2024 EAC: July 17–21 / Le Pin, France
News
The NRHA European Affiliate Championships at CS Ranch close with a bang
Givrins, July 15 — Provided by Simona Diale — The NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC) held at CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland, during the SVAG CS Classic Show ’23 closed on Saturday providing great competition from the younger athletes to the Million Dollar Riders. The 22nd edition of the EAC counted 115 riders, 150 horses, and a total of 450 entries making yet another CS Classic event go down in the history books.
Ann Fonck
$18.000-Added EAC Open
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck of Belgium rode Colonels Whize Gun (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Alicias Conquistador), a 7-year-old gelding owned by Hermann and Lisa Miltrup-Meinert to a score of 226 to win the $18.000-Added EA Open Championship.
Ann was proud of her horse’s performance. “He never left me alone, and always tried to do his best. He was simply super nice! I just love him, he's a super good-minded horse and is just as honest as the first time I showed him. I didn't expect to win here, because 'Nelson' is always really good but I thought Bernard's [Fonck] and Lukasz's [Czechowicz] horses would be stronger than mine. I do trust him and I know he can mark a good score but I thought the others could beat us. Now, together with the owners, we'll decide the next shows to bring him to. The NRHA European Derby is in the plan and maybe AMERICANA.” Fonck’s goal is to reach the Two Million Dollar Mark. “It’s not about the money, it’s about getting to the two million step by step!” she added.
Fonck said she had a great time at the show, but overall she’s really proud of her daughter, Jody. “Unfortunately at the last minute, she couldn't show the horse we brought here for her, but one of Bernard's customers [Kay Schroeder] told us she could ride his horse [Mello Yello Jersey]. So she rode him one time and then showed in the World Reining Team Competition, I could see she was still trying to figure out how to properly ride him, but she handled the situation greatly, especially if we consider that she's 17 years old,” closed the proud mom.
Poland’s Lukasz Czechowicz and CSG Piggiemove (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Roosters Hot Piq) marked the second-highest score of 224.5 to earn the Reserve Championship for owner Katarzyna Roleska.
NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck of Belgium took home the third place with his two horses: Mello Yello Jersey (Yellow Jersey x Smart Okie Lena) owned by Kay Schroeder and ND Pop Gun Trash (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Nine Gunnatrashya x Pop Tart) owned by Nathalie Derua. Both horses scored 223.5 with Fonck in the saddle.
Gina Maria Schumacher
$15.000-Added EAC Non Pro
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gina Maria Schumacher of Germany walked in the pen at the very end of the class and after performing a great run aboard CS Wallawallaboom (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Cheeky Boom), the duo was awarded a 223, which brought them the $15.000-Added EA Non Pro Championship. “This experience at home was really nice and my horse was great! He was relaxed and didn't take anything away from me, letting me guide him through the run. Since I haven't ridden him for a year now, I didn't want to push him, I just wanted to have a nice run. Last week I rode him just a bit and he felt really good, maybe a little lazy since he was in a relaxed time of his life, but he really didn't mind coming back to work. Since I ride my horses by myself, it was pretty difficult to leave a horse for one year and then come back to ride him, but he was in great shape and he knows his job and it’s great to be back home.”
Swiss Adrienne Speidel rode her two horses Wimpysshortstride BB (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Short Rooster) and CDC Cromed Resolve (Custom Del Cielo x Kaysolve) to a score of 217.5 to share the Reserve Championship on her two mounts together with Francesca Sternberg of United Kingdom and Red Dirt Paleface (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown).
Lynn Thill
$1.500-Added EAC Rookie Professional
Three riders tied for the lead after scoring a 212 in the EA Rookie Championship Finals and decided to run off for the title. Once Lynn Thill of Luxembourg riding her own DS Little Ottaviogun (GFC Quixote Gun x Little Pie Di Cuori) closed her second run with a 214, the highest step of the podium was hers. “It was a super exciting run!” smiled the thrilled Champion who won the first EAC title for her country. “I was nervous coming in but I knew I could count on my horse. This month marks one year since I purchased him and I am discovering so much about him. I can count on him every single time, he is a once-in-a-lifetime horse, has a big heart, and a lot of talent. I have never ridden a horse like him before.” Thill was thankful to French NRHA Professional Clémence Neveux for getting the stallion ready. “She is a wonderful rider and we have the same philosophy, so her help during the show was precious. I believe it is really important to have another professional watch you ride and I definitely give her credit for our success as well.”
Sharing reserve honors after the run-off was French Margaux Legrand riding Axel Pesek’s Reloaded Gun (NRHA Fourteen Million Gunner x Shes Berry Flashy), who scored 213.5 for her second run, and Maria Astikainen of Finland aboard Gun Secorima (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Miss Secorima) owned by herself and Nora Hortling, who scored 207.5.
Vladimír Čejka
$100-Added EAC Youth 14-18
In the EAC Youth 14-18 class, Czech youth riders didn’t hold anything back and when the class was over, it was Vladimír Čejka who slid to the top of the podium after scoring 218.5 aboard his 9-year-old gelding Remy Rooster SG (Remin Whiz x Tea Rooster).
“I’m very happy about this run because it is my last year as a Youth and I really enjoyed it. I think I will remember it as being the best show of my whole Youth career. Also, my horse really exceeded my expectations. He is always so good-minded and simply a good show horse; today he was really good in the show pen… he has a great heart. We will give him a break now and focus on the young horses and the futurity season,” said the young rider who rides under the supervision of NRHA Professional Pavel Orel.
Reserve honors also went to the Czech Republic with Sára Karasová riding her mare Wimpy N Mercedes (Mercedes Rooster x Pretty Little Steps) to a score of 213.
One point behind were two riders who shared the lowest step of the podium: Belgian Jody Fonck riding Smart Spooky Joe (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x Spookody) owned by J&J Comm V and Lou Covarel of France riding Severine Hallay’s Big Chex Olena (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Big Chex To Cash x Mistis Olena).
Anna Palasová
$100-Added EAC Youth 13&Under
Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic repeated her success from earlier this week where she tied to win the Rookie Level 1 ancillary class. Riding Petr Palas’ Dr Who (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Peppergun), today the duo scored a 212 for the EA Youth 13&Under Championship. “It’s amazing to be here and represent my country at such a big show. To win this title has been my dream for many years, so I am really happy. My horse was great; he is always nice and feels like ‘let’s go’ in the show pen, so I enjoyed our run. It has been a long show and we are now both ready to go home, but I am so happy to bring home the championship,” she said.
Three riders scored a 211.5 to tie for second place honors: Emma Louise Eggen of Norway riding Gunna Spook (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x West Coast Sandy), Belgian Lotte De Boever aboard Spook N Ruff (NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x Shine On Ruff), and French Victoire Molla Guisset riding Whizkey Coated Kiss (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds x Einsteinshersheykiss).
NRHA Youth Team Tournament
Of all of the European Championship youth entries in this year’s edition, teams of four youth riders were formed to include at least one Youth 13&Under and one Youth 14-18 by random selection in which the scores from their Championship classes would be added together with the lowest score dropped.
Taking the win was team “Orange Juice” thanks to the performances of Czech Vladimír Čejka and Remy Rooster SG; Belgian Lotte de Boever riding Spook N Ruff; French Victoire Molla Guisset with Whizkey Coated Kiss, and German Lisa Marie Wiechers aboard Spinderellstory.
Many memories were made not only during the Youth Team Tournament but also throughout the whole event. The future of reining in Europe proudly represented their home country!
2.000 CHF-Added Swiss Reining Challenge Non Pro
Marisa Speidel scored a 213.5 aboard Gumps All Mighty BB (Little Gump x Hollywood Balloues) to claim the 2.000 CHF-Added Swiss Reining Challenge Non Pro victory. Close behind, scoring a 211, was Thomas Schneiter riding Magnum IT (NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Dun It The Hard Way) taking the Reserve honors.
2.000 CHF-Added Swiss Reining Challenge Open
Adrienne Speidel rode her two horses Wimpysshortstride BB (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Short Rooster) and CDC Cromed Resolve (Custom Del Cielo x Kaysolve) to tie herself for the win in the 2.000 CHF-Added Swiss Reining Challenge Open scoring a 217.5. The successful non pro competitor was required to enter the Open division of the Challenge according to Swiss NF rules that require riders who previously represented Switzerland at an international competition, can enter the open divisions.
About CS Ranch
CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland. Owner Corinna Schumacher, with careful attention to detail, is constantly striving for CS Ranch to remain the best environment for reining horses. Since 2006, the state-of-the-art facility has been host to prestigious reining competitions including the Swiss Slide and, since 2009, the renowned SVAG CS Classic. Show manager Eric Obrecht and his ambitious CS Ranch team are always making a huge effort to comfortably accommodate riders, horses, officials, and spectators at the CS shows.
Photos by Tom Hautmann
For further information regarding the SVAG CS Classic '23 held at CS Ranch, host of many a prestigious World and European competition CS-CLASSIC.com.
For more information on the NRHA European Affiliate Championships NRHAEAC.com
Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 3405354629
First NRHA European Affiliate Champions crowned at the SVAG CS Classic Show ‘23
Givrins, July 14 — Provided by Simona Diale — When the sun rose on CS Ranch where the 2023 edition of the NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC) is being held, riders were set and ready to perform vying for the prestigious titles. Open to European-qualified riders in ten classes, the EAC is celebrating its 22nd edition in Givrins. The very first edition was held in 2002 in Bolzano, Italy, and has been held in most European countries (for two consecutive years at each location) in the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Germany, France, and Poland, and was previously also held in Switzerland in Givrins. Today, the first European Affiliate Champions were determined along with the winners of the $12,000-Added NRHA Open and $8,500 NRHA Non Pro ancillary classes.
Quentin Galliere
$5.000-Added EAC Intermediate Open and $2.000-Added EAC Limited Open
French Professional Quentin Galliere piloted Tinsel Whizington (Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis) to a score of 217.5 to win both the $5.000-Added EA Intermediate Open and $2.000-Added EA Limited Open Championships. The 7-year-old stallion, who has been in Galliere’s training program his whole career, is owned by Sharon De Groot and Quentin is very thankful to her for allowing him to train and show the stallion. “I treat him as my own, he definitely has a special place in my heart,” said Galliere. “It is a long show; we’ve been here for two weeks as we also showed at the World Reining Championship last week and he’s always been good for me. He definitely deserves a vacation now, but we will be back in the pen at the AMERICANA and the NRHA European Derby." Quentin added that it’s always a challenge to keep show horses happy and healthy when shows are long but that the CS Ranch facility makes it easier to do so. "This is such a good show with lots of opportunities for the horses and great organization. I also want to thank my team because with being away for so long, you have to have people that will take care of everything at home and they do just that, so I really appreciate their hard work and dedication to their job,” he added.
Dutch rider Anne Grether rode Tr Voodoo Doll (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun) to a score of 217 taking second place in both classes. The 5-year-old mare is owned RS Reininghorses BV.
The third step of the podium in the Limited Open belonged to Peter Ljungberg of Sweden riding SG Whizing For Guns (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shesa Ladygun) for owner Jens Jelgard. The duo also tied with France’s Axel Pesek aboard his own Reloaded Gun (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Shes Berry Flashy) in the Intermediate Open after scoring a 215.5.
Laura Pouzol
$4.000-Added EAC Intermediate Non Pro
French rider Laura Pouzol rode Michel Pouzol’s 7-year-old stallion Tricky Vobinda Whiz (CJ Whiz x RS Cayenne Jack) to a score of 215.5 to capture the win in the $3,000-Added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro ancillary class. Today, the pair scored a 213.5 to take home the $4,000-Added NRHA EA Intermediate Non Pro Championship. “It was a fantastic run for me today but it was really emotional because I saw the entry list and all those showing, so I knew the level of the competition would be very high," said Pouzol who bred the stallion. "I made a few mistakes in the run; we had an underspin and a lead change issue, but they were all my fault so I can’t say anything bad about my horse. It was basically both because he listened to me too well, so we got some penalties. I am on cloud nine!”
Reserve Champion Peter Arnet of Switzerland scored a 213 aboard his 5-year-old stallion Whizkers (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Watch Me Purr) for the title.
Third place saw two riders scoring 211.5: Siebe Van Bekhoven of Belgium riding her own 8-year-old gelding WS Check My Pedigree (Wimpys Smoking Gun x Footworks Finetiming) and Pia Andreassen of Norway with her 7-year-old gelding Gunna Spook (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x West Coast Sandy).
Lou Covarel
$2.000-Added EAC Limited Non Pro
Lou Covarel of France, who rides under the guidance of NRHA Professional Clemence Neveaux, rode Severine Hallay’s 13-year-old gelding Big Chex Olena (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Big Chex To Cash x Mistis Olena) to a score of 214.5 which earned her the top slot in the $2.000-Added EAC Limited Non Pro. “It was a really fun run and the circles in particular were really good. I have been riding him for four years and I love him. He is such a good stopper,” said the young Champion, who will show again tomorrow in the EAC Youth 14-18 and then will give her horse a well-deserved break.
Laura Pouzol and Tricky Vobinda Whiz took reserve honors followed by Czech Martina Zelená, who rode her 8-year-old gelding Whensungoesdown (Kiowas Smokingun x Look At The Sunrise) to a score of 212.5.
Lou Covarel
$200-Added EAC Rookie
Taking the Championship in the $200-Added EAC Rookie class was Swiss Patricia Künzli riding Shiners Dreamer, a 5-year-old gelding by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Jessies Lil Dreamer. The flashy palomino gelding, owned by Investpath AG, rode Kuenzli to the win with a 211 score.
“I’m so happy,” said the enthused Rookie Champion hot off her win. “We came here without a trainer just to give it a try in the EAC and have fun. [NRHA Professional] Fabien Boiron kindly stepped in, helped us tremendously, and we had a really good run. I would like to thank him for all his help at this show as I never expected to win. I’ve had my horse for two years now and since he is only 5 years old, I plan to show him at the AMERICANA and then hopefully in the NRHA European Derby. We will take it step by step.”
Reserve honors went to Emma Louise Eggen of Norway and her mother’s [Pia Andreassen] 7-year-old gelding Gunna Spook (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x West Coast Sandy), who scored a 210.5.
Two riders tied for the third place, both scoring a 210: Belgium’s Marie Verschueren, who rode her and her brother’s [Dries Verschueren] SG Gunnerspecialwhiz (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite x Nics Whiz) and Manuela Ernst of Germany riding her own Just Docs Hollywood (ML Doc Hollywood x Just Burnt Spur).
Lukasz Czechowicz
Friday NRHA EAC Ancillary Action
$12,000-Added NRHA Open
In the prestigious Open offering $12,000 added money, it was all about Katarzyna Roleska’s CSG Piggiemove who closed his powerful run worth 225.5 with Poland’s Lukasz Czechowicz in the saddle.
Second place honors went to Belgium’s NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck who rode Mello Yello Jersey (Yellow Jersey x Smart Okie Lena) owned by Kay Schroeder to a 223.5.
Adrienne Speidel
Nikolai Stiller
$8,500-Added NRHA Non Pro
Claiming top honors with a 220.5 score and opting to share the spot in the high-paying NRHA Non Pro ancillary class were Switzerland’s Adrienne Speidel aboard her own CDC Cromed Resolve, a 7-year-old stallion by Custom Del Cielo out of Kaysolve, and Nikolai Stiller of Germany aboard his own Hollywood Gunrunner (NRHA Fourteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dun It For Missy).
Riders Spotlight
Riders Spotlight: Golden Oldies
Whoyacallinwimpy, a 2005 gelding by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Dun Dealt An Ace, was purchased by Tanja Waida in 2009. Leased by Sebastian Neff of Germany for the past three years, Neff and "Roger" qualified for the EAC Rookie, Limited Non Pro, and Intermediate Non Pro for the second year running. The beautiful bay came to the event already wearing a crown: "that of oldest horse showing in Givrins!" Shown in his career by Waida and her daughter Freya, who learned the art of reining on him, according to his owner he is not ready to retire and always would rather work than stay in a paddock. "He truly does not like to do nothing; he's a very smart horse and loves to do his job. He wants to work and is everyone's darling," she says. Neff and his wife Samantha are Tanja's best friends and that is how they came about leasing the horse. "We really get along and he is so jealous of our relationship," said Neff. "He wants to work and is so physically fit. In the show pen, I can trust him all the time; there is an amazing relationship between us because we know each other so well; we grew together!" Though "Roger" may be an 18-year-old gelding, he looks like a young stallion!
About CS Ranch
CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland. Owner Corinna Schumacher, with careful attention to detail, is constantly striving for CS Ranch to remain the best environment for reining horses. Since 2006, the state-of-the-art facility has been host to prestigious reining competitions including the Swiss Slide and, since 2009, the renowned SVAG CS Classic. Show manager Eric Obrecht and his ambitious CS Ranch team are always making a huge effort to comfortably accommodate riders, horses, officials, and spectators at the CS shows.
Photos by Tom Hautmann
If you make it to Givrins, admission is free. If not, follow the webcast and live score here: nrhaeac.com/live
For further information regarding the SVAG CS Classic '23 held at CS Ranch, host of many a prestigious World and European competition CS-CLASSIC.com
Follow SVAG CS Classic '23 on Facebook
NRHA European Affliiate Championship Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 3405354629
For further NRHA EAC info, images, and Champion runs: NRHAEAC.com
SVAG CS Classic Show 2023: The NRHA European Affiliate Championships offer the second day of ancillary action
As the second day of NRHA Ancillary Action took place at CS RANCH in the NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) European Affiliate Championships, held during the SVAG CS Classic 2023, opening the competition were the NRHA Youth 13&Under and 14-18 youth classes.
Jody Fonck
Youth 14-18
It was a great day for Jody Fonck of Belgium and Sparkling And Spooky (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Ebony Spook), owned by J&J comm v J&J comm, who scored a 212.5 for the win in the NRHA Youth 14-18 class. The talented rider bragged about her mount after their run. “My horse was super nice. He is a 4-year-old gelding and he is just amazing, talented, and sweet-minded. He is so stylish and his stops were really nice today. I don’t know if I will show him some more this week — the plan is not set yet — but I am showing my other horse Smart Spooky Joe in the EAC Non Pro.”
Nicolas Pavel
Youth 13&Under
Czech Republic’s Nicolas Pavel rode his 9-year-old mare SK Cash To Gun (SK Gunshiner x Sheza Ninos Chex) to a 211.5 score to top the NRHA Youth 13&Under class in a field of six riders. Nicolas was pleased with his run. “It was really good. I’m super happy how we managed to change leads because that can be a challenge for us sometimes, but today it was good. We have had this mare since she was a baby and I have been riding her for the last three years. This show has been quite a success for us, so I really like it here. Next, we will show in the EAC Youth 13&Under and EAC Rookie,” shared Nicolas about his future plans.
Anne Grether
$4,000-Added Intermediate Open and $500-Added Limited Open
The pressure was on until the last run in the NRHA $4,000-Added Intermediate Open and $500-Added Limited Open classes. Anne Grether of France walked in last aboard the 5-year-old mare Tr Voodoo Doll (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun) owned by RS Reininghorses BV and the duo had a beautiful run awarded a 218.5 by the judges which brought them a win in both classes. “It all worked out,” said Grether after her run. “This is our third show together with this mare. I have had her in training since last November and we only showed twice before coming here. She was very good in the show pen so I told myself ‘I’m going to try to beat the boys’ [Co-reserve Champions Rafal Dolata and Anders Josefsson] and it worked out, so I am happy with how we did!”
Laura Pouzol
$3,000-Added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro
French rider Laura Pouzol rode Michel Pouzol’s 7-year-old stallion Tricky Vobinda Whiz (CJ Whiz x RS Cayenne Jack) to a score of 215.5 to capture the win in the $3,000-Added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro. “My horse was exceptional today, we had a fabulous run and he tried very hard for me,” said the excited French rider. “We bred the stallion, so I have had him his whole life and this is a huge accomplishment for both of us.”
Thomas Schneiter
$500-Added NRHA Limited Non Pro
The $500-Added NRHA Limited Non Pro class was filled with 40 horse-rider combinations and it was Thomas Schneiter of Switzerland riding his wife Sabrina Schneiter’s 12-year-old gelding Magnum It (NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Dun It The Hard Way) to the highest score of the class, a 213. “We had a great run today,” shared Schneiter. “I especially enjoyed the stops. My horse has had a successful career in open classes previously. We have had him now for the last three years and he is a really cool horse.” The Swiss Non Pro, who rides with NRHA Professional Morey Fisk, says he really enjoys his program and is thrilled to show in this event. “We qualified for the Swiss Reining Challenge Non Pro Championship, so I am excited to show in this class on Saturday and I also tomorrow in the EAC Limited Non Pro. This is for sure the greatest show in Switzerland. It is amazing to have a show of this format in this country and a treat for the Swiss riders. ”
Schneiter also topped the Swiss Reining Challenge Non Pro Qualifier that took place concurrently with the ancillary Non Pro class. Eighteen Non Pro Swiss riders competed for the ten spots in the Finals that will run concurrently with the EAC Non Pro class on Saturday offering 2000 CHF added money.
Riders Spotlight
When passion beats distance!
The youngest competitor in the NRHA European Affiliate Championship, 10-year-old Emma Louise Eggen, came to Switzerland to compete in the Youth 13&Under classes. Driving with her parents Tor Erik Eggen and Pia Andreassen for three days all the way from Norway, Emma was happy to compete aboard her horse Gunna Spook, a 7-year-old gelding by the NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of West Coast Sandy, AKA “Buddy.” Riding all her life, as her father says, the first saddle she sat in was his when she was about two years old. Today, Emma and “Buddy” placed second in the NRHA 13&Under scoring a 210 and they are getting ready to compete in the EAC Youth 13&Under and Youth Team Tournament on Saturday. “Today, our stops were the best,” mentioned Emma. When asked about her hobbies besides riding horses, Emma’s dad laughs: “All she does is ride!” One day, Emma would like to be a horse trainer like her dad. After all, reining is a family affair for the Eggens: They brought four horses to Switzerland and next will move onto a show in Sweden!
About CS Ranch
CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland. Owner Corinna Schumacher, with careful attention to detail, is constantly striving for CS Ranch to remain the best environment for reining horses. Since 2006, the state-of-the-art facility has been host to prestigious reining competitions including the Swiss Slide and, since 2009, the renowned SVAG CS Classic. Show manager Eric Obrecht and his ambitious CS Ranch team are always making a huge effort to comfortably accommodate riders, horses, officials, and spectators at the CS shows.
Photos by Tom Hautmann
If you make it to Givrins, admission is free. If not, follow the webcast and live score here: nrhaeac.com/live
For further information regarding the SVAG CS Classic '23 held at CS Ranch, host of many a prestigious World and European competition CS-CLASSIC.com. For more information on the NRHA European Affiliate Championships NRHAEAC.com
Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 3405354629
The NRHA European Affiliate Champions are off to great start ancillary action during the SVAG CS Classic ’23 in Givrins, Switzerland
Givrins, July 11 — Provided by Simona Diale — The NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC), held during the SVAG CS Classic ’23, officially opened the doors to competition with NRHA ancillary action lighting up the day. Following a week of intense World Reining Championship competition, the wonderful CS Ranch arena welcomed the first riders showing in the NRHA Rookie Level 1 and Level 2 classes.
Anna Palasová & Melanie Aebi
Tying for first place honors with a 141 score in the Level 1 was Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic riding Dr Who (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Peppergun) and Melanie Aebi of Switzerland aboard RR Branding Star (RR Star x As I Want). Aebi, who rides under the guidance of NRHA Professional Morey Fisk, also took the Level 2 win this time riding Lil Joe A Whiz (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x A Whiz N Wranglers) and a 142 score.
Quentin Galliere
Fabien Boiron
There was a tie for first place honors in the $400-Added NRHA Novice Horse Open L3 with fellow Frenchmen Quentin Galliere riding Sharon De Groot’s Tinsel Whizington (Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis) and Fabien Boiron riding ARC Walla Smart (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Please Pass The Chic) owned by Adrienne Speidel to a 143.5 score.
Thomas Hein
Thomas Hein of France rode Rockster Piccolino (Piccolo Spanish x Smoking Chrome) owned by Karoline Sommer to first place with a 139 score in the $500-Added NRHA Rookie Professional.
Sára Karasová
In a field of 26 riders, Sára Karasová of the Czech Republic stole the show riding her two horses to first and second place in the $400-Added NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro L3. With her first mount, KH Yankee Step, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Rowdy Yankee out of Step A Little Closer with whom she has won many a prestigious title, she closed her performance with a 144 earning the top slot. The young rider also went on to score a 142.5 riding Wimpy N Mercedes (Mercedes Rooster x Pretty Little Steps), owned by Iveta Karasová, to the reserve spot. "I feel really great about today. Last week we had few bobbles both in the go round and in the finals, so I’m happy that’s over and I feel ready for this week," said Sára after her win. “Yankee” [KH Yankee Step] was great and my second horse “Roosticka” [Wimpy N Mercedes] did also well. This was our first show with the mare, so I am very pleased with the outcome."
Wednesday Rider Spotlight
12-year-old Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic took her first win at the NRHA European Affiliate Championship in the Rookie Level 1 ancillary class riding her own Dr Who, AKA “Woody.” Though this is her second year at CS Ranch, it’s the first time with her flashy 6-year-old palomino who she purchased from Italian Professional Davide Brighenti at the beginning of 2023. “He’s always nice to me and always does everything I ask him to and never complains,” said the young rider who has been riding reiners for the past five years under the guidance of Eva Nováčková. “We were looking around for a new horse and tried quite a few. The reason I chose him was because he is so sweet, and never goes where he wants to nor does he do things I don’t ask him to do. I am really looking forward to showing him in the Youth class here at the European Affiliate Championships and am really excited!”
About CS Ranch
CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland. Owner Corinna Schumacher, with careful attention to detail, is constantly striving for CS Ranch to remain the best environment for reining horses. Since 2006, the state-of-the-art facility has been host to prestigious reining competitions including the Swiss Slide and, since 2009, the renowned SVAG CS Classic. Show manager Eric Obrecht and his ambitious CS Ranch team are always making a huge effort to comfortably accommodate riders, horses, officials, and spectators at the CS shows.
Photos by Tom Hautmann
If you make it to Givrins, admission is free. If not, follow the webcast and live score here: nrhaeac.com/live
For further information regarding the SVAG CS Classic '23 held at CS Ranch, host of many a prestigious World and European competition CS-CLASSIC.com
Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 3405354629
It’s showtime in Givrins, Switzerland, as the SVAG CS Classic 2023 hosts the NRHA European Affiliate Championships
Host to the 2010-2011 editions of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Championships (EAC), CS Ranch, Givrins, Switzerland, welcomed back the prestigious event in 2022 and is ready to offer this year’s edition during the SVAG CS Classic 2023.
Givrins, July 11 — After a week of intense competition featuring the inaugural and highly successful World Reining Championship, the state-of-the-art CS Ranch, owned by Corinna Schumacher located in the beautiful area of Givrins, on Lake Léman, is now ready to host the SVAG CS Classic and NRHA European Affiliate Championships along with a full slate of NRHA approved classes and the Swiss Reining Challenge.
With qualified riders representing 14 countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland) this year’s edition of the NRHA European Affiliate Championships will write another important chapter of reining in the Old Continent.
Qualified riders will be vying for the following NRHA European Affiliate Championship finals in the following classes:
$18,000-Added EAC Open
$5,000-added Intermediate EAC Open
$2,000-Added EAC Limited Open
$15,000-Added EAC Non Pro
$4,000-Added EAC Intermediate Non Pro
$2 ,000-Added EAC Limited Non Pro
In the above classes, the Champions will win a Lawson trophy, the Champion buckle and a saddle offered by NRHA. For the following, Champions will receive a Morrison trophy, the Champion buckle and a saddle offered by NRHA:
$1 500 -Added EAC Rookie Professional
$200-Added EAC Rookie
$100-Added EAC Youth 13 & Under.
$100-Added EAC Youth 14-18.
Youth riders will also have a chance to compete in the exciting NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament where buckles offered by NRHA will be awarded to the winning team as well as medals to the top eight teams.
On Wednesday, competition will feature the first NRHA ancillary classes with the NRHA EAC Youth meeting and party closing the day. Representing seven countries, the 22 qualified Youth (13 & Under and 14-18) finalists will get to know each other and find out the teams they will be representing in the Tournament. Each team will be made up of four youth competitors with at least one 13 & Under and one 14-18 rider.
EAC action will fill the CS Ranch Arena on Friday, with the crowing of the Rookie and Limited and Intermediate Open and Non Pro European Affiliate Champions, followed by the $8,500-Added NRHA Non Pro and $12,000-Added NRHA Open closing the day. On Saturday, the day opens with the Rookie Professional Championship. The NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament will commence followed by the last 2023 EAC Champions to top off the evening in the $18,000-added EAC Open and the $15,000-added EAC Non Pro.
If you make it to Givrins, admission is free. If not, follow the webcast and livescore here: nrhaeac.com/live
For all info regarding the 2023 SVAG CS Classic and NRHA European Affiliate Championships: cs-classic.com
For further info and updates: NRHAEAC.com
Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Cell: +39 340 5354629
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com