(L to R): the silver medallists from Italy, gold medallists from Germany and bronze medallists from Belgium. (FEI/Andrea Bonaga)

Givrins (SUI), 4 July 2014 – Germany dominated the Junior category while the Italians claimed a huge haul of Young Rider medals at the FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2015 which drew to a close at Givrins in Switzerland yesterday.

Staged over two days at Corinna Schumacher’s CS Ranch which lies halfway between Geneva and Lausanne, the event attracted 46 riders from nine countries. The flags of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Switzerland all flew high, and competition for a podium placing was intense from the outset.

The 2014 Championships saw a clean sweep of gold for the Italians who had produced a hat-trick of victories the previous year. And although they didn’t achieve the same level of gold-medal-winning success this time around they still secured a place in the history-books when the Young Rider Individual standings showed six Italians in a row.

Junior Team

Italy was chasing a fifth consecutive victory in the Junior Team event, but, on her home turf, it was Corinna Schumacher’s talented daughter Gina who clinched victory for Germany. There were five nations battling for the medals here, and Schumacher was last to go for her side.

Jakob Behringer and Rascal Sensation got the eventual champions off to a flying start when producing the highest score of the day, 216.0. But when Lena-Marie Maas and Stun Gun registered 209 and Shawn Wagner and Hollys Electricspark posted 203 the result was far from decided.

It all came down to the last-line riders, and Schumacher really threw down the gauntlet when steering Gunners Enterprise home for a score of 215 to move the final German tally on to 640.0. So although Italian anchorman Eric Ranieri Volpe and Exxcaliber rounded up the competition with the second-highest mark of 215.5, it just wasn’t enough when the scoreboard showed a final team total of 637.5. The Italian scores were consistently strong – both Linda Martinelli and Playgirl on the Rocks and Lisa Werdaner and Arc Pleasetogunyou posting 211 while Irene Merlotti and Snapplejack scored 208. But they had to settle for silver ahead of the impressive three-member Belgian side of Nimroid Vannietvelt (Im Smart and Wimpy), Jinke Stevens (Don John Escape BB) and Amber Heidebuchel (Wimps Lil Prize) who rounded up their total on 628.0 to take the bronze. The team from the Czech Republic finished fourth on a score of 609.0 ahead of Great Britain in fifth with 596.5.

German team coach, Nico Hoermann, said after his side’s victory, “All the riders worked hard to achieve this much coveted medal, and we look forward to the Individual competition now!”

Junior Individual

And Mr Hoermann’s confidence proved well-founded when his side added Junior Individual gold and bronze. Gina Schumacher produced a near-perfect ride with her 11-year-old paint horse stallion Gunners Enterprise whose stable-name is Digger. They were untouchable for gold when scoring 219. “My horse was great for me once again, and I am thrilled with this second gold medal!” Schumacher said afterwards. “I cannot thank my team members and coach enough, my trainer Shawna Larcombe and of course my mom and family who are my greatest supporters!”

Italy’s Eric Ranieri Volpe claimed his second Individual silver medal in a row with his flashy seven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Exxcaliber when posting 217.5. “I cannot believe how special my horse is!” he said. “Of course when you’re out there your goal is the highest step of the podium, but I am very happy and honoured to have been part of the team yet again.”

It was Germany’s Jakob Behringer and his seven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Rascal Sensation, who stood on the third step of the podium when scoring 215.5. “My goal was to qualify for my team for the very first time, and I have to thank my trainer Grisha Ludwig for bringing me here,” he said. Having already produced the highest score of the Team competition the previous day he had every reason to be bursting with pride. “It’s a dream come true, and I still cannot believe it!” he added.

It was an impressive result for the Germans who filled four of the top-five places when Lena Marie Maas (Mr Stun Gun) slotted into fourth ahead of Anna Voss (Mandys Little Magnum) in fifth. “I feel like I’m in heaven!” said coach Hoermann. “It’s my first time coaching the Juniors and Young Riders and I must say this is a fantastic group. My hat goes off to all of them and Gina did an amazing job, especially considering this is not the horse she was supposed to ride here.”

Young Rider Team

When it came to the Young Riders category, however, it was an Italian landslide. Big scores of 218 for Andrea Pedrotti (Wimpys Short Step BB) and 216.5 from Alessio Baldi (Icarus Jack) ensured that when Enrico Sciulli (The Gunner King) posted 212 then Sara Ambrosini’s (Figlia di Arc Think Chic) 210 was the drop-score as they already totalled a massive 646.5. In fact the final scoreboard mirrored precisely the same result as at last year’s fixture at the same venue, with Germany lining up second ahead of Austria in third. Just four nations contested the medals here, and it was The Netherlands that missed out on a podium placing.

The Italians finished a massive 14 points ahead of the German silver medallists who posted 632.5, while the Austrian’s 609 gave them a 5.5 point advantage over the Dutch.

“I am thrilled with our athletes even though in the past we have claimed both (Junior and Young Rider Team) gold medals,” said Italian coach Filippo Masi de Vargas. “The level of competition is getting better every year, and the athletes on the team of course change. Regarding the Young Riders, what can I say? We made history! I am truly proud and honoured to have such a great group of athletes!” he commented.

Andrea Pedrotti was delighted with his huge score that anchored the Italian team victory. “This has been one of the most emotional experiences ever, and I am truly happy with the way my horse went for me. I cannot thank my team, my coach and my trainer enough for getting us here!” he said.

Fabienne Kramer (Dual Tuck Tari) produced the highest German team score when posting 214.5, and the rest of her team-mates were closely bunched when Jennifer Luhmer (Peppys Lil Dreamer) earned 209.5, and both Daniel Kalk (Sheza Custom Crome) and Isabeau Riemann (Charlys Cool Running) posted 208.5. Anna Lisec and Whizable took their second team bronze medal in a row for Austria, and was joined on the third step of the podium by Eva Maria Hammerschmid (Golden Jac the Boss), Sophie Frimmel (Taris Bright Sunshine) and Lara Kaefer (Sujo Badger).

Young Rider Individual

Of the 18 who battled it out for the Young Riders Individual medals, Alessio Baldi produced the most thrilling performance with the nine-year-old Quarter Horse RS Icarus Jack to pin fellow-Italian Andrea Pedrotti into silver medal spot. Baldi’s score of 218.5 left him a full mark in front, and he said afterwards, “I was so honoured to be able to ride for my country for the very first time and am even more honoured to bring home two gold medals! I will always cherish this great experience, and of course I want to say a huge thank you to Mauro Esti for allowing me to ride his horse here,” he said.

Pedrotti was almost overwhelmed by the results he produced over the two days of competition. “Wow!” was his first reaction when adding Individual silver to his team gold medal. “After the Italian Derby last June I started riding with Pierluigi Chioldo and Marco Pettinari and I cannot but give them credit for taking me where I am today,” he said. “Being selected was a big thing for me, being able to work with my horse and achieving this result is simply incredible. I have to thank my family for always supporting me. Without them this could not have been possible,” said the grateful competitor. And bronze medallist Enrico Sciulli was thrilled with his result too. “I still can’t believe that we did this!” he said. “Riding in FEI competition is our goal every year and had it not been for Giovanni Guerra who allowed me to ride his horse this would not have been possible,” he pointed out. Three more Italians also slotted into the line-up with Riccardo Calascibetta (Ultra Shine) in fourth and Sara Ambrosini (Figlia di Arc Think Chic) and Martina Penato (Ms Twist Whiz) sharing fifth place.

Memorable

The 2015 edition of these Championships was another memorable one from an Italian perspective. “Our riders performed a work of art!” said Roberto Cuoghi, head of the Italian National Federation’s (FISE) Reining Department. “They were all extremely professional, showed to the best of their ability and showed us all what team spirit is about. They cheered for everyone, have a wonderful relationship among them and are all loyal to each other. These are all elements that help our sport grow, and I cannot but be proud of them all! A thank you to the riders, the owners, our coach, our Federation, our hostess Corinna Schumacher, her staff and of course the FEI,” he added.

FEI Secretary General, Sabrina Zeender, attended the event and was greatly impressed. “These Championships were fabulous and dynamic, providing super sport. The quality of the riders was outstanding and the infrastructure at the venue is amazing. The complex here is state-of-the-art and the perfect place to stage a Reining Championship at any level. It is really exciting to see so many Young Riders and Juniors with so much promise. Their talent suggests great things for the future of this sport!” she said.

Results:
FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2015

Junior Team Championship: GOLD – Germany 640.0: Rascal Sensation (Jakob Behringer) 216.0, Gunners Enterprise (Gina Schumacher) 215.0, Mr Stun Gun (Lena-Marie Maas) 209.0, Holly-s Electricspark (Shawn Wagner) 203.0; SILVER – Italy 637.5: Exxcaliber (Eric Ranieri Volpe) 215.5, Playgirl On the Rocks (Linda Rebecca Martinelli) 211.0, Arc Pleasetogunyou (Lisa Werdaner) 211.0, Snapplejack (Irene Merlotti) 208.0; BRONZE – Belgium 628.0: Im Smart and Wimpy (Nimroid Vannietvelt) 211.5, Don john Escape BB (Jinke Stevens) 210.5, Wimps Lil Prize (Amber Heidebuchel) 206.0.

Junior Individual Championship: GOLD – Gunners Enterprise (Gina Schumacher) GER 219.0; SILVER – Exxcaliber (Eric Ranieri Volpe) ITA 217.5; BRONZE – Rascal Sensation (Jakob Behringer) 215.5.

Young Rider Team Championship: GOLD – Italy 646.5: Wimpys Short Step BB (Andrea Pedrotti) 218.0, RS Icarus Jac (Alessio Baldi) 216.5, The Gunner King (Enrico Sciulli) 212.0, Figlia Di Arc Think Chic (Sara Ambrosini) 210.0; SILVER – Germany 632.5: Dual Tuck Tari (Fabienne Kramer) 214.5, Peppys Lil Dreamer (Jennifer Luhmer) 209.5, Sheza Custom Crome (Daniel Kalk) 208.5, Charly’s Cool Running (Isabeau Riemann) 208.5; BRONZE – Austria 609.0: Whizable (Anna Lisec) 212.5, Golden Jac the Boss (Eva Maria Hammerschmid) 206.5, Taris Bright Sunshine (Sophie Frimmel) 190.0, Sujo Badger (Lara Kaefer) 165.5.

Young Rider Individual Championship: GOLD – RS Icarus Jac (Alessio Baldi) ITA 218.5; SILVER – Wimpys Short Step (Andrea Pedrotti) ITA 217.5; BRONZE – The Gunner King (Enrico Sciulli) ITA 216.0.

By Louise Parkes

(L to R) Eric Ranieri Volpe ITA (silver), Enrico Sciulli ITA (gold) and Gina Maria GER (bronze). Photo: FEI/Andrea Bonaga.

Givrins (SUI), 5 July 2014 – The Italians proved unbeatable for gold at the FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2014 which drew to a close at Givrins in Switzerland yesterday. Last year they scored a hat-trick on home ground in Manerbio, but this year they went one better and swept all before them.

The Championships took place at the state-of-the-art CS Ranch in Givrins which is a breeding, training and showing centre for Reining horses owned by Corinna Schumacher, wife of F1 motor-racing driver Michael Schumacher. The venue, located halfway between Geneva and Lausanne, enjoys spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva and was highly praised by visitors and competitors alike.

Entries from six nations – Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands – lined out, and from the outset it was clear the Italians would be the ones to beat. They showed extraordinary consistency when taking Thursday’s team title, and placed their stamp of authority all over yesterday’s Individual medal-deciders when scooping gold and silver in both categories.

Junior Team

There were four nations in action in the Junior Team Championship, but the Italians ensured that they secured their fourth title in a row. Enrico Ranieri Volpe produced their best score of 213.5 with Exxcalibur, and with scores of 213.0 for Francesco Pedretti (Elvis Peppy Gold), 212.5 from Linda Rebecca Martinelli (Playgirl on the Rocks) and 212.0 from Enrico Sciulli (Partree 2008) the result was beyond doubt when totalling 639.0.

Germany’s Levin Ludwig and Top Flash Cody matched Volpe’s impressive mark, but while just 1.5 points separated all four of the Italian side, there was more than 10 points of a difference between the highest and lowest German scores. Gina Maria, 2013 Individual Junior gold medallist, posted 210.0 with Big Time Rooster, Madeleine Korbus and Lena Cielo Dream posted 205.5 and Daniel Kalk and Sheza Custom Crome put 203.0 on the board for a team total of 629.0.

There were just three riders on the Dutch and Czech Republic teams and The Netherlands took the bronze when Zoey Kant and It’s Dun Time were awarded a mark of 208.0, Trudy van der Pals and Twist n Freckles posted 205.5 and Jamie Verker and Double R Whiz Kid earned a mark of 188.5 for a team total of 602.0. A final tally of 398.5 left the Czech Republic’s Karoine Karaskova (Smarty Chic Rooster), Tereza Hrdinova (Hahn Es Sweetie) and Brenda Lesniczakova (Ima Lil Pepto) outside the medals.

Riders were great

Italian coach Filippo Masi said, “Our Junior riders were great today!” Italy has great strength in depth where team selection is concerned. “What makes me happy is that the riders change but the enthusiasm and the urge to do well remain. Today these young competitors showed us all that they were responsible and focused.”

There was no disappointment in the German camp. Chef d’Equipe Nico Hoermann said, “On the team we had a few new names that had never taken part in an event like this one so I am very pleased! Last year we missed the podium by a heartbeat. Conquering the silver today is fantastic!”

Dutch coach Rieky Young said, “The first to enter the pen today, Zoey (Kant), is the rider with the most international experience and she did really well. The second, Jamie, was unlucky and incurred a few penalties. Trudy did well for us and overall I am happy and very proud of my team – they handled the pressure of this championship really well!” he pointed out.

Junior Individual

There were 18 horse-and-rider combinations in the battle for the Junior Individual title yesterday in which Enrico Sciulli and the flashy sorrel mare, Partree 2008, clinched their second gold medal of the week when closing their run with a score of 216. “Today my mare went much better than yesterday,” said the 17-year-old rider who earned team gold and Individual bronze last summer with The Gunner King. “She still needs to mature a little as far her personality is concerned and that is why sometimes she is not as consistent as she should be in the pen,” he added. Sciulli has been training with Italian coach, Masi, for the last month and has also been coached by Francesco Martinotti. “Being able to live this adventure has been great, especially here at the CS Ranch which is the perfect location for an international event. I really enjoyed the team spirit both with my team mates and with the other teams here. In the little ‘fun time’ we had available, we enjoyed ourselves a lot!” Sciulli pointed out.

Roberto Cuoghi, Chair of the Italian Equestrian Federation’s Reining Committee, was delighted with the performances of his Junior riders. “Once again the results obtained here prove that Italian Reining is going in the right direction,” he said.

Sciulli’s score was unchallenged when the other two medallists, his team-mate Eric Ranieri Volpe and Germany’s Gina Maria, both finished on a score of 212.5, and it would take a run-off to separate them. It was a thriller right to the end, with the evenly-matched pair once again finishing on a tie when they scoring 212. At this point the sum of the five scores of the judges determined who would claim the silver medal, and it was the Italian who got the nod. Volpe said afterwards: “The first time I went in the pen I was determined to do my best, the second time I was a lot more relaxed because I knew that in any case I had won a medal! My horse was fantastic and always waited for me, even second time around!”

Bronze medallist Gina Maria was delighted with the performance of her 14-year-old stallion Big Time Rooster. “He was great for me today and always listened,” she said. It was quite an exceptional result as she had only been riding the horse for 10 days before the Championships. “I really get along with him; I like him a lot and I am so happy we achieved this great result and now he will take a well-deserved rest,” she said. Just pipped for a Junior Individual medal was another German, Shawn Wagner, who scored 211 with Holly’s Electric Spark.

Young Riders Team

Italy and Germany once again claimed gold and silver respectively in the Young Riders Team Championship, but it was Austria who took the bronze here while The Netherlands missed out on the podium.

The Italian challenge was led by a great score of 217.5 from Giovanni Masi de Vargas and Remins Remedy who took double-gold at the 2013 Junior Championships. Ricardo Calascibetta and Geniune Secolo scored 212.0, Sara Ambrosini and Arc Think a Gunfire scored 210.0 while Elena Kompatscher and Dry Steps produced the drop score to leave Italy on a final tally of 639.5, a full 10 points ahead of Germany in silver medal spot.

Jennifer Luhmer and Peppys Lil Dreamer produced the best German result of 212.5 which was backed up by 209.0 from Franziska Zschau and She’s Lil Dunit and 206.0 from Isabeau Riemann and Charlys Cool Running.

Austria took the bronze when Anna Lisec and Golden Jac the Boss scored 206.0, Marina Bottoli and Whizable posted 204.5 and Nicole Riegler and It’s Golden Time Jack were awarded 200.5 while Elena Koelbl and Mr Rieta Classic were the drop score here. The final Austrian tally was 611.0,while the Dutch missed out on the medals with a team-total of 584.5. The Netherlands’ Giomani Puts (Color Me Cuervo) produced a strong score of 207.5, Sharon de Groot (Conquistador Sis) posted 202.5 and Lariss Klaassen (Brim Hat’s Benz) scored 174.5.

Italian coach Masi had plenty to be pleased about where his gold-medal-winning side was concerned. “All the riders were very good; they were a true team and were always focused. Even though we had a little bobble at the start of the competition with our first combination, the other riders solved the situation to bring home another gold,” he said.

German coach Nico Hoermann was also well-satisfied. “Considering we only had three horse/rider combinations I am twice as happy we won the silver medal!” he said while Austrian coach, Chuck Klipfel, was also upbeat. “This was the first time our riders were showing their horses in such an important competition. We had a couple of problems but they took the pressure well. I told them all to do their best and they did, so I am truly happy!” he pointed out.

Young Riders Individual

The Young Riders Individual Championship brought the FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2014 to a close yesterday, and there were big celebrations when Giovanni Masi de Vargas secured gold once again with his lovely stallion, the faithful Remins Remedy owned by Luca Zeni. Last to go, the pair racked up the winning score of 218.5 for a clear and concise victory.

“I am so happy for this result!” said the newly-crowned champion. “Remins Remedy was incredible from the beginning to the end! In the first stop I didn’t want to push him too much, mainly because I wanted to execute a pattern that just got better and better. He always listened to me and waited for me. He’s a super horse and I don’t know how to thank him enough. This is our sixth consecutive medal and I am on cloud nine!” the young Italian said.

Italy had even more to celebrate when Alessia Simoncini and Top O Spanish posted 213.0 to take the silver. “I didn’t push my horse too much in the first set of circles, but in the rest of the pattern he was great and gave me all he had,” Simoncini said. “I really want to thank my trainer, Marco Manzi, for helping me achieve this result. Without his help this wouldn’t have been possible,” she added.

Debut together

Austria’s Marina Bottoli and Whizable claimed Young Riders Individual bronze with a score of 210.5 on their debut together and team coach, Chuck Klipfel, was most impressed. “Yesterday their performance didn’t go that well but they worked hard, corrected some mistakes and today they earned this medal – I am very proud of both of them,” he said. Bottoli has only been riding Whizable for three weeks. “We haven’t really had much time to get to know each other and yesterday I wasn’t happy with our performance but today I am very happy!” she said. Fellow-Austrian, Anna Lisec, riding Golden Jac the Boss, missed by the podium by just one point.

FEI Director of Driving, Vaulting and Reining, Bettina de Rham, attended the Championships and complimented the organisation and facilities. “I witnessed a high level of competition here in Givrins over the last two days. Both the horses and riders were well prepared. The location is beautiful and the organisation was perfect. Everything was organised in detail, from the stabling of the horses to the awards presentations. I truly hope that in the future, events such as this one will take place here.”

Results:
FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2014:

Junior Team Championship: GOLD – Italy 639.0: Exxcaliber (Eric Ranieri Volpe) 213.5, Elvis Peppy gold (Francesco Pedretti) 213.0, Playgirl on the Rocks (Linda Martinelli) 212.5, Partree (Enrico Sciuli) 212.0; SILVER – Germany 629.0: top Flash Cody (Levin Ludwig) 213.5, Big Time Rooster (Maria Gina) 210.0, Lena Cielo Dream (Madeleine Korbus) 205.5, Sheza Custome Crome (Daniel Kalk) 203.0; BRONZE – Netherlands 602.0: It’s Dun Time (Zoey Kant) 208.0, Twist n Freckles (Trudy van der Pals) 205.5, Double R Whiz Kid (Jamie Verker) 188.5.

Junior Individual Championship: GOLD – Partree (Enrico Sciulli) ITA 216.0; SILVER – Exxcaliber (Eric Ranieri Volpe) 212.5 (212) ITA; BRONZE – Big Time Rooster (Gina Maria) GER 212.5 (212).

Young Rider Team Championship: GOLD – Italy 639.5: Remins Remedy (Giovanni Masi de Vargas) 217.5, Geniune Secolo 9Riccardo Calascibetta) 212.0, Arc Think a Gunfire (Sara Ambrosini) 210.0, Dry Steps (Elena Kompatscher) 0; SILVER – Germany 629.5: Peppys Lil Dreamer (Jennifer Luhmer) 212.5, She’s Lil Dunit (Franziska Zschau) 209.0, Charlys Cool Running (Isabeau Riemann) 208.0; BRONZE – Austria 611.0: Golden Jac the Boss (Anna Lisec) 206.0, Whizable (Marina Bottou) 204.5, It’s Golden Time Jac (Nicole Riegler) 200.5, Mr Rietta Classic (Elena Koelbl) 0.

Young Rider Individual Championship: GOLD – Remins Remedy (Giovanni Masi de Vargas) ITA 218.5; SILVER – Top O Spanish (Alessia Simoncini) ITA 213.0; BRONZE – Whizable (Marina Bottoli) AUT 210.5.

By Louise Parkes