IHP CHRONICLE - 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

IHP Chronicle 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

Editor-in-Chief

Simona Diale

Assistant Editor

Olivia Diale

Production and Graphics

Chiara Milani

Contributing Writers

Chiara Milani

Marie Klimová

Simona Diale

Contributing IHP Photographers

Bonaga Communication

Martina Tonello Photography

Wanted Photo

8 Photo Agency

Waltenberry Photos

Fly Pangolin Photography

FotoPerigo

DS Media

John Photo

Marie Klimová

Cover photo by Fly Pangolin Photography

International Horse Press Srls Via Firenze, 2 - Alessandria - Italy internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC

Kaci O’Rourke and The Firemen Make History

Kaci O’Rourke and The Firemen made history, scoring an impressive 229 to win the prestigious NRHA MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Futurity—a title never before claimed by a woman. Their victory was even more significant as they became the last Futurity Champions crowned in the Jim Norick Arena, host to the Futurity since 1985.

November 11 - December 8 Oklahoma City | USA

Emotions ran high in the Jim Norrick Arena, Oklahoma City, when O’Rourke and The Firemen entered the arena for the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals. “When we hit the gate, the roar of the crowd hit us,” O’Rourke recalls. “After the first stop and back, I was waiting for him to vibrate at the center, but he was as calm as could be. ‘Wow, he’s still here,’ I thought. He was just waiting for me to cue him in the turns.

“In my first circle, I took an extra step before loping, checking in to make sure everything felt right—and it did. I kept wondering how much I should

push him. Before we went in, someone told me, ‘You don’t need to go all in to do well.’ So, I didn’t run his wheels off because I knew he had his stops. He didn’t miss a single stop that whole show, and the last one was probably his best.

"It was just awesome, and that’s what reining should be. It was the most incredible feeling. I could hear people cheering during the run, and when we finished, I looked up to see a standing ovation. The community was there for us—that’s what we chase. In my mind, on a bad day, that’s the run I’ll always want to envision.”

“I knew I had a really good horse. When you ask him a little bit, he gives you a lot, and he’s got so much look. My goal was to keep him in a good mental place and keep him quiet.”

Meant to be

The athletic Paint Horse stallion by Inferno 66 and out of Redhot Walla is owned by Peter and Courtney Morgan was bred and nominated by Tamarack Ranch LLC.

“ My husband [Jack Daniels] and I visited Tamarack Ranch, known for raising exceptional young horses, and spoke with Gabe and Susi about partnering on a horse,” O’Rourke said. “They had recently relocated from Oregon, and while some of their horses that had already been moved to Texas had already shed out, there was one smaller, slightly late bloomer who still had a fuzzy coat. But he had that look—a striking blue eye and a beautiful, effortless lope. He was the one we wanted but it wasn’t until just before the Futurity the following year that they called us and said we could pick him up. We brought him home, and Jack started working with him.” Daniels had previously ridden Redhot Walla when working at Craig Schmersals and loved her—she too was incredibly electric said O’Rourke. “When we started ‘Thiago,’ he was very reactive and intelligent. Jack put in a lot of time with him, focusing on flat work and riding him outside to build his confidence. From the beginning, he always tried hard, so we had to teach him to slow things down before asking for speed. Jack always said, ‘This is a special horse—we really need to try to keep him,’ he said. By fall, Jack had too many horses to ride, so he asked me to take the reins. Despite his electric nature, he

had an incredibly smooth, slow lope and was just fun to ride. I was having a blast, and before long, Jack never got him back.

“At the end of October, the Morgans, who have been with us since the beginning, came over. We told them Thiago was the best prospect: They trusted us, bought him, and that’s how it all started. What truly sets him apart is that most horses with his level of agility, quick footwork, and athleticism tend to be a little hot—but he’s not. He has an incredible mind.”

The journey

“I was fortunate to grow up on a horse farm—our family owns and operates Pond Hill Ranch, the largest ranch east of the Mississippi. Since we leased out over 900 horses across the East Coast—to Disney, police units, rodeos, and more—I had the opportunity to ride all kinds of horses. That exposure gave me a deep appreciation for different disciplines. We also put on rodeos every summer, and around the age of 12, I started getting different horses to ride. One of them was a truly exceptional 3-year-old—the brokest horse I had ever ridden. He was dynamic, obedient, and had an incredible mind. That experience made me realize how versatile reining horses could be—even if they didn’t stay in the sport, they always had a place in another discipline. That’s what first drew me to reining.

“By the time I was 15, I knew I wanted to be a trainer. My family supported me, and having grown up around so many horses, I had developed the ability to read their mentality and expressions— understanding each horse as an individual. That perspective still shapes my training today.

I earned a scholarship to Oklahoma State University on the equestrian team, but after my first semester, I realized college wasn’t for me—I wanted to train horses, and I knew I needed to work for someone to learn the business. Not many people believed I would actually take that leap, but I called several top trainers looking for a position. I wanted to be

By Simona Diale

in Texas, where the best in the industry was. When I got the chance to meet Casey Deary, I had already won around $40-50K in earnings, but I didn’t care about money—I just wanted to learn. Working for him was an incredible experience. I spent five years there, learning at the highest level. I got to witness Casey win the Futurity and Derby on Shesouttayourleague and being behind the scenes at that level of success was eye-opening. It showed me exactly what it takes to compete at the top.

“After Casey, I spent two years working for Craig Schmersal. I always admired how broke his horses were—anyone could ride them. He was incredibly consistent in the product he put out, and I especially loved his two-year-old program. The structure of his system helped me level up as a trainer and develop new tools.”

Photos by Waltenberry / IHP FlyPangolin Photography

Building Our Own Business

“At Craig’s I met Jack—we both worked there. When we left, we decided to start our own business with focus on young horses. Jack is extremely gifted at communicating with horses—he creates respect, teaches them to trust, and allows them to express themselves without fear. From the start, we committed to investing in ourselves. You have to believe in yourself first before others do. In our first year, we didn’t have many horses, but we stayed busy. We took our two-year-olds everywhere, and people noticed our work ethic. We are workaholics—it was a grind, but we loved every moment of it. When we started, Jack said, ‘In five years, I want us to be established and competing at Level 4.’ And here we are!”

The 2024 NRHA Futurity reached a new pinnacle with $1.64 million added and a record-breaking $3.2 million-plus payout. The purse was larger in all four levels of the Open and Non Pro than ever before, with $2.28 million paid out in the Levels 4-1 Open Futurity.

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Kole Price rode Picture Perrfect to the Reserve Championship in the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals with a score of 228 for owner Ronald Anderson. The 2021 stallion is out of the mare Isnt She Perfect, whom Price rode to the Reserve Championship in 2018. Picture Perrfect won $150,000, including nominator incentives.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Franco Bertolani rode Vulcano (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dun It In Silver) owned by Vulcano LLC. to the Prime Time Open Championship and the Level 3 Co-Reserve Championship.

Open Go-Round Leaders: 7 Lakes Ranch’s resident trainer Mirko Midili rode Janice Laney’s stallion Mark My Word (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic) to the highest score of both the first go-round (226) and the Semi-Finals (224) marking the highest composite score (450). The flashy palomino stallion was bred and nominated by NRHA Three Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA.

NRHA Professional Leonardo Kellermann piloted Janice Laney’s Frozen Starburst (SG Frozen Enterprize x Hollywood Starburst) to a 222.5 that won the Levels 2 and 1, tied for Reserve in Level 3 and tied for eighth in Level 4.

The CINCH Non Pro Futurity

Tish Fappani and Wish I Was Yours (Colonels Shining Gun x Whizzen For Chex) rode to a 222 for the Level 4 Championship early in the draw. Their score held, earning them $75,000, including nominator incentives. Bred by Tamarack Ranch, the mare came to OKC with more than $71,000 on her show record.

“It’s incredible because we raised her,” said Fappani . “I was early in the draw, so I knew we needed to get out there and get it done. I ran in and stopped good. She hit her turns, and she circled awesome. I was a little worried having to wait till the end, but we hung in there, so it was awesome.”

Gina-Maria Schumacher rode Whiz N Rise (Spooks Gotta Whiz x What A Sunrise), owned by XCS Ranch LLC , to a 221 score to take reserve honors in the Level 4 Non Pro Futurity.

Taylor Zimmerman & Ruf Jewels (Not Ruf At All x Gotta Get A Diamond), Level 3 Non Pro Futurity Champions.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

“I was thinking he would not make that fantastic of a horse for me as far as this year goes, but maybe as a derby horse next year,” Zimmerman said about the horse bred, owned and nominated by her grandfather, Vaughn, an NRHA Hall of Fame inductee. “He has come full circle. It’s really incredible what they can do.”

Michelle Fumagalli and Peptos Big Stop took home the Level 2 Non Pro and Youth Non Pro Championships aboard Peptos Big Stop (Late Night Stopper x Peptos Lil Melody), a gelding owned by her family’s Smoking Roosters PH LLC. “I have been away at school, so I haven’t had very many rides on this horse. It felt really good to do well and build trust together this week. It was a fun night!”

Elisabeth Bourassa Carter and Colonel Crush rode her own Colonel Crush (PS Mega Shine Chic x Shining Hit Girl) to top the Level 1 Non Pro. “The horse can do it all and is the first horse I have ever owned that I can trust 100%,” she said about her mount bred and nominated by NRHA Professional Brent Loseke.

David McGee rode MCG Just Dig to the Prime Time Non Pro Futurity Championship with a 217 (including handicap). The McGee Farms LLC-nominated, -bred, and -owned gelding is by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Miss Whizarima.

Arcese Quarter Horses: First NRHA Three Million Dollar Owner

Arcese Quarter Horses’ blood flows in many a reining champion, including the 2024 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, The Firemen. The stallion’s dam, Redhot Walla, is by Arcese-owned NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz. “I have a passion for the sport, for these amazing horses, and for the reining community,” Arcese said. “It's incredible to see how far reining has gone and I am honored to be able to share these moments with my son, Leonardo, and with my friends here in Oklahoma City.”

In a landmark achievement, Arcese Quarter Horses USA has solidified its position as NRHA's first-ever Three Million Dollar Owner. At the same time their exceptional stallion, Arcese Quarter Horses USA has been at the forefront of excellence in the reining horse industry, consistently demonstrating a commitment to breeding and promoting top-tier reining horses. This milestone not only reflects the passion and dedication of NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese and his team but also the quality of his breeding program.

Shesouttayourleague is a 12-year-old mare by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of NRHA Hall of Famer Wimpys Little Chic, was bred and nominated by NRHA’s only Three Million Dollar Owner, Arcese Quarter Horses USA. The Arceses also bred and owned Wimpys Little Chic, who passed earlier this year, and called her “Lexi.” Shesouttayourleague was lovingly called “Little Lexi.” Her owner, DAG Ventures LLC, also owns her top-earning offspring, Down Right Amazing (by Gunner). After finishing third in the L4 Open Finals at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, the stallion became NRHA’s No. 1 leading horse of all time with more than $949,000 NRHA LTE, including 2024 The Run for a Million earnings.

During her time in the show pen, Arcese Quarter Horses USA’s Americasnextgunmodel (Gunner x Cee Dun It Do It) earned nearly $290,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE), all with NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary at the reins. The duo reached the pinnacle of success in 2012 when they rode to the NRHA Level (L) 4 Open Futurity Championship, earning $165,000. They also had remarkable finishes at other premier reining events, including the NRHA Derby, the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC), and the High Roller Reining Classic. The mare became NRHA's tenth Million Dollar Dam; this achievement recognizes Americasnextgunmodel’s exceptional breeding influence within the reining community.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Photo by Bonaga Communication

Manuel Cortesi Joins the NRHA Million Dollar Rider Club

By Simona Diale

In 2015, Manuel Cortesi transitioned to professional status after competing in NRHA events since 2003, first as a youth and later as a non pro. His first NRHA paycheck came in 2005, riding The Slide Surprise (ARC Sparkle Surprise x Rulerita Pride) at the IRHA Futurity. Since turning professional in 2015, Cortesi has continued to build an impressive career, with his NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) surging to $527,235 in the past two years alone.

The horse that defined a career

The talented Forlimpopoli, Italy native credits much of his success to July Joe Snap, a stallion by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Master Snapper out of San July Jo Magnetic. The horse was bred by his close friend, Giacomo Ronchi, who prematurely passed away two years ago.

“At the time, owner Roberto Cuoghi asked me to show July at the Italian Futurity, just a month after Giacomo’s passing,” Cortesi recalls. “It was a huge responsibility because Giacomo—who broke and trained the horse— was supposed to show him. July is an incredible athlete who has given me everything in the show pen, and has never let us down. I know Giacomo watches over and guides us from above…”

Now owned by NRHA Hall of Famers Eleuterio Arcese and Cuoghi of Impresa Agricola Cuoghi, July Joe Snap and Cortesi have dominated the European reining circuit, winning every major event, including the inaugural 100X European Open Derby, and always

scoring 230 or higher. Together, they have earned close to $250,000, ranking ninth in the 2024 NRHA Top 20 Professionals and sixth in the final standings to qualify for the 2025 American Performance Horseman.

Breaking the million-dollar barrier

Cortesi surpassed the $1 million milestone at the 2024 IRHA Futurity, delivering a series of standout performances: He rode MC Millenium Falcon (Maytheforcebewhizyou x RS Shadow Olena), owned by Stefano Scotti, to victory in the 3-year-old Level 4 Open Futurity Championship, adding $70,000 to his earnings. He also claimed the 4-year-old Level 4 Open Futurity title aboard Frozen Sven (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Ladymaster), bred by Cuoghi and owned by 7 Heaven Horses and secured Reserve honors on Knockin On Ice (SG Frozen Enterprize x San July Jo Magnetic), a stallion bred by Ronchi and owned by Michael Agostini, earning over $18,000 for the two titles.

A night to remember

“ The magnitude of this achievement is incredible— winning the Futurity on a horse we raised and trained, selling him to a client who believed in me, and reaching Million Dollar Rider status all in one night… it’s beyond words," said an emotional Cortesi. "I cannot thank those who have supported me enough. A special thank you goes to my father, Piero, who has always stood by my side.”

Pietro Marseglia’s Quarter Dream SRL Becomes NRHA’s Newest Million Dollar Owner

By Simona Diale

For Italian businessman Pietro Marseglia, the success of Quarter Dream SRL is the result of years of meticulous breeding and carefully studied bloodline crosses. “From the very beginning, we built our program with excellence as our goal. Reaching this milestone proves that our hard work has paid off, and that makes us incredibly proud,” says Marseglia, who is based in Monopoli in southern Italy.

Quarter Dream SRL’s journey began in 2008. Through dedication and strategic planning, it has since grown into one of Europe’s most exclusive training and breeding facilities for reining horses. “The stunning landscape, the sun, the sea, and the centuries-old olive trees surrounding our facility create the ideal environment for foals to grow up healthy and happy. This is where our champions are born. Our mission has always been to build an elite broodmare band, produce world-class foals, and become a leader in the industry.”

That mission has paid off—Quarter Dream SRL has produced some of the finest reining horses in the sport. In 2024, the total earnings of its homebred and purchased horses surpassed the million-dollar mark, with over 120 horses contributing to this success in NRHA records.

Several standout mares have been instrumental in reaching this milestone, including Dance Little Spook and Gunna Be Majestic, both cornerstones of the

www.internationalhorsepress.com

breeding program. On the performance side, two stallions have left an indelible mark in the show pen: Sugar Little Step, who retired in 2024, and Colonels Dancing Gun. The latter, a 10-year-old stallion bred, owned, and nominated by Quarter Dream SRL, boasts an impressive show record, including victories in the NRHA European Futurity and Derby Level 4 Open Championships. He also claimed the 2023 World Reining Senior Professional Individual gold medal, all under the saddle of NRHA Professional Nico Sicuro. In 2024, Colonels Dancing Gun and Sicuro secured the NRHA Open World

Championship, bringing the stallion’s lifetime earnings to $240,230 NRHA LTE.

Marseglia is quick to credit Sicuro for these outstanding results, along with the many riders who contributed to Quarter Dream’s rise to Million Dollar Owner status. Among them are NRHA Million Dollar Riders Franco Bertolani, Gennaro Lendi, Ann Fonck, Rudi Kronsteiner, and NRHA Professional Markus Gebert. “They are the ones who helped build Quarter Dream into what it is today,” Marseglia acknowledges.

Congratulations to Europe’s second NRHA Million Dollar Owner— Quarter Dream!

Yellow Jersey: ELEMENTA’s First NRHA Million Dollar Sire

By Simona Diale

Bred by the late Peter Phinny, Yellow Jersey is the result of meticulous breeding selection. His sire is Wimpys Little Step, an NRHA Hall of Famer and the second-highest earning sire of all time, while his dam is Ms Clara Melody (by Mr Melody Jac). Thanks to the visionary decision of owner Maria Cecilia Fiorucci, Italy can now boast one of the three NRHA Million Dollar Sires in Europe. “We are thrilled and honored that Yellow Jersey is the first NRHA Million Dollar Sire owned by ELEMENTA,” said Fiorucci, owner of ELEMENTA. “We love all of our horses, regardless of their achievements, but we are especially grateful for the remarkable success of his offspring, and we are confident they will continue to

achieve even greater results.”

Already recognized as EquiStat Million Dollar Sire, “Yellow,” as he is affectionately called, officially surpassed the NRHA Million Dollar Sire mark in July at the 100X European Derby, held at BO Ranch in France. Prior to the event, his offspring had accumulated $991,892.88 in NRHA LTE (lifetime earnings).

Riding Mello Yello Jersey, an eight-year-old stallion by Smart Okie Lena owned by Kay Schroeder, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck competed in the 100X European Open Derby Finals. Closing in 11th place, his $9,000 prize money pushed Yellow Jersey over the million in NRHA progeny earnings.

A Champion’s Journey: From the Arena to a Legacy

The talented palomino stallion was purchased by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci from Tim McQuay in 2019, marking the beginning of ELEMENTA's journey which has since become one of the most prestigious reining breeding programs in the world. “Over 35 years ago, my father - a true horse loverimported two Quarter Horses to Italy; they were both palominos. When we purchased Elementa and started our breeding and riding facility, we were looking for a palomino and Yellow was the perfect fit, especially considering his royal bloodline.”

During his competitive career, Yellow Jersey earned $137,617 NRHA LTE, competing with both Open and Non Pro riders in the saddle. Under NRHA professional Brent Wright, he competed in the NRHA Futurity before being purchased by Arcese Quarter Horses USA and was then relocated to Italy. With Stefano Massignan in the saddle, Yellow Jersey won the IRHA Derby Co-Championship and later became IRHA Maturity Co-Champion, breaking into the NRHA Top 10 worldwide rankings.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

He later returned to the United States, where, under NRHA Eight Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, he won the NRHA World Champion Shootout, securing $100,000 in prize money for his then-owner Robert Thompson. Massignan also showed him at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky for Bronze MedalistTeam Italy and in 2013, legendary Tim McQuay competed with him in the Kentucky Cup. The following year, he acquired Yellow Jersey, later passing the reins to his daughter, Mandy McCutcheon. Under Mandy’s guidance, Yellow Jersey competed in the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, bringing home team gold and individual bronze medals for Team USA. He is the only horse that has participated and won medals in two World Championships.

A Legacy That Lives On Through His Offspring

Yellow Jersey’s success in the arena continues through his offspring, with 137 descendants accumulating NRHA earnings. Leading the list is Jerseys Baby Driver (out of Wind Her Up Chic), a stallion owned by Janice Laney, who has earned $250,253 with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Trevor Dare in the saddle.

Other notable progeny include:

• Stopping In Jersey (out of Stop Little Sister), owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC; $136,753 NRHA LTE

• Mello Yello Jersey (out of Smart Okie Lena), owned by Kay Schroeder; $85,775 NRHA LTE

• The Star Jersey (out of Nicastar Lite), owned by Ashley Wilson-Hammer; $61,052 NRHA LTE.

• Bamn Bam (out of Fabulous Guns), owned by Sarah McMahon; $54,301 NRHA LTE.

A Commitment to Horse Welfare and Excellence

Fiorucci is deeply committed to providing the best possible upbringing and training for her horses, promoting a natural and healthy lifestyle, exceptional care, and fair training methods. “Yellow spends his days in the pasture and in his stall at night. He’s easy to have around, has a unique personality and loves his cookies!” she shares. “Our goal is to give our horses the best possible life, and though we still have frozen semen in the U.S., we want him to enjoy his accolades in the pasture.”

As a strong advocate for animal welfare, she believes that this approach allows horses to reach their full potential while enjoying their work and life.

“Yellow Jersey’s success is just one example of the dedication that ELEMENTA puts into developing its horses,” said Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner, congratulating the Italian breeder.

Photo by Simona Diale

NRHA Million Dollar Sire Master Snapper A Legacy Across Continents

By Simona Diale

NRHA Hall of Famer Roberto Cuoghi made history when Master Snapper, a horse he bred and raised, crossed the Atlantic and went on to win the NRHA Open Derby Championship with Kelly Zweifel in the saddle—a dream come true for any breeder, especially one based in Europe. The talented bay stallion’s offspring surpassed the million dollar mark making him the third NRHA Million Dollar Sire in the Old Continent.

“This is another milestone for our breeding program; just as emotional as when Master Snapper won the NRHA Derby and when I was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame.”

Cuoghi’s journey in the reining world began with Spirit Of Five, the 1987 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, whom he purchased from NRHA Hall of Famer Eleuterio Arcese.

“Arcese has had the greatest impact on Western equitation in Europe and has certainly influenced my life with horses. In the early ‘80s, we were pioneers in Europe, traveling across the U.S. at whirlwind speed, evaluating as many reining and cutting horses as possible. In 1988, I purchased Master Snapper’s sire, Snapper Cal Bar, from Hanes Chaddam. He became the foundation of our breeding program, leaving a lasting legacy in both reining and cutting circuits. When he passed away in 2001, Master Snapper carried the torch.”

A Champion in the Arena

The 2001 bay stallion out of Colonel Mistress made his mark early, winning the Italian Open Futurity, Derby, and Maturity while earning the Italian Open Horse of the Year title in 2005. Under the guidance of Kelly Zweifel, he also claimed the 2006 Americana Top Honor Award.

His international legacy was cemented when he won all divisions of the 2006 NRHA Open Derby in Oklahoma City, scoring an unforgettable 232. “That moment was one of the highlights of my life,” Cuoghi recalled. “At 2 a.m. in Italy, during one of the country’s biggest Western horse shows— Salone del Cavallo Americano — reiners gathered in the arena to watch the run live on the big screen. When his score was announced, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation.” Master Snapper finished his show career in OKC with $69,050 NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE).

A Lasting Influence in Breeding

Following his Derby triumph, Master Snapper remained in the U.S. at Green Valley Ranch, Aubrey, TX, to begin his breeding career, solidifying his reputation as a stallion. However, Cuoghi later decided to bring him back to Italy, believing he should continue his legacy in Italy. Over the years he sired successful Open, Non Pro, and Youth horses: In 2019 his highest-earning offspring, July Joe Snap, was born in Italy.

By Master Snapper and out of July Jo San Magnestic, July Joe Snap has already etched his name in European history, winning all major reining events in Europe with scores exceeding 231. Bred by Giacomo Ronchi, nominated by Roberto Cuoghi, and owned by Impresa

Agricola Cuoghi and Eleuterio Arcese, July Joe Snap has amassed an impressive $236,158 in NRHA LTE, guided by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Manuel Cortesi.

“The story behind this incredible stallion will always hold a special place in my heart,” Cuoghi shared.

“With a horse like this, anyone can achieve great goals. I first saw him as a 3-year-old, trained by my friend, [NRHA Professional] Giacomo Ronchi. Tragically, Giacomo passed away just a month before the IRHA [Italian Reining Horse Association] Futurity. I knew he could have won with this horse. The reins passed to Manuel, who claimed the Open Futurity title. The rest is history…in the making. I have been blessed with extraordinary horses and take great pride in seeing their bloodlines flourish across both Europe and the U.S. Master Snapper’s legacy influence on the sport will continue.”

Master Snapper’s Top-Earning Offspring

Master Snapper has produced numerous champions across the globe. His top earners include:

• Snap Dun The Bases (out of Shes Dun The Bases); $125,816 NRHA LTE. Bred, nominated, and owned by Lewisville Development LP

• Letters To Juliet (out of San July Jo Magnetic); $63,067 NRHA LTE. Bred by Giacomo Ronchi, nominated by Impresa Agricola Cuoghi, owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci

• Dunnit Like A Master (out of Justanother Dun It); $61,824 NRHA LTE. Bred, nominated, and owned by Lewisville Development LP

• Plus One Master (out of Ima Mistress); $32,844 NRHA LTE. Bred and nominated by Green Valley Ranch, owned by Carrie Berkenbosch

The Inaugural Million Dollar Added NRHA European Futurity

Open to 4-year-old horses enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the first European Futurity was held in Kreuth, Germany, in 2009. In a joint effort with European affiliates, NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese made both the show and the Nomination Program happen. Sixteen years later, thanks to Arcese’s vision and determination, a pool of sponsors in Italy, along with European purse supporters, brought the million-dollar-added event—which includes the Nomination Program money—to Cremona during the 37th edition of the international horse fair Salone del Cavallo Americano.

May 21-25 Cremona | Italy

Barbagli and Gunnabeagreatdude

Fly to the Top in the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Championship

On Saturday night, in front of a full house, and with a 225.5 posted by Manuel Cortesi earlier in the draw to beat, Francesco Barbagli and Gunnabeagreatdude (ARC Gunnabeabigstar x Great Dudes Whiz), owned by Alessio Fraboschi and nominated by Vittorio Rabboni, stormed into the oval arena. Not only did they nail their first stop and back as required by NRHA pattern #10, but they also performed a handsdown, slack-in-the-reins, precise run, winning over the audience. Their 226 score secured the $420,000Added Level (L)4 Open Championship, a $75,154 paycheck, and the MS Diamonds TX Championship ring.

“I don’t know what to say, and I won’t hide the fact

that I shed a tear or two after realizing I had won," said the Italian Professional. “This horse’s talent is simply incredible; he performs all the maneuvers so naturally and is so honest. The trust I have in him is what made me risk it all and win tonight. Though I am thrilled for the horse, his owner, and myself, I still don’t believe it!”

Adding the Reserve Championship to his accolades was 2023 European Futurity Open Champion Manuel Cortesi, this time riding Frozen Sven (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Ladymaster) for owners Arcese/Cuoghi. Impresa Agricola Cuoghi bred and nominated the athletic stallion who boasts the IRHA Open Futurity Reserve title as well as the NRHA Germany Breeders 3-YearOld L4 Open Futurity Championship with Cortesi in the saddle. The duo added $62,170 to their lifetime earnings (LTE).

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Francesco Barbagli and Gunnabeagreatdude

Level 3

In the first section of the Open Finals, Italy’s Giuseppe Prevosti piloted Top Whiz Shine (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x So Whiz Up) to a 224.5. Their score held, earning them the $140,000-Added L3 Championship and a $30,925 check.

“This horse was bred and trained by his owner,” said Prevosti about the stallion owned and nominated by Tullio Mascarello. “I rode his mother, whom I showed throughout her long career, and when I got him in training, I liked him immediately. In the qualifier here, we had a freeze-up penalty, which kept us out of the Level 4 Finals, so this win gave us the opportunity to show everyone what a good horse he is. I am so happy things turned out this way.”

L3 go-round leaders, Stefano Cerutti of Italy and Questionably Frozen (SG Frozen Enterprize x Unquestionably Crome), settled for Reserve honors after performing to a 220. The stallion, an NRHA/Markel Futurity Sale graduate, is owned by Stefano Scotti and nominated by Lorenzo Lotti. The duo took home a $22,960 paycheck.

Manuel Cortesi and Frozen Sven

Giuseppe Prevosti and Top Whiz Shine

Level 2

Patrick Goeschl of Germany and Yell Low Stone (Tarysmart x Whiz Jackie) closed their run with a 218.5 to claim the $91,000-Added L2 Championship and $18,240. The stallion, owned by Geraldine Grafen, was nominated by Helmut Schulz.

“I have no words; it was just awesome,” said NRHA Million Dollar Rider Grischa Ludwig’s assistant. “It felt really good; we had awesome stops, and even though we over-spun both ways, we circled well, and I felt pretty comfortable during the run. I trusted him going in, and it worked out. Now he is going to get a short break, and then we will continue with the futurity season.”

Patrick Goeschl and Yell Low Stone

Steven Della Casa and Lenas Frozen Gun

Photos by Bonaga Communication

By Simona Diale / Marie Klimová

Level 1

Opting for the Co-Championship in the $49,000-Added L1 division after scoring a 214.5 were Italy’s Steven Della Casa and France’s Kevin Paquet. They both added $6,766 to their LTE.

Della Casa rode the Allevamento

Cisal QH Srl-owned and nominated gelding, Lenas Frozen Gun (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Frozen Sparn). Kevin Paquet rode ND Step N Crome (Walla Whiz Crome x Dun Step N Out), a flashy palomino mare owned by Birgit Schaefer and nominated by Nathalie Derua.

NRHA European Futurity L4 Open APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Champions

France’s Arnaud Girinon and QQ

Merlin Whizard (Colonels Shining Gun x Whiz a Blue) scored a 221.5 in the qualifier and was the only APHA-registered horse in the Level 4 Open Finals, making him the $1,250-Added NRHA European Futurity L4 Open American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive Champion. The stallion, owned by Sabatino QH Srl, was nominated by Chiara Colombi.

Kevin Paquet and ND Step N Crome

MS Diamonds TX Seals Precious Moments With the Championship Rings

Oded Fein of NRHA Corporate Partner MS Diamonds TX, the Official Diamond Jeweler of NRHA, traveled to Cremona for the NRHA European Futurity to present the prestigious Euro Futurity Championship Rings to the 2023 Champion, Manuel Cortesi, along with the co-owners of the winning horse, NRHA Hall of Famers Eleuterio Arcese and Roberto Cuoghi. The celebratory atmosphere of the first-ever Million Dollar Competition held in Europe—an event strongly championed by Arcese and a group of

sponsors—was shared by Arcese’s grandchildren, Rocco, Giorgia, and Sofia; Fein’s daughter, Darya; Cuoghi’s wife, Marzia; and NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

The $300,000-Added De Niro Boot Co Non Pro Finals: Zehetbauer and SS Pretty Nifty Add Another Win to Their Collection

No strangers to the winner’s circle, with the 2023 Austrian Futurity, Breeders Germany Futurity, and IRHA Non Pro Futurity Championships under their belt, Anna-Maria Zehetbauer and her NRHA/Markel Graduate SS Pretty Nifty (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Nifty Nic), owned and nominated by Zeidelhof Reining, showed the audience what reining is about when they claimed the $144,000-Added Level (L)4 Non Pro Championship with an impressive 221.

“I’m so happy and overwhelmed. This mare has already given me so much, and now another Championship—it’s really unbelievable. I pushed her a little more than in the qualifier because she felt so good, and I was confident I could do it. It doesn’t matter to her if it’s a go-round or a final—she is always great. I trained her myself with help from Lukasz Czechowicz, and now I ride with Arnaud Girinon. However, I keep her at home and like to prepare her myself.”

Level 3 and Level 2

It was a successful show for Francesca Ferrarol of Italy, who claimed both the $84,000-Added L3 and the $45,000Added L2 Championships with a score of 212. The 21-year-old showed her

homebred mare Let Me Be Your Wimpy, owned and nominated by her father, Maurizio Ferrarol. The bay mare had big shoes to fill, as she is by Wimpy Margarita, Ferrarol’s 2020 and 2019 Euro Derby Championship ride, and is out of Let Dry Peppy.

“I really have no words and honestly had no expectations. She is homebred, a piece of my heart, and I rode and showed both her mom and her dad. I only decided three weeks ago to show her here, so making the finals was already a huge accomplishment. She was great tonight, and I am the happiest girl in the world right now.”

Level 1

Italy’s Matilde Mazzanti left the arena with a wide smile on her face after scoring a 210 in the first section of the finals. Little did she know that it would be enough to earn the $27,000-Added L1 Championship and the L2 Reserve Championship.

The talented 16-year-old rider made the finals aboard Okie Done Surprise (Okie Dun Badger x Ares Cody Glo), a gelding nominated by Dario Carmignani. “I’ve had this horse since the beginning of last year, and initially, we struggled a bit to click. Thanks to my trainer, [Emanuela Modestino], our journey has been incredible, and now we have two titles to our name!”

APHA Chrome Cash Level 4 Non Pro

Francesca Sternberg of Great Britain took the win aboard her homebred mare, My Kinda Shine (Colonels Shining Gun x See My Way), in the qualifier. “This mare is really green, so we just brought her here for the experience, as she has not been shown much before. She was quite ‘looky’ in the arena, but she went around and did her job, so I am proud of her. This is a third-generation show horse for us, and I am very grateful to APHA for the Chrome Cash Incentive, which is fantastic. I think that once people in Europe understand how it works, there will be a huge uptake. It is a really good program, and I am proud to show a Paint!”

Emotions ran high on Saturday night in Cremona, Italy, as the 2024 IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Derby concluded with the DeNiroBootCo Open Derby Finals. The last three riders to go determined who would claim the top three positions. With a 230.5 to beat, Manuel Cortesi, last in the draw, and his faithful companion, July Joe Snap, continued their winning streak by posting a 231, securing both the IRHA and IRHBA Level (L)4 Open Championships.

March 26-30 Cremona | Italy

Level 4

“What can I say? There was a 230.5 to beat, so it was the toughest run ever with ‘July’,” said Cortesi, who had previously claimed the IRHA Futurity, NRHA Euro Futurity, 4year-old NRHA Germany Breeders Futurity, and the 4-year-old IRHA Futurity Championships with the talented stallion. “We ran in and both gave everything we had. As always, the horse didn't disappoint; he's truly incredible! I think he is the best and strongest horse in the history of European reining. The emotion of being able to say that you have won everything with the same horse is incredible. Once again, Giacomo [Ronchi] was with us from above.”

The chestnut stallion by Master Snapper—the only European-bred horse to have won the NRHA Open Derby—is out of San July Jo Magnetic and is owned by Arcese/Cuoghi. He was previously owned by his breeders and owners, NRHA Hall of Famer Roberto Cuoghi and Giacomo Ronchi. The latter, who trained ‘July,’ tragically passed away before the Italian 3-Year-Old Futurity. Cuoghi then made the decision to pass the reins to his and Ronchi’s long-time friend, Cortesi. The rest is history, and it never fails to bring a tear to the eye...

A half-point behind, France’s Arnaud Girinon had to settle for the L4 Reserve Championship with a powerful ride aboard Anna Maria Scheiflinger’s flashy palomino stallion, Flexing Guns N Town (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Shesa

Manuel Cortesi and July Joe Snap

By

Fashion Gun), bred by Peter Morgan. “I’m very happy; my horse showed off what he is really capable of. Until tonight, I had never managed to perform a flawless run, even though I made a small mistake entering the right spin. He really gave me everything and was amazing. I've been riding him since 2023 when Gennaro [Lendi] moved to the States, and I took over the reins.”

Level 3

By marking an impressive 223.5 in the first section of the Open Derby Finals,

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Belgian Tiara Van Dongen and Orangeisthenublack (NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook x NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Shines), a 6-year-old mare owned by Gisela Haas and bred by Rosanne Sternberg, claimed the IRHA and IRHBA Level 3 Open Championships. “I’ve been showing ‘Orange’ since she was four years old, and we’ve already had some good results, but this title feels great! I love this horse—she's the clown of the barn, and she's really the typical mare; she can seem kind of freaky, but if you become friends with her, she really

loves you. And if she doesn't like you...she will let you know!”

Level 2

Cristian Dalla Pozza and Jerry Show Step (My Showbiz Whiz x Wimpys Surprised Chex), an 8year-old stallion bred and owned by Ambrosini Quarter Horses , tied to win the L2 qualifier. They came back strong in the first section, scoring a 221 to claim the IRHBA and IRHA Level 2 Championships. “I'm very happy with today’s result; my horse was great the whole week here, and even

Photos by Bonaga Communication

Simona Diale Tiara Van Dongen and Orangeisthenublack

though he’s not always easy in the show pen, tonight he was really super. At home, he’s easy to manage, and our youth riders ride him quite often. Last year, at the World Youth Reining Cup, he brought home the gold medal [with Brazil’s Astrid Annas in the saddle]. A huge thank you goes to the Ambrosini team and family for giving me the chance to show him here. I will go back home with great memories and extreme happiness and satisfaction.”

Level 1

The winners of the IRHA/IRHBA and IRHA Level 1 Open Derby were determined in the first section. With a 220 score, Alessandra Ischia and Xtra Pistolforwimpy, an 8-year-old stallion by NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Ruf Pistol, owned by Indal Srl and bred by Smart Like Juice Inc., took home the title. The pair also took reserve

honors in the L2 division. “He is owned by Vittorio Legati—who has always shown him in the non-pro—and I’ve been riding him since I started working for [NRHA Professional] Davide Brighenti 18 months ago. It was a lastminute decision for me to ride him

here, and I am thrilled. This horse has a heart of gold, doesn’t need any particular management, and always gives his best in the show pen. I really want to thank Davide, who always gives me tons of opportunities and is always there to help me.”

$106,350-Added IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA DeNiroBootCo Open Derby

L4 added: $63,810 | Entries: 54

L3 added: $21,270 | Entries: 43

L2 added: $12,230 | Entries: 25

L1 added: $ 9,040 | Entries: 25

$88,299-Added IRHA/NRHA DeNiroBootCo Open Derby

L4 added: $52,980 | Entries: 70

L3 added: $17,660 | Entries: 75

L2 added: $10,154 | Entries: 93

L1 added: $ 7,505 | Entries: 58

Cristian Dalla Pozza and Jerry Show Step

Alessandra Ischia and Xtra Pistolforwimpy

Niro Boot Co: The Quarter Dream Non Pro Finals End

Who would take home the Level 4, 3, and 2 Non Pro Championships in a field of 52 combinations was left to the last three riders , who shone under the CremonaFiere lights: Elena Kompatscher, Carlo Ambrosini, and Bo Brutsaert .

Level 4

Elena Kompatscher and Monster Made (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six x Madeof Pure Spangled), a 5-year-old stallion owned by Jacopo Rossi and bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, stole the show, scoring a 221.5 to win the IRHA/IRHBA L4 Championship, the IRHA/NRHA L4 Reserve Championship, and both the IRHA/IRHBA and IRHA L3 titles.

“I am thrilled with my horse tonight and still cannot believe this is real. We purchased him as a 3-year-old before the IRHA Futurity, where I showed him and took reserve honors in the L3 Non Pro division. We’ve always believed in him. He was great under the guidance of my father [NRHA Professional Alois Kompatscher], who did a wonderful job training him for me. This year, we decided to pass the reins to Manuel Cortesi. Our

Elena Kompatscher and Monster Made

performance tonight proved he is the great horse we always believed in.”

Carlo Ambrosini and BMS Walla Getcha Gun (Walla Whiz Crome x Ally Get Your Gun), an 8-year-old stallion bred by Barbara Seibold and owned by Ambrosini QH, closed the night with a powerful and precise run, scoring a 225.5, crowning them the IRHA/NRHA L4 Champions.

“This is so emotional. He’s an incredible horse and was with me for the entire run, and we managed to perform all credit maneuvers. I was a little nervous, but I was sure I could trust my mount. I want to thank my whole team: Giuseppe Prevosti, Christian Dalla Pozza, Fabio Alfonsetti, and my family—without them, none of this would be possible.”

Level 2

Posting a 217.5, Bo Brutsaert of Belgium and KB CJ Gun (CJ Whiz x KB Jenny Whiz A Gun), an 8-year-old mare owned and bred by her father, Koen Brutsaert, won both the IRHA/IRHBA and IRHA/NRHA L2 Non Pro Championships.

“This is my ‘Rachel,’ and I was really looking forward to tonight as she is so consistent and always performs the same way. She’s by my own stallion, and I bred her mother, who was also bred by us. This is the best thing that could have happened. She’s also had babies, and I am really looking forward to riding them. I train with Kim Obenhaus, who is an amazing coach, and my mare alternates between her place and our home.”

Carlo Ambrosini and BMS Walla Getcha Gun

Level 1

With a 213.5 score, claiming the IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA L1 division was youth rider Marco Paolacci riding Business Whiz RM (Spark N Whiz x Dunnit With Cash), a 6-year-old gelding owned by Mauro Paolacci and bred by Massimo Rudari.

"I’ve had this horse for a year now, and this is the second

The Numbers:

$57,350-Added Quarter Dream

IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Non Pro Derby

L4 added: $34,697 | Entries: 46

L3 added: $11,470 | Entries: 64

L2 added: $ 6,022 | Entries: 73

L1 added: $ 5,161 | Entries: 53

$48,000-Added Quarter Dream

IRHA/NRHA Non Pro Derb

L4 added: $28,800 | Entries: 56

L3 added: $ 9,600 | Entries: 87

L2 added: $ 5,520 | Entries: 126

L1 added: € 4,080 | Entries: 94

important win in my career—and the most important one. I’d like to thank my coach, Alessandro Meconi together, we work in a very professional manner—and my number one fans and sponsors, my parents."

The IRHA/NRHA L1 Champion with a 214.5 score was Francesca Giulia Solbiati riding SM Five B Ice (Chic Magnetic x Iceinside), a 7year-old mare bred and owned by

Massimo Solbiati.

“My horse is home-bred, and my dad is the owner of the mare she's out of. I am very happy because the goal was to make the finals, so being able to win the Level 1 was certainly beyond my expectations. I ride with Fabio Alfonsetti, with the help of Giuseppe Prevosti, and I would like to thank them and the whole Ambrosini QH team.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Bo Brutsaert and KB CJ Gun

Marco Paolacci and Business Whiz RM

Francesca Giulia Solbiati and SM Five B Ice

2024 6666 NRHA Derby

Presented by Markel

McCutcheon and All Nite Partier Secure the Open Derby Championship

The 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel delivered an unprecedented level of competition, boasting record-breaking entries and total prize money exceeding $1.67 million. In its 45th edition, All Nite Partier and Cade McCutcheon claimed the coveted $100,000 Level 4 Open Derby Champion’s check with a remarkable 231.5 score.

June 11 - 23 Oklahoma City | USA

Cade McCutcheon and All Nite Partier

Photos by Waltenberry

By NRHA Edited Press Release

“This win is super special. I’ve been knocking on the door of a major event title for a while. I thought this would be the next step in my progression, and I got it done tonight. To have a horse that can have that kind of run is hard to find, and I’m just very lucky,” said NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider McCutcheon about his partner, All Nite Partier (Gunners Special Nite x Topsail Survivor). The 4-yearold stallion, nominated by breeder Deana Nell and owned by Sotol Investments LLC, delivered what he does best—“try his heart out,” as McCutcheon described.

Level 3 Open Champions

NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Jordan Larson piloted Need I Say Mor to victory in the second section of the Open finals, scoring 226.5 for Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC.

“He ran in and stopped really big,” Larson said of the 4year-old stallion (Gunnatrashya x Shesouttayourleague). “He circled great and ran and stopped great on the sides. You never know what you score when you walk out of there, and I was pleasantly surprised.”

Bred by Curtis Performance Horses LLC and nominated by Brooke Wharton, Need I Say Mor solidified his place among reining’s elite.

Level 2 Open Co-Champions

Hot Guns N Candy (Gunnatrashya x Candy Coded Diamonds) & Yonathan Baruch

Baruch and Hot Guns N Candy scored a 223.5, earning the Co-Championship. “This horse is very special to me. He was the strongest 3-year-old I had ever ridden, then we had a setback and had to wait two years,” Baruch explained. “This was his first real competition at derby level, and he proved himself.” The Antler Ridge Ranch LLC-bred, -nominated andowned 6-year-old stallion had nearly $34,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings before the Derby, all with Baruch at the reins.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

TR Dream About Me (Magnum Chic Dream x Redhot Walla) & Nicole Renick

Renick rode the 7-year-old gelding, owned by Steven Sandvig and nominated by Tamarack Ranch LLC., to Co-Champion honors and also tied for third in the Level 3 Open Derby. “I have always had 100% faith in this horse. He is wonderful—I call him a unicorn. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse for us,” Renick said.

Jordan Larson and Need I Say Mor

Yonathan Baruch and Hot Guns N Candy

Thee American Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Gunner Git Ya Dun) & Dan Huss

Huss piloted Thee American Dream, owned by Morris Kulmer and bred/nominated by Pete and Tamra Kyle, to a share of the Level 2 Open Co-Championship. “He has a lot of feel—maybe not ideal for a non pro, but it’s great because he stays light and loves his job. He steps up and fires for you,” Huss said.

Level 1 Open Champions

Magoworthy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Banjoes Shining Star) & Leonardo Kellermann Kellermann guided Magoworthy, owned, bred, and nominated by Terry Leffew, to the Level 1 Open Championship. “This means everything to me,” Kellermann shared. “Our family and team have worked so hard for this, and to win on such a talented, good-minded horse is incredibly rewarding.”

Nicole Renick and TR Dream About Me

Dan Huss and Thee American Dream

Leonardo Kellermann and Magoworthy

6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel: The Non Pro Champions

Over 100 of the world’s best Non Pro reiners competed for the Non Pro Derby Championship, led by Kim Muehlstaetter and Gina Schumacher, who tied for the Level 4 Non Pro Co-Championship with a score of 227.5.

Smoky Mountain Rein (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Sprats Electrickspark) & Kim Muehlstaetter

“He has such a special feel. Every move—turns, circles, stops, lead changes—feels effortless. I kept believing in him, and tonight, it all came together,” Muehlstaetter said of the Texas Horse Power Ranch LLC-nominated 4-year-old gelding.

Gunin Addy Tude (Gunnatrashya x Miss Lil Addy Tude) & Gina Schumacher

“I was sweating, unsure if we would get it done. I tried to stay clean, push my horse within his comfort zone, and mark well—that was the strategy,” Schumacher shared. Fresh off her NRBC Non Pro Classic win, she

Kim Muehlstaetter and Smoky Mountain Rein

Gina Schumacher and Gunin Addy Tude

praised ‘Guapo,’ bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch, as a ‘super sweet horse in the stall and a powerful competitor in the arena.’”

L evels 3 and 2 Non Pro Champions

Chexi Chic (Wimpy Chic x Chexanicki) & Lauren Love

“She knows her job. I stay out of her way and keep her happy,” Love said of her 6-year-old mare, nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC. “Today was so fun; it was like going out there with my buddy. She was so good for

me, and it was a blast. We didn’t ride her too much, and I didn’t want her to get tired. She was pretty happy the whole time we were here. I even said this was the happiest she had ever been at a long horse show.”

Level 1 and Prime Time Non Pro Champions

Alpha Queen (Wimpy Chic x Chexanicki) & Tricia Leone

“She’s just amazing. I absolutely adore her and we’re finally getting to know each other; I see a bright future for her,” Leone said of her 5-year-old Alpha Quarter Horses LLC-bred and nominated mare. Leone, who thanked her husband for his support, credited NRHA Professional Trent Harvey and his team for elevating her confidence and showmanship after a 15-year hiatus from competing.

Tricia Leone and Alpha Queen

Lauren Love and Chexi Chic

Youth Non Pro Champions

TR Mr Joe (Lil Joe Cash x Ms Whiz Dunit) & Michelle Fumagalli

Fumagalli, 18, showcased her bond with TR Mr Joe, riding to a 220.5 to claim the Youth Non Pro Championship and the L3 & L2 Non Pro Reserve titles. “It was about being smart—feeling the horse, not overfixing, and trusting our connection. He’s one of the most talented I’ve ever ridden.”

Masters Non Pro Champions

Flinns Dun Twistin (In Like Flinn x Wimpys Dun Twistin) & Catherine Crandon

Crandon has owned Flinns Dun Twistin since she was one day old. “She is the sweetest and tries so hard,” said

Crandon who nominated her Grace Reiners LLC.-bred 5-year-old mare. “She was right on the money today and I couldn’t have asked her to be any better. I trust her and I think that is the most important bond of all. I pretty much ride her all the time, I think that’s important and I cannot thank Ruben Vandorp enough for his tremendous help.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe

Catherine Crandon and Flinns Dun Twistin

100X European Classic

100X Shows proudly debuted its first event outside the United States with the 100X European Classic, presented by BO Ranch, held July 9-13, just weeks before the Olympics. This groundbreaking competition featured the $1 million 100X European Derby, open to horses aged 4 to 8, marking one of the largest payouts in European reining history. With a full slate of NRHA-approved classes, the event delivered an electrifying experience for both competitors and spectators. Showcasing top-tier reining professionals, high-stakes competition, and world-class entertainment, the 100X European Classic set a new benchmark for international reining events.

July 8 - 13 Paris | France

100X European Derby Open Champions

Level 4 Open

Manuel Cortesi & July Joe Snap

(Master Snapper x San July Jo Magnetic)

Owned by Cuoghi/Arcese

Score 231 | $75,000

“This was a great event and once again July proved he’s a great horse. I would like to congratulate Arnaud [Girinon] on his great ride. The level of competition was high and it’s always amazing when you have to fight for the top slot.”

by 8PhotoAgency By Simona Diale

Level 4 Open Reserve

Arnaud Girinon & Flexing Guns N Town (Hollywoodtinseltown x Shes A Fashion Gun)

Owned by Anna Scheiflinger Score 230 | $35,000

Level 3 Open

Tiara Van Dongen & Orangeisthenublack (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines)

Owned by Gisela Haas Score 224.5 | $34,000

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Photos

Level 2 Open tie

Kaya Ahissar & Gunna B A Rockstar (Gunnatrashya x Just Like A Jerry)

Owned by Eyal Carmon

Score 219 | $11,625

Level 2 Open tie

Quentin Galliere & Gallo Del Spook (Smart Spook x Chock O Latte) Owned by Gradus Berg

Score 219 | $11,625

Level 1 Open

Mathis Muller & Ice Solution (SG Frozen Enterprize x Red Pie Solution) Owned by Kleruska Janaszczyk

Score 215 | $9,500

100X European Derby Non Pro Champions

Level 4 Non Pro

Anna-Maria Zehetbauer & SS Pretty Nifty (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Nifty Nic)

Owned by Zeidelhof Reining Horses

Score 221 | $40,000

“I honestly don’t know what to say anymore. She keeps on giving me everything and it’s a blessing to own and show a horse like this — she’s always healthy and is perfect in my eyes. I started her myself and am the only one who rides her at home even though I do take clinics with professionals in Europe. It’s been a ride!”

Level 4 Non Pro Reserve

Jody Fonck & Smart Spooky Joe (Lil Joe Cash x Spookody)

Owned by J&J Comm V Score 218 | $15,400

Level 1 Non Pro

Score 212.5 | $3,400

Levels 3&2 Non Pro Heike Strambach & Frozen Flame (SG Frozen Enterprize x Kea Chex) Owned by Heike Strambach Score 217 | $11,050

Verena Rigott & her own Great Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shirleys Cashin In)

100X Super Slide

Presented by Ranch Fuel

The $100,000 Ranch Fuel Super Slide saw riders perform the signature reining maneuver – the slide – delivering heart-pounding excitement and showcasing the sport’s unique blend of skill and athleticism. In a field of 26 riders performing in the first-ever Super Slide held in Europe, Poland's Lukasz Czechowicz riding CSG Piggiemove topped the leaderboard.

1 - Lukasz Czechowicz & CSG Piggiemove, owned by Katarzyna Roleska - $32,000

2 - Stefano Ferri & Zins Smart Whiz, owned by Harmonie - $12,000

3 - Stefano Ferri & A Shining Gun, owned by Francesca Sternberg - $12,000

4 - Cade McCutcheon & Cromed My Gun, owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci - $12,000

5 - Francesco Barbagli & Gunnabeagreatdude, owned by Alessio Fraboschi - $12,000

6 - Tomas Martinek & Great Gotta Whiz, owned by Verena Rigott - $4,000

7 - Stephan Rohde & ARC American Express, owned by Jan Nico & Nicole Luengen - $4,000

7 - Nikolai Stiller & Hollywood Gunrunner, owned by Nikolai Stiller - $4,000

9 - Jonas Bujnoch & PL Six Six Six, owned by Katerina Havlinova - $4,000

10 - Sebastiano Valtorta & A Platinum Step, owned by Yair Hof - $4,000

Place - Rider - Horse - Owner - Payback

ELEMENTA Makes History In Paris

Cade McCutcheon also rode Cromed My Gun, owned by Fiorucci, to fourth place in the Ranch Fuel Super Slide, collecting $10,000

At the 100X European Classic, Maria Cecilia Fiorucci was recognized as the only owner with six horses advancing to the Open Derby Finals. The close-knit team, joined by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cade McCutcheon for the occasion, qualified six horses for the Finals bringing home a total $43.390. (inlcuding $10.000 won by McCutcheon in the Ranch Fuel Super Slide).

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Level 4: Cade McCutcheon & Tribbiani (Gunnatrashya x Chicsdreamsofdiamonds) $10,000

Level 4: Cade McCutcheon & Tough Cookie (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Wimpys Little Chic) $3,375

Level 3 & Level 2: Filippo Paris & Americasnextcovrgirl (Walla Walla Whiz x Americasnextgunmodel) $6,600 + $4,390

Level 3 & Level 2: Filippo Paris & Oak Lillith 66 (Inferno Sixty Six x Genuine Benito Pep) $4,200 + $3,525

Level 3 & Level 2: Paris & Mister Grey Wolf (Magnum Chic Dream x Dunit For Chex) $2,100 +$825

Level 1: Edvaldo Goncalves & Gunnin For A Whiz Gun (Tinker With Guns x Painted By Whiz) $1,300

The 2024 NRHA European Affiliate Championships Offered Great Reining as Paris Prepared For The 2024 Olympics

During the Olympic year in Paris, over 200 horses and 150 riders representing 13 countries made their way to Le Petit Far West located in Le Pin — a little town located in the countryside on the outskirts of Paris. The event saw an impressive 292 entries walking through the in gate.

July 15-20, 2024 | Le Pin - France

Photo @ CT anierephotographie

“We are delighted to have welcomed so many competitors, riders, owners and team members. We got to see great sport with amazing athletes and we thank every one of you for showing the best of reining, respecting your horses and our sport,” said NRHA France President Jean Jaques Borreil. “We are already looking forward to 2025.”

$10,000-Added NRHA EAC Open

Arnaud Girinon and Honey First Gunny and NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard with GP The Stud In Town rode to the NRHA EAC Open Co-Championship

“For the first time since I’ve been showing ‘Gunny’ I managed to achieve a great result,” said Girinon. “During our run, I pushed him a little less and he performed better. In my opinion, this is the key to his success; I listened to him more

and it worked out.”

“Even though we had a penalty, I was happy with how he performed. I tried to improve his spins and rode on loose reins and he was with me,” said Fonck. “He has a quickthinking mind and is very sensitive, so you have to ride him with a lot of feel. The best thing here is that my daughter [Jody] won the EAC Limited Open, and it’s great to share the podiums with her today.”

By Simona Diale / Marie Klimová

$4,500-Added FAUTRAS NRHA EAC Intermediate Open

Kim Obenhaus of Germany and GP Sparkin N Muffin, NRHA EAC Intermediate Open Champions

“It’s my first time showing this horse and I was told by his previous rider that if I trusted him, he would be there for me. He was always between the reins, his transitions were great, and if he doesn’t sell, I look forward to showing him.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Photos by John Photography

$500-Added NRHA EAC Donut Limited Open

Jody Fonck and Arnels Spat Olena, NRHA EAC Limited Open Champions

“This is a super sweet horse and his owner is so supportive. I believe that if we give our horses confidence, love, and ride them well, they just do it for us. This horse gives me confidence and I know that when I show him, he is always there for me and has my back.”

$500-Added ELEMENTA NRHA EAC Rookie Professional

Samia Loutis and AJ Commander Dun Gun, NRHA EAC Rookie Professional

“This horse is just amazing. Our first season was a little complicated, we had to get used to each other, but this year we are on a roll. We won at the Bo Ranch Maturity and now here, so I cannot thank him enough and I am super proud of him.”

$5,000-Added EURO HORSE NRHA EAC Non Pro Alexandre Giarratano and The Electric Bandit, NRHA EAC Non Pro Champions

“My horse was exceptional! Everything I ask of him he does, he is really healthy all-around, and is simply super. Last year I qualified for TRFAM Non Pro Shootout on him, and I would like to thank my trainer Jeffrey Touroute-Thomas for selling him to me and for coaching us.”

$3,500-Added NRHA EAC Intermediate Non Pro Dries Verschueren and GP A Spook In Town NRHA EAC Intermediate Non Pro Champions

“I am so proud of my horse because we are in the middle of breeding season and he is still focused and does his best in the show pen. He is eight this year and we plan to finish the season strong at the European Derby since it’s his last derby year.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

$200-Added NRHA EAC Rookie Level 1

Martijn Warnecke and Whizzin Wimp, NRHA EAC Rookie Level 1

“Last year we placed at every show that we went to, this was my last Rookie class, so I am excited for this result. My wife and I got married a few weeks ago, and I would like to thank her for being here!”

$500-Added EURO HORSE NRHA EAC Limited Non Pro

Jody Fonck and MT Okies Sweetnes, NRHA EAC Limited Non Pro Champions

“My mare is really good minded, super sweet, fun, and she is there for me every single time. I get to ride my horses mostly by myself and when I need help, I usually turn to my dad. My mom is always there for me too, mostly for the mental support, so I get the best of both worlds. I would never be able to do all this without my parents, my whole family, and our entire team at home.”

$100-Added MARKEL/NRHA EAC Youth 14-18

Arfwid Grytfors and Voodoosbigenterprise, NRHA EAC Youth 14-18

“It took us three days to get here from Sweden, but it was worth it. I keep my horses at home and I ride them myself but about once a month I ride with Roy [van der Hoeven] and get ready for the shows there. We’re unsure about future plans since my mare is only 7 years old, I would like to take her to the NRHA European Derby”

$100-Added MARKEL/NRHA EAC Youth 13 & Under

Emanuel Gebert and Wimpys Wanna Dance, NRHA EAC Youth 13 & Under

“Our run was really good today and I enjoyed the circles a lot. My parents always cheer the loudest for me and are always by my side. My dad actually rode this horse at the Italian Futurity as a 3-year-old and I get to ride him now and I really like him.”

Youth riders representing Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, competed for the first place NRHA Team Tournament buckles and NRHA medals. Each team was composed of two 13 & U riders and two 14-18 riders, and the scores from the EAC classes were added with the lowest score dropped. Team Hot Spots with Elynn Leblond and PM Romeo Whiz (FRA), Victoire Molla and Guisset Whizkey Coated Kiss (FRA), Hayley Verlinden (BEL) and Heaven 77, Pius Birkenbach and Dr Lady Peseta (GER) took the win.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament

JG CODELL, NRHyA International Liaison

JG Codell arrived to Le Pin, France, as a part of the NRHA delegation fulfilling his role as NRHyA international liaison. “Here at the EAC I helped running the youth events which allowed me to meet a lot of people and European youth involved in reining,” said the 14-year-old. “I really like the show, the event management is great, and the facility is very well kept. Everyone has been really welcoming; I got to meet some of the youth riders and it was really nice talking to them. We spoke about the scholarships that NRHA offers and the Varsity Reining Program, so I hope we will have more involvement with the European youth internationally.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Photos

By Sara Honegger Courtesy NRHA Reiner reprint

IRHA/NRHA/FISE Maturity

Close to 300 horses made their way to Elementa in Rome on September 25-28 making the special event one for the history books.

The $100.000-Added IRHA-NRHA-FISE Open & Non Pro Maturity presented by Elementa/Quarter Dream/Arcese, open to 5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-year-old horses, was run in a go round and clean-slate Finals format. An important addition to the Maturity were the Youth, Prime Time, and Masters Championships, with the Youth divisions and classes recording an amazing number of riders.

September 25-29 Rome | Italy

With a huge 226, Nico Sicuro claimed the Maturity Open Level 4 Championship riding his partner in wins Colonels Dancing Gun (NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dance Little Spook), owned by Quarter Dream.

Sicuro also tied for second place honors scoring a 222.5, riding the second of his three mounts in the Finals, Sugar Little Step (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Ah Sugar Sugar), also owned by Quarter Dream. In an emotional moment, the flashy and multiawarded palomino stallion was retired from competition.

$27,000-added Level 4 Open

$15,000-added Level 3 Open

$12,000-added Level 2 Open

$ 6,000 -added Level 1 Open

Nico Sicuro & Colonels Dancing Gun

• Photos by Bonaga Communication

By Simona Diale

Nico Sicuro & Colonels Dancing Gun

Nico Sicuro & Sugar Little Step

Riding Tribbiani, a 6-year-old stallion by NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya x Chicsdreamofdiamonds, owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci, Filippo Paris scored a 222.5 to win the Level (L)3 and L2 Open Maturity Championships as well as the L4 Co-Reserve Championship.

With a 221 score, Elementa’s head trainer placed second in Level 3 and Level 2 aboard Americasnextcovrgirl (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Americasnextgunmodel) also owned by Fiorucci.

Filippo Paris & Tribbiani

Filippo Paris & Americasnextcovrgirl

Ischia & Xtra Pistolforwimpy

Winning the Level 1 Open Championship with a 216 was Alessandra Ischia and Xtra Pistolforwimpy (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Ruf Pistol), owned by Indal Srl.

Alessandra

Fabio De Iulio & RS Cronos Jac

W$18,000-added Level 4 Non Pro

$10,000-added Level 3 Non Pro

$8,000-added Level 2 Non Pro

$4,000-added Level 1 Non Pro

inning the 2024 IRHA/NRHA/FISE Non Pro Maturity Level (L) 4 & L3 Championships was Fabio De Iulio, who rode his own RS Cronos Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena) to a 223.5 score.

Jan Gasser and his own Hug A Spark (Spark N Whiz x GR Hug A Jewel) scored a 217.5 to win the 2024 IRHA/NRHA/FISE Non Pro Maturity L2 Championship as well as the Non Pro Maturity Youth 14-18 Championship.

Jan Gasser & Hug A Spark

Eleonora Biasutti and Hoolygan (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Sweet Lady Rooster), owned by Giovanni Masi De Vargas, were the 2024 Non Pro Maturity Level 1 Champions. The duo scored a 216.5 to take the win.

Manuele Bonzano and Mr Shines (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shine Chic Shine x Sweet Lady Rooster), owned by 23 Quarter Horses, scored a 215 to clinch the 2024 Non Pro Maturity Youth Under 13 Championship.

Eleonora Biasutti & Hoolygan

Manuele Bonzano & Mr Shines

Winning the 2024 Non Pro Maturity Masters title was Andrea Castrucci who rode his own KN

Velvet Skeet Whiz (Hesa Mega Whiz x KN Miss Skeet Badger) to a 214.5 score.

With a 211 score, claiming the 2024 Non Pro Maturity Prime Time Championship was Fabrizio Magni and his own SF Boominic (Rooster Nic x Boomin Bunny).

Andrea Castrucci & KN Velvet Skeet Whiz

Fabrizio Magni & SF Boominic

The $60.000-Added IRHA-NRHA-FISE Golden Circle, open to horses of all ages, ran class-in-class with the Maturity go round attracting a large number of riders, in particular from the center and south of Italy. The event also offered the well-attended Youth and Rookie classes awarded with medals and incredible prizes offered by Elementa.

Open Champions

Nico Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun (NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dance Little Spook), owned by QUARTER DREAM. Score 224.

Intermediate Open Champions

Filippo Paris and Oak Lilith Sixtysix (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six x Genuine Benito Pap), owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci. Score 220.5.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Limited Open Champions

Alessandra Ischia and Xtra Pistolforwimpy (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Rue Pistol), owned by Indal Srl. Score 216.5.

Golden Circle Rookie Level 1 & Level 2

Camilla Casiraghi and her own FB Frozen Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x BQH Pretty Gunner).

Score 213.5.

Golden Circle Youth 14-18

Carolina Vairo and her own Lil Joe Gun 246 (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x Gunna Sing).

Score 211.

Golden Circle Youth Under 13

Ilaria Canciani and Magico Snapper (ARC Magic Enterprise x Snapper Bar Delmaso), owned by Renzo Canciani. Score 212.

Sparkling Moments

Nico Sicuro received the inaugural 2024 Golden Circle Open Champion Trophy Ring sponsored by MS Diamonds TX, Official Diamonds Jeweler of Elementa.

Thank you Oded Fein!

Winning the Level 4 Non Pro Maturity Championship, Fabio De Iulio also took home a Recarlo Gioielli diamond ring offered by Angelucci Quarter Horses.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Special Awards

ELEMENTA Best Groom Award

Federica Nicoletti, groom of Francesca Preda and Rafael Balerini

ELEMENTA Best Rider Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse Award Massimiliano Malagnino

2024 NRHA European Derby

The sold-out Oklahoma Arena at Equita Lyon, in Lyon France, was electric on Saturday night during the $182,361-Added NRHA European Derby Open Finals. With just one combination left in the second section, the pressure was on for French Professional Arnaud Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town. The score to beat was Nina Lil and Jewel Dream’s 228. With no hesitation, Girinon delivered a breathtaking performance that earned him a score of 230, the Championship and a ticket to The Run For A Million 2025.

October 28-November 3 Lyon | France

Girinon Triumphs claims the Open Derby and qualifies for The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Competition

Flexing Guns N Town (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Shesa Fashion Gun), owned and nominated by Anna Maria Scheiflinger, arrived at the 30th edition of Equita Lyon with $74,758 LTE. The duo claimed the $82,612-Added Level (L)4 European Derby Open Championship and clinched the ticket for The Run For A Million (TRFAM) 2025 Million Dollar Competition. The $11,000-Added TRFAM Qualifier, featuring 13 entries, precedes the prestigious event set for August 11-16, 2025, in Las Vegas. Additionally, Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town took home the $1,250-added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Open Derby Championship.

“Today was just amazing. We have been working toward this success with this horse for so long. We were Reserve three times in previous derbies by only half a point every time. Tonight, everything fell into place,” Girinon shared. Reflecting on the TRFAM qualification, he added: “This achievement is incredibly emotional for me. It’s the kind of success you dream of, and I knew my horse was capable of it—he truly deserved this. Achieving this in my home country, surrounded by family, made this even more special.”

Level 3 & 2

Nina Lil showcased a stellar run aboard Jewel Dream (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x GR Hug A Jewel), a 5-year-old mare owned by Martin Bachmann and nominated by Edoardo Bernardelli. The pair scored a 228 to claim the L4 Reserve, the $47,222-Added L3, and the $34,565-

Added L2 Championships. “She’s an incredible mare, capable of earning pluses on every maneuver. I didn’t expect such a standout run, but she was flawless today,” said Lil, who has had her in training for a year. “I also trained and showed her dam and they share an exceptional mind and great stops. I’m excited for her future offspring and she already has one foal

on the ground — we look forward to many more.”

With a 220.5, Dutch Anne Grether claimed the L3 and L2 Reserve Championships aboard RS Reininghorses BV’s Tr Voodoo Doll (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun), a 6-yearold mare nominated by Tamarack Ranch LLC.

Level 1

With a 216, Germany’s Jasmin Andersdotter claimed the $17,961Added L1 Open Championship aboard Sparkling And Spooky, (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage x NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Spook), a 5-yearold gelding, bred and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg and owned by Alina Sira Herzlinger. “This was my last year competing in the Level 1 so winning this title was my goal. Doing this at the end of the show season makes it even more meaningful,” she said. “I’ve been showing him since last year’s futurities and this year we never missed a final; I’m proud of him!” Denmark’s Patrick Capobianco and Voodoo Majestic Gun (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Gunna Be Majestic), a 7year-old gelding owned by Cecilie Lyndrup and nominated by Quarter Dream Srl, earned the L1 Reserve Championship with a score of 215.5.

Photos by Wanted Photo

By Simona Diale / Marie Klimová

Giarratano and The Electric Bandit Claim the ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Non Pro

Level 4 Championship on Home Turf

First in the draw in the $99,869Added ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby L4 Non Pro Finals, France’s Alexandre Giarratano and his 6-year-old palomino stallion

The Electric Bandit (Dont Miss My Guns x Electra Stop Ruff), nominated by David Roux, thrilled the crowd with a powerful performance taking the $41,702-Added Championship with a score of 221. “This horse never ceases to amaze me and I am thrilled with this Championship that means a lot to me. In these past two years he has given me so much and the results just keep flooding in so I really cannot say more than ‘wow, he’s amazing!’ I owe a lot of his success to my trainer, Jeffrey Touroute-Thomas, who is moving to the U.S. next year…we both will miss him, and we will see how things will work out.”

Level 3

Italy’s Fabio De Iulio followed his qualifying round success aboard his RS Cronos Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena), an 8-year-old stallion nominated by Claudio Risso, by riding

to victory in the $26,535-added L3 Non Pro Championship. The crowd-favorite scored a 218.5 for the L3 win and the L4 Reserve spot adding yet another achievement to RS Cronos Jac’s impressive record. “He was a little tired tonight but, as always, he tried to

perform to the best of his ability. He’s won a lot this year and I’m so proud of him even though of course I would have loved to win the Level 4 as well! I’m really happy with my second horse, Gunnaroostyah, who rode me to the L3 Co-Reserve Championship.”

WATCH THE RUN

Fabio De Iulio and RS Cronos Jac

Level 2

Belgium’s Bo Brutsaert achieved an unexpected win on her 6-year-old mare KB Cut The Cuteness (CJ Whiz x KB Jenny Whiz A Gun), owned and nominated by Koen Brutsaert. They closed their run with a 216.5 tying for the $20,025-Added L2 Non Pro and the L3 Co-Reserve Championships. “I didn’t expect our run to go this well tonight. My mare really pulled it together,” she shared.

Level 1

Israel’s Dean Raichel and his owned and nominated mare, Voodoo Flo Jo (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Flo Jo) debuted in Europe after showing successfully in Israel by clinching the $11,606-added L1 Championship, tying for the Level 2 and earning the Level 3 Co-Reserve Championship with a 216.5 score. “My mare was amazing today, giving her all,” he said about his mount who he will breed in Europe. “She’s incredible thanks to her great mind and heart. Tonight, even though she was a bit nervous, she focused and delivered.”

Belgium’s Bo Brutsaert and KB Cut The Cuteness WATCH THE RUN WATCH THE RUN

Dean Raichel and Voodoo Flo Jo

Youth

In the $2,200-Added Youth Non Pro Derby presented by NRHA France, Belgium’s Jody Fonck and her 5-year-old mare MT Okies Sweetnes (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Okies Eldorado), nominated by Imelda Maria Maertens, claimed the European Non Pro Youth Derby Championship with a 218. “She’s an incredible mare with huge stops and tonight’s ride was so much fun,” said the young rider who will be moving to the USA in 2025 to join NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary’s team.

Chrome Cash

Great Britain’s Francesca Sternberg and her 8-year-old gelding, Red Dirt Paleface (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown), claimed the $1,250added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Non Pro Derby Championship with a 213.5. “This is his last year of derbies and he gave his all today,” Sternberg shared, fondly recalling her gelding’s gentle, affectionate nature. Plans are to continue competing with him in Ranch Riding classes and pursuing a World title.

Jody Fonck and MT Okies Sweetnes

Francesca Sternberg and Red Dirt Paleface

2025 The Run For A Million Youth Reining Championship Qualifiers:

Emanuel Gebert (GER)

Tobia Cesare Lonati (ITA)

Federica Faccincani (ITA)

Sarah Koegler (GER)

Lavinia Padrini (ITA)

Photos

2025 The Run For A Million $50,000-Added Non-Pro Championship Qualifiers:

Casey Reynaud (FRA)

Nikolai Stiller (GER)

Francesca Sternberg (GB)

Wolfgang Hammer (AUT)

Bo Brutsaert (BEL)

Manuel Cortesi and MC Millenium Falcon

By Simona Diale

$730.000-Added IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Futurity

The 3-year-old Open Futurity Finals marked the conclusion of the 39th edition of the $730,000Added IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Futurity, held in Cremona, Italy. A packed arena of reining fans cheered on the Open Finalists, who delivered electrifying performances, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

November 8-16 | Cremona - Italy

Cortesi Wins and Surpasses the

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Mark

The night culminated with Manuel Cortesi clinching the Level (L)4 Championship and surpassing the NRHA Million Dollar Rider milestone. As the last rider in the seeded Open Finals, Cortesi had a score of 225.5 to beat, set by NHRA Professional Lukasz Czechowicz aboard CSG Berlin. Riding MC Millenium Falcon (Maytheforcebewhizyou x RS Shadow Olena), a stallion owned by Stefano Scotti and bred by Alberto Capello, Cortesi delivered a great performance. The judges’ verdict was clear and the 226.5 on the scoreboard secured the Championship on home soil.

“The magnitude of this achievement is incredible: winning the Futurity on a horse we raised and trained,

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Photos by Bonaga Communication

selling him to a client who believed in me, and reaching the Million Dollar Rider status all in one night… it’s beyond words," said an elated Cortesi, who has been on a winning streak for the past three years. "I’m thrilled with this result."

Lukasz Czechowicz settled for reserve honors riding CSG Berlin, a gelding by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun out of Dream N Nicki. Owned by Dor Cohen and bred by Katarzyna Roleska, the pair delivered a stellar performance. "It’s been an emotional week; getting here takes immense effort, and this horse was phenomenal," said the Polish professional. "The Saturday night final is always special—it’s the result of two years of preparation, with the

dream of winning the title. I’m so happy for Manuel—he’s amazing and inspires us all to aim higher. Now it’s back to hard work and preparing for next year."

Lukasz Czechowicz and CSG Berlin

The IRHBA Breeder Sire Award went to Alberto Capello’s Tenuta Equitem

Colonels Shining Gun received the IRHBA award for the stallion with the highest number of offspring in the Finals

The IRHBA Awards

Level 3

Giuseppe Prevosti placed three horses in the L4 Open Finals. He rode to the L3 title with GH Dreamed Colonel (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Jessies Lil Dreamer), a stallion owned by Andrea Pedrotti and bred by Vittorio Rabboni. The pair scored an impressive 221.5. Prevosti also secured Reserve honors with a score of 218 aboard Dreamin To Spook (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x

Giuseppe Prevosti and GH Dreamed Colonel

Giovanni Zucchi and GZ Be Like Steady

Spooks O Lena), a stallion owned and bred by Ambrosini Q.H.

"Making the Level 4 Finals with all three horses is a significant achievement, but finishing first and second in Level 3 is even more special,” he said. “Each of them performed exceptionally well. GH Dreamed Colonel has been outstanding since I got him, while Dreamin To Spook is still green but shows immense promise for the future."

Level 2

With a 217 score, Giovanni Zucchi clinched the L2 Championship with GZ Be Like Steady (NRHA Million Dollar Sire In Like Flinn x San Olena Broc) a stallion he bred and trained himself. “This result means a lot to me because he’s the first foal out of a mare who brought me so much satisfaction. We didn’t expect him to be ready for the Futurity, but his potential was evident during training. I’m grateful to my team and everyone who supported me along the way.”

The Reserve Championship was for Alois Kompatscher and SG Lopez Spook (NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Frozen Spark), a mare owned by Diana Metrangolo and bred by Andrea Bianchini.

Level 1

Riding to the top 214 score, Francesca Fino delivered an unforgettable performance to secure the L1 Championship with BH Mattolina Gun (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Capitano

The 3-year-old Open Futurity Numbers

$277,500-Added Level 4 Open (68 entries)

$75,000-Added L3 Open (66 entries)

$37,500-Added L2 Open (84 entries)

$18,000-Added L1 Open (46 entries)

Mattolina), a mare owned by Ambrosini Q.H. and bred by Bosin Hubert. “I’m speechless. This victory is incredibly meaningful, and I owe it all to the Ambrosini family and [NRHA Professional] Giuseppe Prevosti for trusting me with this opportunity. I’ve only been riding this mare for a couple of months, but

we clicked immediately. These 10 days in Cremona had highs and lows, but it’s been a truly amazing experience.”

Aljaz Urhiha and Vintage R Faces (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Baby Vintage), a mare bred by Soc. Guida Q.H., scored a 210.5 for reserve spot.

Francesca Fino and BH Mattolina Gun

Cortesi Sweeps First and Second Place in the 4-Year-Old Open Futurity

Claiming both the Level 4 Champion and Reserve titles, Manuel Cortesi delivered a powerful and precise performance scoring a 227.5 aboard Frozen Sven (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Ladymaster), a stallion owned by 7 Heaven Reining Horses and bred by Roberto Cuoghi. He also secured second place with a 225 aboard Knockin On Ice (SG Frozen Enterprize x San July Jo Magnetic), a stallion bred by Giacomo Ronchi and owned by Michael Agostini.

“Frozen Sven is an amazing horse; I’ve shown him quite a bit, and he always gives me everything he can… we adore him," said Cortesi about the stallion recently purchased by Rolf and Monica Reinhart of 7 Heaven Reining Horses. "He’s a really athletic, strong horse who improves day by day."

About his second mount he said: "This is our first big show together. His dam is the same as July Joe Snap’s, with whom I’ve had much success. He needs more experience in the show pen, but I am confident he’ll become a great horse as he has both the physical and mental qualities required."

Level 3

With a 220.5, the L3 Championship title went to Italy’s Stefano Cerutti, riding Questionably Frozen (SG Frozen Enterprize x Unquestionably Crome), owned by Stefano Scotti and bred by Lorenzo Lotti.

“It’s been a very intense show season with lots of travel, so tonight’s result is rewarding for all the hard work," he said. "This is a great stallion Luga QH purchased at the NRHA Markel Sale and initially shown by Mirko Midili. With him Cortesi made the Open Futurity Finals last year, and I took over in February. We were Reserve Champions in Level 3 at the Euro Futurity and won the 4-year-old Lombardy Regional Futurity — it’s been an amazing journey!”

Stefano Ferri and Spider Whiz (NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Great Dun Pistol), owned by BO Ranch and bred by Christian Baldelli, scored a 219 for Reserve honors.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Stefano Cerutti and Questionably Frozen

Level 1

Aljaz Urbiha and One Electric Chex (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Electric Code x One Sugar Chex), a gelding owned and bred by Mojca Hrzenjak, won the L1 Championship with a score of 214. "This horse was born at Ranch Marina, where I work in Slovenia, which is owned by his breeder. I’ve been riding him for just over a year and earned the L3 Reserve Championship at the Austrian Futurity. This was our first big horse show together; we had some bobbles, but the final result was great." Marta Negri and Shine N Freckle (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun x BRS Freckles Payday), a mare owned and bred by Lukasz Czechowicz, scored a 213.5 securing the Reserve spot.

4-Year-Old Open Futurity: The Numbers

Level 2

Silvia Racco and Anthea Step (In Like Flinn x Chica Little Step), owned and bred by Claudio Zocchi, scored a 217.5 to claim the L2 Championship. “She was fantastic tonight! I started riding her last summer, and I’d say we are now truly a close-knit team. We made the finals last year at the IRHA Futurity and at the European Futurity this year; tonight’s final together was really good. I’d like to thank the owner for trusting me with her.”

With a 217, the Reserve Championship was for Valentina Sagmeister and Whizkey And Gun (Dun It For Whizkey x Pretty Miss Smokegun), owned by Barbara Leitner and bred by Irmgard Brendgens.

$43,940-Added Level 4 Open (37 entries)

$11,870-Added Level 3 Open (39 entries)

$5,940-Added Level 2 Open (57 entries)

$2,850-Added Level 1 Open (43 entries)

Silvia Racco and Anthea Step

Aljaz Urbiha and One Electric Chex

BADIFARM.COM

Pavimenti in gomma anti fango e antiscivolo Mats and rubber 昀oors with anti slip surface

Sistema Elettri昀cato Antiurto di Sicurezza. Recinzioni in legno, pvc, plastica riciclata con il nuovo servizio di montaggio

Safety Shockproof Electric fence, Wood, PVC, Recycled plastic fence with the new installation service

Plastica riciclata con rinforzo in acciaio

Recycled plastic fence with steel reinforcement

Zehetbauer Sweeps the 3-year-old

IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA

Non Pro and Reserve Futurity Championships

Friday in Cremona was action packed as the 3-year-old Non Pro Futurity Finals took center stage at CremonaFiere, Italy. After claiming the 4-year-old Futurity Championship on Thursday, Anna-Maria Zehetbauer of Austria went on to capture both the 3-year-old L4 Championship and Reserve Championship.

Riding SS Party Rockin (Ruf Lil Magnum x Xtra Tartis Voodoo), a stallion owned by Zeidelhof Reining Horses and bred by Silver Spurs Equine, Zehetbauer posted the top score of 217.5 securing first-place honors. “I’m so happy with my horse. I knew he was special—he is so talented and super kind, though sometimes he tries too hard. Tonight, he was really good, and I’m obviously very happy,” she said about the stallion she purchased from Silver Spurs Equine under the guidance of head trainer Brett Stone.

The 19-year-old Austrian rider claimed Reserve honors with a 214.5 aboard SS Gunnafrezeya (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Gunnaoutfoxya), a mare owned by Zeidelhof Reining Horses and bred by Silver Spurs Equine. “We purchased her at the NRHA/Markel Futurity Sales as a yearling, and she is also a great horse. I look forward to showing next year.”

Level 3 & Level 2

Taking home both the L3 and L2 Championships with a score of 213 was Italian Antonio Zagaria aboard Whizkey For Zag (Dun It For Whizkey x Gun At The Gate), a mare he owns and bred. "Winning two levels here, especially with a homebred horse, is pretty special," said Zagaria who won all levels of the IRHA Non Pro Futurity 20 years ago. "It’s a dream come true, and honestly, I was hoping this mare would bring home a Championship." Zagaria credited his trainer, Luca Piccolo of Torello Quarter Horses, for his

outstanding work in breaking and training the horse.

Level 1

Silvia Biagini secured the L1 title with a score of 212.5 aboard RTR Karmacash (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x Who Whiz Kid), a mare she owns and bred. The pair also placed second in both the L3

and L2. For Biagini, who trains with Silvia Venezia, the victory was a surprise: “Winning was the goal, but bringing home a Championship and two Reserve Championships was unexpected. She is a wonderful horse out of my mare and was born at our place. She is so solid, and I cannot thank my trainer enough for the work she has done with both of us.”

3-Year-Old Non Pro Futurity: The Numbers

$102,000-Added Level 4 Non Pro (35 entries)

$52,000-Added Level 3 Non Pro (33 entries)

$22,500-Added Level 2 Non Pro (49 entries)

$15,000-Added Level 1 Non Pro (32 entries)

Antonio Zagaria and Whizkey For Zag

Zehetbauer Claims

Francesca Giulia Solbiati riding SM Taris Heart Force (Maytheforcebewhizyou x Taris Chex Catalyst), owned and also bred by Massimo Solbiati, captured Reserve honors with a score of 213 score.

the

4-year-old

IRHA/IRHBA

Non Pro Futurity

Atotal of 39 combinations vied for the 4-year-old Futurity titles in the seeded Finals. Last to enter the arena, after winning the qualifier, Anna-Maria Zehetbauer rode her trusted companion SS Pretty Nifty (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling

Vintage x Custom Nifty Nic), bred by Silver Spurs Equine. The 19-year-old reined her nifty mare to a 218.5 topping the $16,150-Added Level 4 leaderboard adding yet another title to their name. “I’m super happy! This mare is incredible, and I don’t know what to say anymore except that I

love her. She just keeps on winning and knows exactly what to do. We purchased her as a yearling in Oklahoma City, and I broke and trained her myself. She’s always sound, always happy, and always cute.” Plans for the mare include embryo transfers for future foals.

Silvia Biagini and RTR Karmacash

Anna-Maria Zehetbauer and SS Pretty Nifty

Gebert Takes the Lead in Levels 3 and 2

With a score of 216.5, 11-year-old Emanuel Gebert of Germany claimed victory in both the $8,310-Added L3 and $3,560-Added L2 aboard No Trash In My Genes (Sugar Little Step x Gay Jays Little Step), owned and bred by his mother, Angelika Gebert. "My parents gave me this horse three weeks before coming here, and this is our first show together. He was really good for me and I feel so good!" said Gebert, fresh off his Youth win at Equita Lyon where he also qualified for the TRFAM 2025 Youth Reining Championship.

Emanuel Gebert and No Trash In My Genes

Valente Dominates Level 1 and Claims Multiple Reserve Championships

In the $2,370-Added L1 division, Massimiliano Valente secured the win as well as the L4, L3, and L2 Reserve Championships, riding his own VA Like A Platinum (Platinum Vintage x Like A Fallingfeather), a gelding bred by Alessio Fraboschi, to a 215.5. "I never expected to win all these titles tonight, even though my horse is a huge stopper and also great in his circles," said Valente about the palomino he purchased from Matteo Ambrosini eight months ago. "It’s my first major event title, and I would like to thank my trainer, Francesco Barbagli, and the whole team behind me."

Massimiliano Valente and VA Like A Platinum

FISE/IRHA Italian Championship Finals

Open

1

2

3

Limited Open

Intermediate Open

3ex

Non Pro

Intermediate Non Pro

1 OT DONT MISS TO WISH & LUDOVICA ZAMBELLI score 215.5

2 AF DOUBLE THE SNAP 191 & ADELISE RIPARBELLI score 213

3 MR FACE WHIZ & STEFANO CARPENTIERI score 212.5

Youth 14-18

1 POKER JABA ANTINORI & ISABELLA RIGHI score 212.5

2 SPARKWEST & ANNA BERGAMELLI score 211

3 BUSINESS WHIZ RM & MARCO PAOLACCI score 210.5

Limited Non Pro

1 GD SHOW ME SUMMER & PETRA FEDERER score 214.5

2 AF DOUBLE THE SNA & ADELISE RIPARBELLI score 213

3 SPOOKINWHIZ & CAMILLA SOPRANI score 212.5

Youth 13 & Under

1 LADYS PRIZE & MARGOT LEONARDI score 212½

2 DD BLUE WHEEL & TOMMASO PROTO score 210.5

3 POSITIVELY GUN 246 & BIANCA ROMANO score 206.5

SARA BORGONOVO & GINGER ROOSTER owned by SARA BORGONOVO (score 196.5) - FISE-IRHA-ELEMENTA

AGATA FUMAGALLI & MIGHTY SPECKLES owned by DANIELE MAGLIOCCHETTI (score 192) FISE-IRHA-ELEMENTA

VITTORIA ROSCIONI & RS COCA O LENA owned by NICOLA DANGELO score 207 - FISE-IRHA-ELEMENTA PARAREINING FISICI GRADO 3 Italian Championship Champion

MARCO TANZI & TIME TO BOON owned by ANGELO ANGELINI (score 217) FISE-IRHA-ELEMENTA PARAREINING FISICI PROMO 1 Italian Championship Champion

ENEA FERRONI & APACHE CODY owned by ENEA FERRONI - FISE-IRHA-ELEMENTA

PARAREINING FISICI PROMO Italian Championship

www.internationalhorsepress.com

MARTINA PANIZZA & CPR STAR STRIPNSNAP owned by LUCILLA PANIZZA (score 202.5) - FISEIRHA-ELEMENTA PARAREINING FISICI GRADO 4 Italian Championship Champions

NRHA Open World Champions 2024

For all standings: NRHA.com

Colonels Dancing Gun and Nico Sicuro

With an impressive $64,427 earned in 2024, Colonels Dancing Gun and NRHA Professional Nico Sicuro secured the Open World Championship title. “With so many top-level riders hauling for the title, it was really tough this year,” said Sicuro. “We showed 18 times and won 17 and Colonels Dancing Gun was so honest at every show. At the IRHA Maturity in September, he won both the goround and the Level 4 Open Finals, and showed another four times after that. He was simply outstanding, and I’m thrilled with this result.”

The 11-year-old stallion, sired by NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Dance Little Spook, is owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Pietro Marseglia’s Quarter Dream Srl. “We bred Colonels Dancing Gun and also own his dam, so this is an incredible achievement—the best thing that could happen to us!” said an elated Marseglia, who has carefully selected the crosses in his breeding program from the very beginning. “What makes this even more exciting is that we already have 2-year-olds on the ground by him—they are beautiful and incredibly talented and we cannot wait to see them in the arena.” Marseglia discovered Sicuro’s talent when the young professional was competing in youth classes. In 2019, Sicuro joined Quarter Dream, and in 2021, he began showing Colonels Shining Gun. “This horse is incredibly talented, with outstanding physical and athletic qualities. Even after years of competing, he remains fresh, even-tempered, and focused in the show pen—truly a dream horse,” Sicuro concluded.

By Simona Diale

Spat Toy

Custom Jeweler

Xtra Needs A Drink

Mizzen Mobster

Taking A Mistress

Magnums Little Dream

Ruf N Pretty

Sugared Shining Gun

Sergeant Fridee

Nico Sicuro

Trevor Elliott Dare Martin Padilla

David E Hanson

Meaghan Shea

Jesse P Gentile/Bevin Zimmerman

Preston J Kent

Romain Ampe

Samantha A. Musante

Barry T Haynes Quarter Dream

Paula Daniela Martinez

N Anne Driscoll

Veronica Robinson

Bevin Zimmerman

Silver Summit Horses

Murphy

J Blumer, Jr.

Intermediate Open World Champions

King Arthur Sailor (AB Captain Badger x Im A Queen Diamonds) & Dino Lulli

With $12,909 in 2024 earnings, NRHA Professional Dino Lulli, of Prato, Italy, guided King Arthur Sailor to the Intermediate Open World Championship. “He is such a calm and kind horse and everyone at the barn adores him for his personality,” Lulli said of the Angelucci Quarter Horses-bred gelding,

owned by Igor Todini of Montale, Italy. “I’ve been showing ‘King’ for the past three years, and our bond has been the key to our success. I can always trust him in the show pen and show after show, he was always right there with me. I kept going— and we ended up on top. 2024 was a great year for me, and I’m incredibly proud.”

ARC

NIntermediate Open Reserve World Champions

Crystal Frozen (Frozen Sailor x ARC Tassa Wantstawin) & Andrea Napolitano

RHA Professional Andrea Napolitano piloted ARC Crystal Frozen, a 2010 dun mare bred by Giuseppe Fabiani and owned by Carolina Sestini, to the Intermediate Open Reserve World Championship. “I’ve never ridden a horse like her—she’s really, really special. Every time she enters the pen, she gives 100%,” said Napolitano of the 15-year-old mare, affectionately known as Crystal. “I’m so pleased with this title, and since we have two embryos placed in recipient mares, we might show her a few more times before letting her relax and enjoy her well-earned retirement.”

LIMITED OPEN WORLD STANDINGS

Johnette Burman

Jarid Walton

Eduardo Giannasi/Naike Bell

Gavin Pellerin

Jose Ibarra-Bencomo/Madison Helch

Andrea Napolitano

Lea Inhaber-Courchesne

Cutter Cook

Colby Speer

Casey Watson

Iced Catachino

Missin Walla Whiz

Great

Im

Smart Diamond Whiz

ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL WORLD STANDINGS

Jarid Walton

Casey Watson

Colby Speer

Colby Speer

Charlize Stair

Felix Gadreau-Girard

Kristen Stoner

Madison Kantner

Morgan Chaffin

Patricia Rybanska

Gadreau-Girard

Non Pro World Champions

Nikolai Stiller and his 2012 double-registered AQHA/APHA mare, Hollywood Gunrunner (Gunner x Dun It For Missy), claimed their first World Championship in 2021, secured in 2022, reclaimed the World title in 2023, and did it again in 2024. Traveling to 10 shows across Europe, Stiller and Hollywood Gunrunner amassed an impressive $12,162.

“She is the best horse I have ever owned, and every year we take another step forward—she just keeps getting better. She’s incredibly consistent, and I think she performs even better in the show pen than outside. Most of the time when we compete, she’s on point and gives 100%,” Stiller shared. He credits NRHA Professionals Bernard and Ann Fonck for their invaluable guidance and support. “Without them, we wouldn’t have achieved so much. I keep my mare at home, and they help me from a distance, coaching me at the shows. They’re incredibly hard workers who always push me to improve, and they play a big role in these titles.” Stiller also expressed deep appreciation for his wife, Jana. “She takes care of our kids, Lian and Emil, so I can go show, and always tells me, ‘You can do it.’ That means so much to me.” As for Hollywood Gunrunner’s future, Stiller has yet to finalize plans, but one thing is certain: “She deserves a happy place in the pasture, raising babies.”

Luke

Madison

Caroline

Intermediate Non Pro World Champions

Andrea Iannetta & Welleing Little Jack (FB Eyed Jac x Welleing Sophie)

Andrea Iannetta set out to haul for the World title with two mounts: Welleing Little Jack, a 2012 stallion (FB Eyed Jac x Welleing Sophie) he leased, and Hollywood Gun Bodo, an 8-year-old mare (Hollywood Gun Dunnit x Doc Snapper Bar) he owns.

As the show season came to a close, Iannetta emerged as the NRHA Intermediate Non Pro World Champion, topping the rankings with Welleing Little Jack after earning $11,323, while also securing third place aboard Hollywood Gun Bodo with $8,307 in earnings.

“My World Champion’s strongest maneuver is his stops, even though he scores well in all the others, and I’ll be showing him again next year,” said Iannetta. “Hauling for a title takes a village, and I have so many people to thank—my farriers, vets, groom, and friends. But most of all, my parents, who have always supported me and share this passion with me. These results are never achieved alone; it’s always about teamwork, and I’m thrilled to share this title with them.”

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO WORLD STANDINGS

Andrea Iannetta

Luke Val Bingham

Andrea Iannetta

Kitrina Makin

Caroline Joy Burk

Victoria Crettenand

Nancy Murfin-Moxley

George R King

Natalie Pancoe

Siebe

Bekhoven

Andrea Iannetta

Kitrina Makin

Caroline Joy Burk

Victoria Crettenand Nancy Murfin-Moxley

Jackson & Stephanie Porath

LIMITED NON PRO WORLD STANDINGS

Luke Val Bingham

Natalie Pancoe

Kitrina Makin

Jenna Ratke

Addison R Sawyer

Caroline Joy Burk

Becca K Schaffhauser

Melinda Rumsey

Diane Stuart

Angelina Widmoser

Saddle Horn Farms

Natalie Pancoe

Kitrina Makin

Jenna Ratke

Addison R Sawyer

Caroline Joy Burk

Sam L Schaffhauser

Brogan Marie Hill

Elementa Goes West 2024 Highlights

Some of Europe’s best horses and riders made their way to Elementa in Bracciano, Italy, to take part in the much awaited for Elementa Goes West. The high level of competition in the AQHA/APHA/NSBA and Open classes made the event one to remember.

June 11-16, 2024 | ELEMENTA - Italy

Euro 7.000 WESTERN PLEASURE

Euro 8.000 TRAIL OPEN Champions

Matteo

Photos by Bonaga Communication

By Simona Diale

OPEN Champions

Christina Gruber and Jet Settin Moonlite, owned by Emanuela Stefani won the Senior Western Pleasure

Mark Shaffer and Joggy Style, owned by Irena Tanko, won the Junior Western Pleasure

Mark Shaffer and RR Krymsun Machine, owned by Silvie Barinkova, won the APHA All Ages Open

Sala and Lopin Dynamic, owned by Santina Scaramuzza, took the Open class as well as the AQHA and NSBA

Euro 7.000 RANCH RIDING OPEN Champions

Michela Rota and Luca Mauri’s 11-year-old Four Season Whiz

Euro 4.000 RANCH TRAIL OPEN Champions

Lino Matteo Tosoni and Rey Curly Peppy owned by Antonello Francesco Cordioli

Euro 4.000 WESTERN RIDING OPEN Champions

Christina Gruber and Jet Settin Moonlite, owned by Emanuela Stefani

Euro 2.500 Showmanship At Halter AMATEUR Champions

Philipp Roos and RL Invite Me Tonite

Euro 2.000 Ranch Trail

AMATEUR Champions

Lino Matteo Tosoni and Rey Curly Peppy

Euro 2.000 Ranch Riding

AMATEUR Champions

Laura Benci and Skeets Flamin

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Euro 2.500 Western Horsemanship AMATEUR Champions

Franziska Hampf and Time For A New Page

Euro 2.500 Western Pleasure

AMATEUR Champions

Fabrice Gagnant and Zipp Code

Euro 2.500 Trail AMATEUR Champions

Franziska Hampf and Time For A New Page

HUNTER UNDER SADDLE OPEN Champions

Christina Gruber and Certainly A Constant

Euro 500 HUNTER UNDER SADDLE AMATEUR Champions

Franziska Hampf and Time For A New Page

Euro 500 WORKING WESTERN RAIL

OPEN Champions

Jessy Goossens and ND Spooks Shaggy Gun

Euro 500 WORKING WESTERN RAIL

AMATEUR Champions

Koen Hertecant and SV Sneak Preview

ELEMENTA Goes West

By Simona Diale

The Run For A Million

Since 2019, The Run For A Million has grown into one of the most exciting and highest-paying events in the Western performance horse world, thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s vision and producer Amanda Brumley. This year, the Top 10 PRCA ProRodeo Bareback Riders performed on Saturday, leading up to the highlight of the event: the Million Dollar Competition.

August 9-17, 2024 | Las Vegas - USA

Million Dollar Competition: Back-to-back for Jason Vanlandingham

“Let the horse be himself; I’ve shown that horse a lot, and I had him at The American Performance Horseman this year, and I failed him. The horse had the thing won, and I went in there and broke pattern, spinning three times. A guy who’s been doing this as long as I have shouldn’t have made that kind of mistake. I felt like I took a championship away from him. That horse has been second for me a lot, and for him to come in here and finally get that victory—and for me to stay out of his way and let him do his job—was pretty special.”

Jason Vanlandingham made history in Vegas during the fifth edition of The Run For A Million by winning the Million Dollar Competition on Gunnabebigtime with a score of 229, with the crowd cheering him on. He became the first back-to-back winner after securing victory in 2023 on Best

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Shine. When asked if he expected to win, Vanlandingham was quick to respond:

“If you’re thinking about the win before it happens, it usually doesn’t turn out like you want it to,” he said. “I was just trying to help my horse be the best he can be, that’s all I was thinking about. Stay out of his way, set him up for success, and let him do what he can do—and he did. Once the run was over, I knew we had done something pretty special.”

Gunnabebigtime (Gunnatrashya x Big Time Jazzy), a 7-year-old stallion owned by Tammy Nelson, has played a very special role for Vanlandingham. “He’s a special stopper. He goes in there, and he’s a show pony, with that big old drape in the reins, and him never thinking of going left or right or trying to get ahead of me anywhere. It takes a very special-minded horse to do that, so I feel blessed to have him,”

Vanlandingham said about the horse, also known as ‘Big Jake.’

Their $500,000 win pushed Vanlandingham over the NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider mark,

Gunnatrashya over the Thirteen Million Dollar S ire mark, and made Tammy Nelson a Million Dollar Owner. “It takes a very special-minded horse to do that, so I feel blessed to have him. He’s a laid-back horse—one of those that you just keep legged up, and that’s

Photos by Bonaga Communication

Tamy Nelson receives the owners Championship Trophy Ring by MS Diamonds TX Official Diamond Jeweler of TRFAM.

about all you have to do. His personality in the barn is quiet; he makes a mess of his water bucket, and that’s the only problem that horse has. But as long as he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he can make as many muddy water buckets as he wants.”

Luca Fappani and Mr Abracadabra (Gunnatrashya x Nu Magic Cash x Nu Chex To Cash) marked a 228.5 for Reserve honors and added $100,000 to their lifetime earnings. That money official boosted Fappani to become a NRHA Million Dollar Rider.

$100,000-Added Open Shoot Out 2025 TRFAM Reining Qualifier

In 2021, Kole Price won the Million Dollar Competition at TRFAM, pushing him past the NRHA Million Dollar Rider mark. This year, with the 2020 stallion Golden Coins (Spooks Gotta Gun x Electric Cha Ching), owned by Coin Toss LLC., he placed first in the Open Shootout, earning himself a ticket to compete in the 2025 Million Dollar Competition.“He’s probably the sweetest and most intelligent animal you’ve ever been around and is so intense about trying to be good,” Price said. “He knows his job and can go do it.”

www.internationalhorsepress.com

$50,000-Added Non Pro Challenge

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gina Schumacher was last to ride for the Non Pro Challenge. As the last rider in the Non Pro Challenge, Schumacher rode All Right Magnum (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x All The Right Motion) to a 222, enough to earn top honors along with a $14,220 check. “He’s just such a good horse and doesn’t need a lot of riding as he knows what to do,” she said about the 10- year-old chestunt gelding. “We bred him, raised him, trained him, so I know him very well. I’ve never won anything here, so this is a special moment.”

Rookie 1 and 2

Wyatt Deary won the Rookie 1 and Rookie 2 held on different days on 17-year-old Chicsdundreamin (Magnum Chic Dream x Goody Goody Dun Drop). “I started riding again after watching my brother [Owen] compete at TRFAM,” he said. “I made that my New Year’s goal and never even thought I would have a chance to win it. He was in a pasture so we just legged him up all summer for TRFAM, and it went pretty well. He’s been shown his whole life, so we had a few slow runs, and that made him be honest for me. In the show pen, all I had to do was just give him the cues, and then he knew to give me 100% every time.” The team won the Rookie 1 with a 220 and went back in the arena the next day to score a 223 for the win in the Rookie 2.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

Youth Reining Challenge

For Michelle Fumagalli, the Youth finals at TRFAM were her penultimate competition on TR Mr Joe (Lil Joe Cash x Ms Whiz Dunit). As an Auburn University freshman ridiing for the equestrian team, ‘Joe’ found a new home; the deal was that she could show him at TRFAM and the 100X Reining Classic. After riding him for about a year, the duo came back and took the win with a 144.5.

Spooks Gotta Whiz and Shawn Flarida Back On The Stage

Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Gun x Prettywhizprettydoes) and NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida made an incredible comeback, charging into the South Point Arena as the crowd rose to its feet, cheering and applauding. After the final stop, the cheers exploded. “I love this horse, and it’s an honor to be reunited with him and show the world that being 17 isn’t old,” said Flarida, who last rode him in 2014 at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and had only six months to prepare him. “He’s always had all my respect, and what a tribute they gave him here tonight. He is one of the greatest horses this sport has ever seen.”

$200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge

With NCHA Ten Million Dollar Rider Austin Shepard in the saddle, Kittennish (Hottish x Show Biz Kitty x High Brow Cat), also known as “The Queen,” added yet another major title to her résumé by winning the Cow Horse Challenge with an exhilarating run, earning a 231 from the judges.“I got some cows cut for my horse, and she’s just a great horse,” Shepard said about

the 2023 NCHA Horse of the Year. “She’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden in my life, and when everything’s there in front of her, she’s just a winner. I’d love to take all the credit, but she just wants this. I mean, she’s got a Michael Jordan-type personality, and that’s the way she is.” Her win at The Run For A Million, worth $50,000, pushed her to become the third-highest-earning mare in cutting history.

Michael Cooper earned $6000 in the Cutting Horse Challenge riding the talented AQHA mare Starry Eyedd (Im Countin Checks x Catrina Starlight x High Brow Cat) for Italian owner Marco Salvatori who came to Vegas with his family.

Monty Buntin and the 11 year old stallion Kat Play, owned by Dacole Investment Company, took home $35,000 for the Reserve Championship with a score of 226.

$200,000 Reined Cow Horse Challenge: A Starlights Magnum Shines in Vegas

AStarlights Magnum (Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) had a slow start to his show career, but he certainly made an impact in Vegas. “We’ve had him for two or three years and originally bought him as a rope horse, with the possibility of making him a non-pro horse later on,” Kyle Trahern explained. “But we also needed him for the ranch, so we turned him out with some other geldings and just used him. We ranch rodeoed on him, and I only started showing him when he was five.” After qualifying for the NRCHA World Show in the Hackamore Class and experiencing success there, Trahern realized the horse had something special. Despite this, A Starlights Magnum continued to live among the geldings and spend most of his days doing ranch work. “He’s a little unique in this event

because he didn’t go through the futurity and derby stages—he hadn’t had a ton of exposure,” Trahern said.

The duo marked a 227.5 in the rein work portion then, on Friday night, they took their cow down the fence and scored a 224.5. With a composite score of 452, they claimed the championship title and a $50,000 check—nearly doubling A Starlights Magnum’s lifetime earnings and pushing him past the $100,000 mark.

Erin Taormino scored a 451 on Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey), owned by Linda Mars, for the Reserve Championship and a check worth $35,000. That money propelled Taormino to becoming an NRCHA $1 Million Rider.

Youth Cow Horse Challenge

Taking the win aboard SJR Starlit Rey 16G (Dual Rey x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights), rider and owner William Akin scored a 442.

$30,000 Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge

MC Cowhammer 15S (Metallic Cat x Gunsmart Gay x Playgun), owned by Bogle Brothers and ridden by Zach Ozborn scored a 435.5 for the win earning a $6,000 paycheck.

www.internationalhorsepress.com

On Saturday evening, the richest single round event in the history of bareback riding featured the top 10 PRCA ProRodeo Bareback riders. They put on a tremendous show, showed all their talent, were phenomenal and so was the crowd. Taking the win against Keenan Hayes, Dean Thompson, and Coop Cooke, was Rocker Steiner.

Simona Diale of International Horse Press, TRFAM Official Media Partner, and Andrea Bonaga, TRFAM official photographer - #TRFAM #PROUD

March 8, 2024 | Arlington, Texas

By Simona Diale

Photos by Martina Tonello Photography / DS Media

Top ranked professionals in cutting, reining, and reined cowhorse showcased world-class skill at Globe Life Field, putting it all on the line for more than $1 Million and hand-crafted MS Diamonds TX Championship Rings.

As the official jewelry company of The American Performance Horseman, MS Diamonds TX proudly handcrafted one-of-akind, unique trophy rings for the champion athletes of the night.

In 2016, owner Oded Fein produced the very first championship ring offered in Western equestrian sports and from there the company has been involved in the most high profile events in sports.

Team Competition Ranking

Andrea Fappani & All Bettss Are Off

Cade McCutcheon & Finals Bound

Brian Bell & Vintage Couture

Jason Vanlandingham & Gunnabebigtime

1 Storyteler (Smooth Talkin Style x Show Biz Kitty) | Adan Banuelos | 230 Double Dove Ranch | $100,000

2 Summer Time Fun (Metallic Cat x Hey Georgy Girl) | James Payne | 226 Ty Moore | $75,000

3 Kittennish (Hottish x Show Biz Kitty) | Austin Shepard | 223 Billy Wolf |$50,000

4 Cool Guitar (Stevie Rey Von x This Kats Kool) | Morgan Cromer | 219 Pinwheel Partners | $25,000

5 Nineteen 42 (Hottish x Lil Rattler) | Wesley Galyean | 208 SMF Cutting Horses LLC | $25,000

James Payne & Summer Time Fun

Austin Shepard & Kittennish

Morgan Cromer & Cool Guitar

Wesley Galyean & Nineteen 42

2

Justin Wright & Scooter Kat

Sarah Dawson & Smart Chic An Tari

Matt Koch & Smart

About The American Rodeo

Hailed as The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™, The American Rodeo is an unrivaled celebration of the pioneering spirit of the American West. The national sporting event offers fans a unique choice – to cheer on western sports’ finest champion athletes or root for the underdog “contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus – through every rodeo, roping, and riding effort. Acquired by Teton Ridge in 2021, The American Rodeo is an annual western sports and entertainment celebration that matches professional rodeo’s top athletes against the world’s most aspirational cowboys and cowgirls, who have put up their own money to bet on themselves in this high-stakes showdown. For more information on The American Rodeo, please visit www.americanrodeo.com or @TheAmerican.TR on Instagram @TheAmericanTR on Facebook and Twitter.

THE 2024 CHAMPIONS

Sarah Angelone - Breakaway Roping Champions

Bareback Riding Champions

Creek Young - Bull Riding Champions

Kade Sonnier

2024 NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular Presented by International Horse Press

The NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular, presented by International Horse Press, took place in CremonaFiere, Italy, on January 23-25, 2025, during the Western Show. Originally scheduled to be held in December 2024, the event was postponed due to the Blue Tongue endemic.

January 23 - 25 Cremona | Italy

Competition culminated on January 25, when the 2024 Champions of Europe’s Greatest Horseman were crowned in front of a packed arena after competing in Rein Work, Herd Work, Fence Work, and Steer Stopping.

$2,000-Added Four Crown Spectacular Open Championship: Samuele Poli Barberis Claims the Crown

Italy’s Samuele Poli Barberis earned the title of Europe’s Greatest Horseman riding Cats Got Freckles (WR This Cats

Smart x Playboys Girl), a 2010 American Quarter Horse stallion owned by Luca Terzi. The pair scored a 290.5 composite (Rein Work: 71.5, Herd Work: 73, Steer Stopping: 71, Fence Work: 75) to claim the title. “Winning the Four Crown title is always special,” he shared. “Winning aboard Cats Got Freckles makes this even more special; he’s such an amazing horse to ride and to show. Of course, I’m very proud of the other young horses I rode too. They definitely have the qualities to become great show horses.”

Poli Barberis also secured the $500-Added Open Bridle title with a 219.5 score.

By Chiara Milani

Two riders tied for the Open Four Crown Reserve CoChampionship with a 284.5 composite score.

• Switzerland’s Antoine Cloux, riding Wares The Nurse (WR This Cats Smart x Playboys Girl), owned by Brigitte Belin (Rein Work: 72.5, Herd Work: 66, Steer Stopping: 73, Fence Work: 73).

• Italian Giovanni Campanaro, riding Just Metallic Light (Sannman x Just Getting Light), owned by Shirley Schalcher (Rein Work: 73.5, Herd Work: 70, Steer Stopping: 72, Fence Work: 69).

• Campanaro also finished as Reserve Champion in the $500-Added Open Bridle, with a 212.5 composite.

Photos by 8PhotoAgency

Samuele Poli Barberis and Cats Got Freckles

$500-Added SR Four Crown Spectacular Non Pro Championship: Vera Walliser Takes the Title

Vera Walliser and her 9-year-old gelding, CD Fortunate Son (Metallic Cat x CDS Lucky Gal), claimed the $500-Added SR Four Crown Spectacular Non Pro Championship with a 214.5 composite (Rein Work: 70.5, Herd Work: 70, Steer Stopping: 0, Fence Work: 74). The duo also won the Non Pro Bridle class. “It was such a wonderful show! ” said the Swiss rider. “The atmosphere was great, as well as the facility, the arena, the cows, and the team behind it all. First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my amazing horse ‘Max,’ and to everyone who helped me during the show.”

With a 213 composite score, Italian rider Alessandro Tugnoli and The One Dark Deal (Smart Easy Deal x Miss Mify Olena) earned Reserve Champion honors in both the Non Pro Four Crown Spectacular and the Non Pro Bridle.

Vera Walliser and CD Fortunate Son

Alessandro Tugnoli and The One Dark Deal

Meet the riders who competed at the 2024 NRCHA/ERCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular presented by International Horse Press held at CremonaFiere.

Samuele Poli Barberis & Cats Got Freckles

Tomas Barta & CR Tuff Calie Rey

Alessandro Tugnoli & The One Dark Deal

Vera Walliser & CD Fortunate Son

Giovanni Campanaro & Just Metallic Light

Antoine Cloux & Wares The Nurse

• Samuele Poli and Ill Be Asmartshowgirl (Oaks Lone Pepto x Showtime Chic Olena), owned by Vittorio Rabboni, took the win with a 215 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 73, Fence Work: 71).

• Second place honors Luigi Di Felice and BL Gray Win (Lil Smokeing Gun x Mary Sol Win), owned by Giuseppe Semerano, with a 212 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 69, Fence Work: 72).

$1,000-Added 4-year-old Open Snaffle Bit

• Samuele Poli, riding Lill Gunna R Great (ARC Gunna Sparkya x Lil Ruffles R Great), owned by Ingrid Novasconi, took the lead with a 213.5 composite score (Rein Work: 72, Herd Work: 70, Fence Work: 71.5).

• Second place was for Micol Fontana and CLR Topsail Joke (Quiet Whiz x Piperita Chex), with a 203 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 66, Fence Work: 66).

$1,000-Added 3&4-year-old Non Pro Snaffle Bit

• Winning the class with a 212.5 composite score (Rein Work: 70, Herd Work: 70, Fence Work: 72.5).was Gloria Benassi and High Ret Devil (Ret Great N San x High Brow Dancer).

• In second place was Alessandro Tugnoli and Wild Wet Mifycat, with a 209.5 composite score (Rein Work: 69, Herd Work: 71, Fence Work: 69.5).

The Clinic

Past NRCHA Open Futurity Champion Lee Deacon hosted a two-day clinic open to both Professional and Non Pro riders.

Deacon, who judged the show twice, praised the competition, stating, “I love Italy! The facility was great, the cattle worked well, and the ground was perfect for all the events. I liked that the cow horse show ran concurrently with a Cutting jackpot and a Ranch Sorting event, drawing many participants and spectators. It created a fantastic atmosphere for

the sport. I enjoy judging this event—it’s similar to our World’s Greatest Horseman competition. The riders competed in a friendly yet highly competitive environment, showcasing exceptional horses and skills. I really enjoyed it!”

The NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular once again proved to be a premier event, bringing together top horsemen and horsewomen from across Europe. With highcaliber performances, a strong community atmosphere, and valuable learning opportunities, the event reinforced its reputation as a must-attend competition on the European reined cow horse circuit.