Futurity held at BO Ranch, La Chapelle- la-Reine, France, closed with the $104,520-Added BO Ranch European Non Pro Futurity. The Non Pro qualifier leaders, Andreu Nogue Puig and Simple The Best 66, closed their performance in the finals with a 215 score and the $ 41,808-added Cardinal Reining Horses Level (L)4 Open Championship to their name.

Spanish Nogue Puig and his own Simple The Best 66, a mare by Inferno Sixty Six out of ARC Yellow N Lime, bred by Ambrosini Quarter Horses ASD and nominated by Lenka Lukackova, had already left their mark in the arena by winning the 2021 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) L4 and L3 Non Pro Championships. They made their way to France and left with the 2022 Non Pro title under their belt. “The final was great and I am really happy with all her maneuvers today. Even though she was a little tired, she gave me all she had,” said Nogue Puig about his mare who he purchased as a yearling.  “I love her, and I can still picture what I could see between her ears when I rode her for the first time as a 2-year-old. The show here was wonderful and now plans are to show her at the NRHA Germany Breeders Futurity in Kreuth and the IRHA 4-year-old Futurity. I could not be any happier about our journey together.”

Markel Insurance Level 3

Claiming the $ 31,356-Added Markel Insurance L3 Non Pro Championship as well as the L4 Reserve Championship with a 213.5 was Nadine Kamintzky riding her own Frozen Gambler (SG Frozen Enterprize x Surprise Me Gamble), a gelding bred and nominated by Davide Brighenti.  “I am overwhelmed…I did not expect this! I was so insecure as I have not ridden him much since he was back in training and I actually told my trainer [Brighenti] that maybe we should not come here,” shared Kamintzky. “It was a long and windy week but really nice. My horse got better and more focused every day and I am super thrilled.”

NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and renowned Italian breeder Claudio Risso riding his own RS Maiorca Jac  (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena), a mare he owns, bred and nominated, scored a 212.5 for the Reserve Championship.

Toyon Ranch Level 2

Riding to the $ 20,904-Added L2 Non Pro Championship was multiple past NRHA Non Pro World Champion Manuel Bonzano riding Miss Machine Gun (Yankee Gun x Sanditch Rooster), a mare owned by Azienda Agricola 23 Quarter Horses and nominated by Maria Sole Cubeddu, scored a 212 which earned him the Championship. “It was an emotionally difficult show for me, but I am happy because we managed to do well,” said Bonzano. “This mare is out of a mare I own and Bebe Sarao trained her. She was still a little green as a 3-year-old, but she matured a lot and this year she really is solid. I am happy with this result and I have to give credit to my trained Dominik Reminder. She’s a wonderful non pro horse and I am so happy that all our new 23 team made the finals in the divisions they were entered in.”

Elementa Level 1

Denise Kummer rode her own Chic Is My Gun (Tinseltownsmokingun x LV One Smart Lady) to a 211.5 claiming the L2 Reserve Championship as well as the $10,452-Added 1 title. With the mare bred and nominated by Julia Gaupmann-Lechner, the Austrian rider shared that her ‘small little mare’ had a tough time competing with her fellow reiners but did a very good job. “She was so calm and the great thing about her is that she always manages to take care of my nerves.”

Matt Legrand of France and GB ACDC Electriclady (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x LC Electric Lady), a mare owned, bred and nominated by Gregory Legrand, scored a  209.5 for Reserve honors.

NRHA European Futurity Level 4 Non Pro Chrome Cash Incentive

Filippo Antonutti and his own AK One Little Gun (One Gun x RX Dodsons Lil Step), a gelding

bred and nominated by AK Quarter Horses, scored a 209 which earned him the $1,750-Added Level 4 Non Pro Chrome Cash Incentive win.

The 14^th edition of the NRHA European Futurity once again wrote another important chapter thanks to the great NRHA and BO Ranch Teams.

We now look forward the NRHA European Affiliate Championships which will be held at CS Ranch, Givrins, Switzerland, on July 13-16.

Photos by Wanted Photo

For complete results and further information NRHAEUROPEANFUTURITY.com

NRHA European Futurity Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press

Fonck Brings Home His Second NRHA European Futurity Open Championship

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 28—The inaugural NRHA European Futurity was held in Kreuth, Germany, in 2009. Clinching the Level (L)4 Open Championship was NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck aboard Sail On Top Whizard—aka “Topper”— at the time owned by Dany Cerato.  On Saturday night, Fonck conquered his second title at Topper’s last home, BO Ranch, owned by Greg Morat.

Level 4 MS Diamonds TX Open

With a 227.5 score, NRHA Two Million Dollar Bernard Fonck and GP The Stud In Town (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x CP Surprise) owned, bred, and nominated by Golden Paint Ranch, conquered the crowd, the judges, and the $41,808-Added L4 European Open Futurity Championship. “My palomino was really good in both the qualifier, where I didn’t really need to push him, and in the finals. I would really like to thank the owners for allowing me to school him at shows,” said the Belgian. “This is a really great facility, and I would like to thank Greg and Claire Morat for supporting our sport.” Both Fonck and owners, Golden Paint Ranch, received the inaugural NRHA European Futurity Open Championship ring sponsored by MS Diamonds TX.

Reserve honors with a 226.5 score were for Italian Mirko Midili and Spark Made Whiz (Spark N Whiz x Mare Made), a mare bred, owned and nominated by Luga Quarter Horses.

Level 3 MMA Open

Italian Davide Brighenti & BB Gotta Gold Tinsel (Gotta Gold Chain x JP Grays Starlett), a stallion owned, bred, and nominated by Barbara Braun, scored a 220 claiming the $31,356-Added L3 European Open Futurity Championship. “This is a fantastic horse I got in training when he was a 2-year-old and I immediately knew he was very talented,” said Brighenti. “He is very athletic, but most of all he is honest and is a show horse. He went well all week; the arena here is great. We were ready to show when we got here and I tried to ride him as little as possible since the arena is big and I am thrilled for this result.”

Riding to the Co-Reserve Championship, a half-a-point behind, was Germany’s Grischa Ludwig aboard Alexandra Schmitz’s Shine My Picabo (Shine My Gun x Custom Rome), a mare bred and nominated by Michel Rose; and Dominik Reminder of Germany riding Rock Crusher (Shine Chic Shine x Jokin Peppy), a stallion bred and nominated by Cecilia Frediani and owned by Jaqueline Seger.

Level 2 Chateaux Prestige Open

Andrea Costa of Italy and Phantom Chic Dream (NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Phantom Of The Arena), a gelding owned and nominated by Christian-Peter Zinsli, scored a 215.5 to claim the $20,904-Added L2 Championship. “We purchased this horse bred Peter Morgan as a 2-year-old in the States and brought him to Italy,” said the Italian rider. “Martin Larcombe—who I worked for in the past—went to try him out for us. This winter he matured a lot, we gelded him, and has become better and better lately. I am so happy for this title, in particular for the owner who truly deserves it.”

With a 215, Johannes Hasenauer and Stepup For Lil Gun (Colonels Lil Gun x Step Up And Play) owned and nominated by Stefan Loeffler, claimed both L2 Reserve honors and the $1,750-Added Official American Paint Horse Association NRHA European Futurity L4 Open Chrome Cash Incentive with a 215.

Level 1 Quarter Dream Open

With a 214.5 score, Glen-Arthur Estival and Heza Frozen Inferno (Inferno Sixty Sixty x Sailor Will Win), a stallion bred and nominated by Azienda Agricola Le Fattorie di Matilde, owned by Latigo Global Equine LLC, took home the L1 Open title. “I purchased this horse after the Italian Futurity last year where he was shown by Arnaud Girinon,” said the French rider. “This is the first show with him and I’m very happy with the way he went here.”

Second place honors—two points behind the winners— was Paolo Driussi and his home-bred mare PD My Magnetic Star (Chic Magnetic x Antar Bueno), owned and nominated by Driussi.

Saturday Ancillary Action

Stephanie Blessing riding Dance Gotta Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Dance Little Spook), owned by Grey Stone Ranch GmbH, topped the $3,000-Added GD Performance Horses NRHA Non Pro as well as the American Paint Horse Association Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive. The pair closed their run with a 217.5 score.

Topping the Jean Niel $1,500-Added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro and the $450-Added James NRHA Limited Non Pro Classes with a 214 score, was Jayden Feichter aboard Wimpys Little Chees (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Tuck Oak Enterprise) owned by Edith Zenouda.

Photos by NRHA European Futurity Official Photographer Wanted Photo

Follow the action live here: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/live

For further information, www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

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

Simple The Best 66 and Nogue Puig Lead the BO Ranch NRHA European Futurity Non Pro Qualifier

La Chapelle-la-Reine, MAY 27—The highlight of the second day of competition at the $344,514-Added NRHA European Futurity was the $103,354-Added BO Ranch NRHA European Non Pro Futurity qualifier where 35 horse-rider combinations performed to earn a ticket to the finals which will be held on Sunday, May 28.

In the Cardinal Reining Horse Level (L)4 division, it was all about young Andreu Nogue Puig and his Simple The Best 66 (Inferno Sixty Sixty x ARC Yellow N Lime), a mare bred by Ambrosini Quarter Horses and nominated by Lenka Lukackova. The young rider from Spain, who purchased the talented bay as a yearling from GB Ranch in Italy and went on to break and train her himself, last in the draw scored a 219.5 for the lead.

Lucie Egenter of Germany and Bettina Egenter’s Eyes Of Whiz (One Gun x Luga Whiz), an American Paint Horse Association gelding bred and nominated by Carlo Sala, scored a 216 topping the Markel Insurance L3 as well as the Toyon Ranch L2 and Elementa L1 Non Pro divisions.

With a 208, Italy’s Filippo Antonutti and his AK One Little Gun (One Gun x RX Dodsons Lil Step), a gelding bred and nominated by AK Quarter Horses, lead the $1,750-Added APHA Chrome Cash NRHA European Futurity L4 Non Pro qualifier.

The first 2022 NRHA European Futurity Champions will be crowned on Saturday, May 28, when the $241,160-Added AMBTP European Futurity Open finalists will perform in front of a full house in the beautiful BO Ranch arena.

Friday Ancillary Action:

Posting a 224.5, Grischa Ludwig of Germany aboard Margot Van Doorne’s Spooks Of Genius (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x A Spark Of Genius) topped the $5,000-Added Sterling Ranch NRHA Open Class and the $3,250-Added American Paint Horse Association Open Chrome Cash Incentive Class.

Italy’s Pietro Artinghelli rode Missbobsdaughter (Dunnit Like A Master x Miss Bh Gun Shine), owned by Alessandro Tabarrini, took home the $3,000-Added Italian Reining Horse Association NRHA Intermediate Open Class with a 209 score.

Winning the$450-added Argeville NRHA Limited Open Class with a 213 score was Paulus Beurskens of The Netherlands riding Gisela Haas’ Cee U In Tinseltown (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Miss Wimpy Hollywood).

Photos by NRHA European Futurity Official Photographer Wanted Photo

Follow the action live here: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/live

For further information, www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

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

Fonck and GP The Stud In Town Top The NRHA European Futurity Level 4 Open Qualifier

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 26—The first day of competition at the 2022 edition of the $344,514-Added National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity at BO Ranch saw Europe’s best horses and riders perform for a spot in the AMBTP Open Futurity Finals scheduled on Saturday, May 28.

Topping the leader board with a 221.5 in the MS Diamonds TX Level (L)4 division was NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck of Belgium riding GP The Stud In Town (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Cp Surprise), a stallion bred, owned, and nominated by Golden Paint Ranch.

Lukasz Czechowicz of Poland and CSG Wisemanfear (Colonels Shining Gun x Tejana Chic), a stallion bred by Brent Loseke, owned and nominated by Katarzyna Roleska, scored a 219.5 to lead the MMA L3 Open division.

In the Chateaux Prestige L2, Quentin Galliere rode Voodoos Enterprise (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x BH Best Of Seven), owned and bred by Gradus Berg, and nominated by Jana Mroszewski, scored a 217 for the lead.

In the Quarter Dream L1 Open, Simon Bilger riding Scarface Dunnit (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Joy Scarface), scored a 213 for owner Katja Binder nominated by Matteo Vedovato. The gelding was bred by Francesca Carone.

Leading the $1,750-Added L4 NRHA European Open Futurity American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive qualifier with a 216.5 is Johannes Hasenauer of Austria aboard Stepup For Lil Gun (Lil Gun x Step Up And Play) owned and nominated by Stefan Loeffler.

Open Futurity Bubble Scores:

Level 4 – 214.5

Level 3 – 213

Level 2 – 208.5

Level 1 – 208.5

Action will continue on Friday with the $103,354-Added BO Ranch NRHA Euro Futurity Non Pro Qualifier.

Find the schedule here

Media Guidelines and Accreditation here

To follow the action live:  www.youviwa.com

Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1200

Photo by NRHA European Futurity Official Photographer Wanted Photo

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

BO Ranch Welcomes Reiners From Across Europe Vying for the $344,514-Added NRHA European Futurity Titles

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 23—Provided by International Horse Press—Riders representing 12 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) have made their way to BO Ranch, La Chapelle-la-Reine, France, where the 2022 edition of the $344,514-Added National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity is being held on May, 23-29.

Three days of warm-up classes are building up to the start of the European Futurity with the AMBPT NRHA European Open Futurity qualifying

Competition will start on Thursday 26 with the first go round of the $241,160-Added AMBTP European Open Futurity and will continue on Friday with the $103,354-Added BO Ranch NRHA Euro Futurity Non Pro Qualifier.

Following its debut at the 2021 NRHA European Derby held in Lyon, France, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive will pay out $10,000 in added prize money exclusive to registered Paint Horses in four classes: $3,250 APHA Open Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA Open ancillary class);  $3,250 APHA Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA Non Pro ancillary class); $1,750 APHA Futurity Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA European Open Futurity); $1,750 APHA Futurity Non-Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA European Non Pro Futurity).

The numbers:

• Open: 18 entries in the Level 1; 28 in the L2; 28 in the L3; and 60 in the L4)
• Non Pro: 35 entered in the BO Ranch Non Pro Futurity (L1 – 15; L2 -20; L3 26; L4 -30)

Competition is bound to be tough as Europe’s best 4-year-old horses enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program will perform to the best of their ability on the ground owner Gregory Morat brought in from the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games™ held in Normandy.

Find the schedule here

Media Guidelines and Accreditation here

To follow the action live:  www.youviwa.com

Livescore: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1200

Photo by NRHA European Futurity Official Photographer WantedPhoto

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

$10,000 in Chrome Cash Is Coming Your Way This May

The flashiest reiners and their savvy owners will get another run for Chrome Cash at the $344,514-Added AMBPT/BO Ranch NRHA European Futurity held on May 23-29 at BO Ranch, France, courtesy of APHA and the National Reining Horse Association

Thanks to the Chrome Cash incentives, APHA will pay out $10,000 USD in added prize money exclusive to registered Paint Horses in four classes:

• $3,250 APHA Open Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA Open ancillary class)
• $3,250 APHA Amateur Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA Non Pro ancillary class)
• $1,750 APHA Futurity Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA European Open Futurity)
• $1,750 APHA Futurity Non-Pro Level 4 Chrome Cash Incentive (run class in class with the NRHA European Non Pro Futurity)

No qualifying is required. All registered Paints—both Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred—are eligible as long as the owner and rider are APHA members. The entry fee is just €50, with 50 percent going to the purse. Don’t delay!

The NRHA European Futurity entry deadline is May 9, but late Chrome Cash entries will be accepted in ancillary classes and for horses already entered in the Futurity.

PLEASE NOTE THE NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY DEADLINE ENTRY DATE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MAY 9 

• Entry Form and Conditions: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/forms
• Schedule: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/schedule
• Media Guidelines Form: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/2022/ef-media-guidelines.pdf
• Media Accreditation Form: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/2022/ef-media-accredation.pdf

For further information: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/

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

Sponsors Worldwide Support the 2022 NRHA European Futurity as NRHA Corporate Partners Toyon Ranch and MS Diamonds TX Go Global

$344,514-Added AMBPT/BO Ranch NRHA European Futurity Presented by Markel Insurance:

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 3—Originally scheduled to be held in Austria, BO Ranch’s proposal to host the 2022 edition of the NRHA European Futurity was accepted in February this year. The response from sponsors in support of the event held in France—as well as the work done by the BO Ranch team— has been huge and includes the addition of NRHA Corporate Partners Toyon Ranch and MS Diamonds TX who extended their contribution to NRHA owned events outside North America.

NRHA Corporate Partner Markel, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA, Presenting sponsor of the NRHA European Futurity, Derby, and European Affiliate Championships, has invested in NRHA European owned events since 2009. Cardinal Reining Horses, gold sponsor for European events, decided to ‘go global’ in 2014.

Toyon Ranch, owned by John and Nancy Tague, is one of a few major NRHA North American sponsors who have increased their support to include Europe. “We sell horses all over the world, both through auctions, such as the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales, and privately on the ranch. It feels appropriate to extend our brand and support in a tangible way so that our international customers recognize we’re actively supporting the business, not just at our home, but where they live as well,” John shared about Toyon Ranch’s Platinum Sponsorship of the two major European events.

Oded Fein of MS Diamonds TX, Official Diamond Jeweler of NRHA and sponsor of the NRHA Open Futurity Championship Ring, has extended his sponsorship to the Italian Reining Horse Association Open Futurity and Elementa Masters Championship Rings in the past years. “I felt it was important to be part of the NRHA global sponsors as we believe our Futurity Champions worldwide should be awarded a Championship ring reflecting the NRHA ring and we look forward to presenting the inaugural trophy ring at BO Ranch,” said Fein about MS Diamond TX’s Euro Futurity Level 4 Open Presenting Sponsorship.

A special thank you to all the 2022 AMBPT/BO RANCH NRHA European Futurity Sponsors: You make it happen and we look forward to seeing you all at BO Ranch, May 23-29.

PLEASE NOTE THE EUROPEAN FUTURITY DEADLINE ENTRY DATE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MAY  

• Entry Form and Conditions: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/forms
• Schedule: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/schedule
• Media Guidelines Form: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/2022/ef-media-guidelines.pdf
• Media Accreditation Form: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/2022/ef-media-accredation.pdf

For further information: http://nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com/

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

2022 NRHA European Futurity To be held at BO Ranch with New Entry Fee Format

Photo by 8Photo Agency

Friday, March 4, 2022—The 2022 NRHA European Futurity, originally slated to be held in Wels, Austria, changed location following the premature passing of organizer Otto Ziehfreund. Owners Grégory and Claire Morat of BO Ranch located in La Chapelle-la-Reine, France, in the heart of France’s horse country, graciously offered their beautiful facility as host to this year’s edition on May 23-29.

The $329,514-Added (subject to change in nominations) 2022 NRHA European Futurity—supported by NRHA Corporate Partners Markel Insurance and Cardinal Reining Horses—will be held for the first time in France and will feature a new entry format proposed and approved by the NRHA European Executive Board:

• One entry fee for the Level (L)1 with the Nomination Program L1 purse + L1 total entry fees going to the purse
• One entry fee for the Levels 2-3-4 with the Nomination Purse split as usual and with the entry fees split as follows: 20% to the L2; 30% to the L3; 50% to the L4 divisions
• Should an L1 rider decide to enter the Levels 2-3-4, he/she will have to pay the L1 and L2-3-4 entry fees and only one judges fee

NRHA Board and Executive Committee Member, Paulus Beurskens, who is also on the European Executive Board, explains why and how this decision was made.

“The European Executive Board had voted to implement one entry fee [L1-2-3-4] as we believe this will attract more people, boost the purse, and use the same criterion as the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma. It puts everybody in a position to compete for the total purse so that more horses and riders are in a position to compete in the highest level of the finals. Following discussions, we then decided to move to the two-entry format that will be implemented at the 2022 NRHA European Futurity. We believe that the L1 riders do not have a lot of experience in Aged Events—thus making it a big step for the L1 riders to take by entering and showing at Aged Events such as the Euro Futurity since these riders have less than $15,000 NRHA Lifetime Earnings [LTE].

“This format will give the L1 riders an opportunity to show in their division without necessarily entering all levels, even though they do have the opportunity to do so if they wish. Level 2, 3, and 4 riders will have already competed in aged events, and many will have been in higher levels than perhaps this year with the factoring back allowing them to be in Level 2 having shown in the past in higher levels.

“We firmly believe this format will attract Level 2, 3, and 4 riders to run for the whole purse with the best horses and riders winning the event. Level 2 and 3 riders will have the possibility to win money in the higher divisions, as well as the division they are eligible for. Levels 4 and Level 3 riders cannot win Level 2 money and Level 4 riders can only win money in their division. We believe that this will not hurt the L2 riders and will give a better opportunity to L1 riders.”

Organized by the expert BO Ranch team, the state-of-the-art ranch offers the best facilities to accommodate and welcome international horses and riders. Founder and owner, Grégory Morat, is a keen non pro rider and CEO of four enterprises. A motorsports enthusiast who has always loved horses and nature, he discovered and fell in love with reining ten years ago and created the ranch with care to all detail in order to cultivate his passion.

“BO RANCH has been host to reining shows since 2019 and is a great natural place to host international reining competitions thanks to the functional structure of the venue and its strategic location in Fontainebleau, next to Paris,” says Morat who brought in the reining ground from the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen. “Home of many equestrian Olympic champions, the area organizes several international equestrian events and we are proud to be hosting the 16th edition of the NRHA Euro Futurity. I hope you will support us and that together we can further promote our sport on an international level.”

Tentative Schedule:

Horses arriving on Sunday, May 22

Tuesday, May 24: Pay time

Wednesday, May 25: Pay time

Thursday, May 26: NRHA Euro Futurity Open Go Round

Friday, May 27: NRHA Euro Futurity Non Pro Go Round (NRHA Open Ancillary Classes follow)

Saturday, May 28 (evening): Open Finals (Non Pro Ancillary Classes during day)

Sunday, May 29 (early afternoon): Non Pro Finals (NRHA Youth Ancillary classes in the morning)

Find sponsorship opportunities, further details, and updates at NRHAEUROPEANFUTURITY.com

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

NRHA European Futurity Non Pro Champions: Blessing and Smart Spook Surprise Leave the Best for Last

Stephanie Blessing

The $340,214-added 2021 NRHA European Futurity concluded in Cremona, Italy, with the Non Pro Futurity Finals on Sunday. With 27 finalists looking for the perfect score and the Championship titles across the four levels, two riders wrote their names on top of the final rankings: Stephanie Blessing and Vittorio De Iulio.

Blessing and Smart Spook Surprise, a mare by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook out of ARC Honey Chick owned by Grey Stone Ranch Germany GMBH and nominated by Società Agricola Le Fattorie Di Matilde, scored a 215.5 for the $49,817-added Level (L)4 European Non Pro Futurity Championship. Last to go in section two, the duo had a 215 to beat posted by De Iulio and MR Magic Chex earlier in the draw.

“I’m speechless and what a year this has been!” said an enthused Blessing. “All my horses were amazing during the whole show season and this mare was truly special. We purchased her as a 3-year-old from Edoardo Bernardelli and she was bred by Rabboni Performance Horses in Italy. I won the qualifier here and was last to go this evening but, during the whole Finals, I stayed away from the show arena and didn’t want to know any of the previous scores. I just wanted to have a clean run, just like we had in the qualifier, and amazingly enough, we did.” Prior to coming to Cremona, Blessing and her mount had already claimed the 2020 3-year-old NRHA Belgium Futurity L4 Non Pro Championship as well as the 4-year-old 2021 NRHA Belgium Futurity L4 Non Pro Co-Reserve Championship.

Vittorio De Iulio

De Iulio and his uncle Fabio De Iulio’s MR Magic Chex, a stallion by ARC Magic Enterprise out of Miss America Chex, nominated by Angelucci Quarter Horses, took reserve honors in the L4 division and also clinched the $31,591-added L3, $17,010-added L2, and $8,505-added L1 Championships. The pair also pocketed the IRHA 4-year-old L2 Non Pro Futurity Championship.

“We bought this horse in February from Angelucci Quarter Horses and I showed him at the 2020 IRHA Futurity held in May where we were reserve in the L1 Non Pro,” said the 21-year-old. “I have no words to describe him; I can really trust him in the show pen, he is a little electric in the spins, but in the circles, he was really nice. I’m already thinking about the next show season with him and I would like to do all the Derbies. We keep the horse at home but I always go to train with [Italian Professional] Pierluigi Chioldo, who I thank very much. He is really special and always helps me a lot!”

Riding to the reserve spot in the Levels 3, 2 and 1 with a 214.5 score was Valentina Monti riding Valentina Baby Pale, a mare by NRHA Two Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit out of OT Luky Highway Baby, owned and nominated by Monti.

The successful NRHA European Futurity event passed the reins to the $426,264-added 2021 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) Futurity.

The 2022 NRHA European Futurity will be held on May 23-29 in Wels, Austria.

Photos by Bonaga Communication

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