Tag Archives: Reining

Competitions, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Tryon to Host Carolina Classic Derby and Team USA Reining Selections for WEG

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Photo by Waltenberry, Inc.

TRYON, N.C. – February 1, 2018 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) announced today that it will host the 28th annual Carolina Classic Derby at its facility on May 8-13, 2018, the first reining event to be held at the 1,600-acre venue.

Renamed the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center, the event will also host the Selection Trials for the Reining USA Team in preparation for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG), as well as the $15,000 CRI3* WEG Reining Test Event. The show’s expanded schedule also includes the Carolina Classic Open and Non Pro Derbies and Atlantic Breeders Incentive Derby along with a double slate of National Reining Horse Association ancillary classes, American Quarter Horse Association classes and USA Reining classes.

Mike Hancock, longtime producer of the event, was glad to see this next step for the Carolina Classic. “After 27 years of producing the Carolina Classic Derby, I am proud to see the event move to another level. The facility at Tryon is spectacular! I know the management team will do an outstanding job producing an event that will be exciting and fun-filled for the exhibitors. It is good to see that our history of Southern hospitality will continue!”

Mark Bellissimo, Co-Founder and CEO of Tryon International Equestrian Center, said, “We are incredibly honored to be the new host of the Carolina Classic and expand our footprint to welcome Western disciplines to Tryon International Equestrian Center. With the addition of our covered arena, we look forward to delivering world-class reining competitions at our venue year-round and are very proud to launch our reining program with such a distinguished show and its impressive team.”

For more information about the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center, please contact Pro Management, Inc. at +1 (580) 759-2572.

Admission and parking to the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center is free and open to the public. For WEG tickets, event schedules or to sign up for the e-newsletter featuring the latest WEG updates, please visit www.tryon2018.com or follow @Tryon2018 on social media. Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is located at 25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC 28756.

Championships, USEF, USEF, Western/Reining

Mills, McCutcheon, Reynolds Crowned at USEF Reining National Championships

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Photo: Matt Mills and Wimps Cool Breeze (Waltenberry)

Lexington, Ky. – Three 2017 USEF Reining National Championship titles were up for grabs at the Tulsa Reining Classic at Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla. Matt Mills and Wimps Cool Breeze claimed top honors in the Adequan $10,000 Added USEF Open National Championship presented by Markel Insurance. In the $2,000 Added USEF Youth National Championship, Kalena Reynolds and Gun Whiz It won the 13 & Under division, while Cade McCutcheon and REF Sturgis were crowned the champions in the 14-18 division.

In the Adequan $10,000 Added USEF Open National Championship presented by Markel Insurance, Mills (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Wimps Cool Breeze performed a great round across the board to impress the judges as they performed pattern nine. Mills and Janice Dickson’s seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion earned a score of 221.5 to win the championship.

“I think the horse really circled well. It felt like a round where nothing stood out more than anything else. It was a really solid round from start to finish, but if I have to pick something, I would say the circles were very good,” Mills said of his ride on Wimps Cool Breeze. “I have had this horse going for quite a while, and he has always been good in the show ring.”

Mills last won a USEF national championship title in 2006 and was happy to add another accolade to his resume. “It feels great and feels great for the owners. This is their second experience with an FEI/USEF horse. … We are aiming for the WEG [the FEI World Equestrian Games] next year.”

Casey Deary (Weatherford, Texas) finished second and third after finishing one point apart on his two mounts. Deary and Reeboks Rerun, his son Owen Deary’s 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, took the reserve champion title with a score of 219.5, while he and Who Dat Hot Chic, Neiberger Performance Horses LLC’s seven-year-old Quarter Horse mare, finished third with a score of 218.5.

Fresh off his trip to the 2017 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders, McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) rode REF Sturgis to the win in the 14-18 division of the $2,000 Added USEF Youth National Championship. He and Anne-Marie Burns’s five-year-old Quarter Horse gelding had a solid performance of pattern 12 to receive a score of 219.0.

“He was really good. Easy. His circles were good, he stopped well, and the whole round was pretty dang good,” McCutcheon said of his first-ever ride on REF Sturgis. “It feels good. This was my first time in this division, so it was fun to do something new.”

Dani Latimer (Marietta, Okla.) was McCutcheon’s teammate on the Platinum Performance U.S. Young Rider Team at the world championships, and she was not far behind him. She and Sparklin Nite, Elaine Latimer’s five-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, scored 217.5 to be named the reserve champion. Blair Thompson (Amarillo, Texas) and Whiz N Chica Dee, her own eight-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, finished third with a score of 214.0.

In the $2,000 Added USEF Youth National Championship 13 & Under division, Reynolds (Whitesboro, Texas) and Gun Whiz It laid down a good run of pattern 12 to finish atop the leaderboard. Reynolds and Tammy Reynolds’s six-year-old Quarter Horse mare won with a score of 212.5.

“It was very good; we were together on all maneuvers. She was really with me,” Reynolds said. “It’s really amazing! I’m very thankful. I haven’t had this mare very long, but we have gotten along well together.”

Carlee McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) and Whatta Royal Vintage, Tom and Mandy McCutcheon’s eight-year-old Quarter Horse mare, were the reserve champions with a score of 208.0.

Find more information at www.tulsareining.com.

By Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department

Championships, FEI, FEI, Western/Reining

Golds for Belgium, France, Germany and Italy at European and World Reining Championships

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Bernard Fonck riding Smart N Sparkin. (Andrea Bonaga)

Bernard Fonck captures first ever gold for Belgium

Team Belgium is no stranger to the highest step of the podium in FEI competition, yet a Belgian rider had never clinched the coveted individual gold medal until Bernard Fonck (BEL) dominated the competition in Givrins, Switzerland. Riding the athletic American Quarter Horse stallion Smart N Sparkin, owned by Golden Paint Ranch, Fonck performed an outstanding pattern which led to a 225 score.

“I’ve had this horse ever since he was a two-year-old and have won quite a few major titles in the reining circuit with him. Since I knew that the competition here was tough and the level high, I was aiming for the podium but was not sure if we would be able to claim the gold. After the first part of the pattern, I felt that we could actually make it. I asked and he delivered and am thrilled for this very first individual gold medal for Belgium.” — Team and Individual gold medallist Bernard Fonck (BEL)

Germany claimed both the silver and bronze medals thanks to the 222 posted by Dominik Reminder (GER) and Dun It with a Splash, owned by Manuela Moser, and to the 221 scored by Julia Schumacher (GER) riding Coeurs Little Tyke for owner Georg Holzwarth.  Both riders were part of the German team, silver medalist in the team competition, with team bronze going to the previous title holders Italy.

France and Germany claim the gold in inaugural FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors and Young Riders

Once again the ‘dream team’ made up of Gina Schumacher (GER) and her Gotta Nifty Gun scored a winning run in the Young Riders competition. The German athlete reined her blue-eyed companion to an amazing 224.5 to take the individual gold medal. The duo had also secured the gold for Germany in the team competition and once again lit up the public stands by performing a superb demonstration of reining at its very best.

“I love my horse. We understand and take care of each other every single time we compete and he always gives me all he has. Whenever I’m nervous, he calms me down and vice versa!” — Germany’s double gold medallist, Gina Schumacher

It took a run-off to determine who would wear the silver and bronze medals. Nico Sicuro (ITA) riding Iam Sailors Brother and Dino Lulli (ITA) riding Sun Dreamin Star both posted a 219.5. The two fellow countrymen went back to the show arena and, once the last maneuver was performed, Sicuro and the 11-year-old stallion’s run was worth a 219. Lulli and his mount also gave all they had, but their final 217.5 score put them behind and they settled for the silver medal.

Last to go in the Junior individual competition, Axel Pesek (FRA) and Uncle Sparky performed an incredible pattern #9. They lit up the arena, had the crowd cheering, and rode to the gold medal thanks to their high score of 221.5. In the Junior team competition, the 16-year-old French rider’s performance had secured the bronze medal for Team France.  Taking the silver medal with a 218.5 score was Matteo Bonzano (ITA) riding his High Point Reiner. The bronze also went back to Italy thanks to Gabriele Landi’s performance aboard Spirit Spanish. The duo closed with a 217.5 score. Once the curtain fell on the stage of the inaugural FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors and Young Riders, seven medals were conquered by Italy.

By Simona Diale

FEI Press contact:

Leanne Williams
Media Relations and Communications Manager
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Championships, FEI, USEF, Western/Reining

US Equestrian Names Teams for SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Jrs. and Young Riders

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Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian has named a group of up-and-coming athletes to the U.S. teams for 2017 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders, August 9-12, in Givrins, Switzerland. Platinum Performance will serve as the title sponsor for the junior and young rider teams at the inaugural championships.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will represent the U.S. (in alphabetical order):

Platinum Performance U.S. Junior Team

Sam Flarida (Springfield, Ohio) with Katsy Leeman’s Footwork Revolution, a 2010 Quarter Horse stallion

Emma Lane (Gates, N.C.) with Bundy Lane’s Gunner Gump, a 2008 Quarter Horse gelding

Emilia Reutimann (Sherrills Ford, N.C.) with Lisa Reutimann’s Black Hails Gold, a 2010 Quarter Horse gelding

Alternate – Bo Van Duys (Westcliffe, Colo.) with her own and Holly Van Duys’s Wimpy’s Lucky Girl, a 2009 Quarter Horse mare

Platinum Performance U.S. Young Rider Team

Gabriella Kammerer (Mt Sterling, Ky.) with her own Gunners Star, a 2009 Paint gelding

Dani Latimer (Marietta, Okla.) with Fancy Sailor Oak

Cade McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) and Tim and Colleen McQuay’s Yellow Jersey, a 2004 Quarter Horse gelding

Jack Medows (Cuba, Mo.) with his own Wimpys Show Stopper, a 2006 Quarter Horse gelding

Alternate – Aubrey Galbraith (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) with Nadine Galbraith’s Cortez Conquistador, a 2008 Quarter Horse gelding

Find out more about the 2017 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders.

From the US Equestrian Communications Department

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining

US, Swedish and Dutch Cities Win Hosting Rights to Major FEI Events

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(Photo: Liz Gregg/FEI)

Tokyo (JPN), 19 November 2016 – The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals for the years 2020 and 2021 and the FEI European Championships 2019 in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage were among the key events allocated by the FEI Bureau in Tokyo (JPN).

Following the success of the 2015 Finals, the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals will return to Las Vegas (USA) in 2020 when the Finals will be hosted at a new venue, the MGM Grand Garden Arena from 15 to 19 April. Las Vegas has previously hosted six FEI World Cup™ Finals, two in Jumping and four combined Jumping and Dressage Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015).

The new venue, located in the MGM Grand Hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip, is world renowned for hosting high-profile sporting events such as boxing and basketball, as well as live performances from global superstars like Celine Dion, Elton John and Britney Spears.

Gothenburg’s Scandinavium Arena, spiritual home of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final since playing host to the inaugural Final back in 1979, has been awarded the 2021 Finals. The Swedish sporting capital, which has already organised 22 FEI World Cup™ Finals including joint-Finals in 2013 and 2016, will host the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals 2021 from 31 March to 5 April.

The 2021 double FEI World Cup™ Finals will kick-start celebrations of the City of Gothenburg’s 400th birthday celebrations.

Rotterdam (NED), another city with a long-standing tradition of hosting major equestrian championships, was announced as host for the triple FEI European Championships 2019 in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage from 19-25 August.

“We are delighted to confirm the allocation of some of our major Finals and Championships to major global cities like Las Vegas, Gothenburg and Rotterdam,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The organising committees for all these top events have such hands-on practical experience, and understand the process, commitment and dedication involved in organising these important fixtures on the FEI Calendar. We are very grateful to all the organisers who put in bids for these key events and are extremely happy to have the opportunity to showcase our sport in major global cities.”

The allocations were made at the FEI Bureau in-person meeting in Tokyo, prior to the FEI General Assembly (22 November). The Bureau also allocated the following FEI Championships and Finals:

2017

Jumping:
FEI South America Jumping Championships for Young Riders, Juniors, Pre-Juniors & Children, Buenos Aires (ARG) 2-8 October 2017
FEI World Jumping Challenge Final, Algiers (ALG) 26-29 April or 3-6 May (dates to be confirmed)
FEI Balkan Jumping Championships for Seniors, Young Riders, Juniors & Children, Zhitnica (BUL), 31 August – 3 September

Dressage:
FEI European Dressage Championships for Young Riders, Juniors. & Children, Roosendaal (NED), (dates to be confirmed)
FEI Balkan Dressage Championships for Seniors, Young Riders, Juniors & Children, Zagreb (CRO), 30 June – 2 July

Driving:
FEI World Driving Championship for Young Horses, Mezöhegyes (HUN), 7-10 September
FEI Balkan Driving Championship, Floresti (ROU), 29 September – 1 October
FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championship for Singles, Izsák (HUN), 28 September – 1 October

Endurance:
FEI Balkan Endurance Championship, Salcioara (ROU), 29-30 September

Reining:
FEI European Reining Championship, Givrins (SUI), 2-5 or 9-12 August (dates to be confirmed)

2018

Dressage:
FEI European Dressage Championship U25, Roosendaal (NED), 25-29 July

Driving:
FEI World Cup™ Driving Final, Bordeaux (FRA), 2-4 February
FEI World Driving Championship for Young Horses, Mezöhegyes (HUN), 13-16 September

Vaulting:
FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Final, Dortmund (GER), 1-4 March

2019

Multi-discipline:
FEI European Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships, Rotterdam (NED), 19-25 August

Driving:
FEI European Driving Championship, Donaueschingen (GER), 20-22 September

2020

Multi-discipline:
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals – Las Vegas (USA), 15-19 April

Driving:
FEI World Cup™ Driving Final, Bordeaux (FRA), 7-9 February

2021

Multi-discipline:
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals – Gothenburg (SWE), 31 March – 5 April

The FEI Bureau was also informed about the Secretary General’s decision to open a multi-year application process for the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Dressage and Eventing for 2019 and 2020 in order to align the bidding process with Jumping.

Details on the bidding process for FEI events can be found here.

For further information about the FEI Bureau, its role and composition, please click here.

FEI Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 787 506 142

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Championships, USEF, USEF, Western/Reining

McCutcheon Steals Win from Hinton at Adequan $10,000 Added USEF Reining Championships

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Tom McCutcheon and Survivorman (Waltenberry)

Tulsa, Okla. – Tom McCutcheon edged out Casey Hinton by half a point to earn the $10,000 Adequan USEF Reining National Championship presented by Markel Insurance on Friday. The championship was a part of the Tulsa Reining Classic.

McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) entered the competition with Jennifer Greenleaf’s 2011 Quarter Horse stallion, Survivorman. Though McCutcheon has not shown Survivorman frequently, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Gold medalist was able to get a solid effort from the horse. After a mediocre stop at the onset of the test, Survivorman regained focus to run a good pattern for a score of 221.

“He might have been a little rusty going into his first stop, probably not in the plus category, but then he backed up really well, and from then on, he was spot on, he just locked in. Then he knew it was real and needed to go horse showing,” said McCutcheon.

Hinton (Whitesboro, Texas) and Top Gun Tonite raised the bar early. As the first combination out of the gate, Hinton and Tracey Tuttle-Bryce’s 2005 Quarter Horse stallion ran a well-executed pattern to earn a score of 220.5. “Any time you get to show really good horses, the feeling of them giving you everything, it is pretty special. This horse has a bit of age on him, but he has been taken care of very well by his owners. He is a very special horse and has a great mind,” said Hinton.

Tim McQuay (Tioga, Texas) and SNS Uvalde King, Lyle Lovett’s 2008 Quarter Horse gelding, placed third with a score of 215.5.

“It is always fun to show a horse at this horse show because management takes such great care of the exhibitors. It is one of the best places in the country to have a horse show. You know running through the gate that everything is going to be right for you to have a good run, and that’s what makes it fun as a competitor,” added McCutcheon.

From the USEF Communications Department

Para-Equestrian, Western/Reining

USA Para Reining Event at 50th Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress Seeks Participants

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Frederick Win participating at a Para Reining event at the AQHA World Championship Show. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Columbus, Ohio – August 21, 2016 – USA Para Reining event is looking for Para-Equestrians to participate in the USA Para Reining show at the 2016 All American Quarter Horse Congress October 9. In particular, the Para Reining event is looking for Grade Ia and Grade Ib Para Dressage riders who want to try their hand at reining, but if you are interested and are of any Grade please contact Frederick Win at attorneywin@gmail.com or call 609-992-5283. The horses are provided to participants along with coaches and support.  The 2016 All American Quarter Horse Congress is scheduled for October 6-30, at Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Para Reining will include four classes held in the Celeste center starting at 7 AM, October 9. The 50th Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress is run by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. For more information, please visit www.quarterhorsecongress.com or visit the Ohio Quarter Horse Association at www.oqha.com.

Para Reining made its debut during the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show, and interest in the sport continues to grow, including a class at the 2014 World Show, a class at the Kentucky Reining Cup and the one at the NRHA Futurity.

For 2014, AQHA adopted para-reining rules in collaboration with USA Reining and NRHA. Those rules will be revised with the goal of making para-reining a nationally recognized sport in the future.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Championships, Competitions, FEI, Western/Reining

Gennaro Lendi and Yankee Gun Lead Italy to the Individual Gold Medal

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Gennaro Lendi (ITA) in gold, Grischa Ludwig (GER) in silver and Tina Kuenstner-Mantl (AUT) in bronze (FEI/ Andreas Kost)

Lausanne (SUI), 15 August 2016 – In a field of 21 combinations with riders representing Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the USA, Gennaro Lendi and his Yankee Gun left their mark in the show pen with a performance resulting in a 222 and the gold medal for Italy in the individual competition.

In 2008, the very first FEI World Reining Championships for Seniors was held in Manerbio, Italy. With 16 nations entered, team Italy scored a 667.5 for the gold in front of team USA. Gennaro Lendi and Playin It Out were part of that team and they also went on to tie for the bronze medal in the individual competition. Lendi also represented his country at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games ™ in Normandy.

For this edition of the World Championships, the Italian trainer was riding Yankee Gun, a double registered American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) / American Paint Horse Association (APHA) 7-year-old stallion. Trained by NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida in the States, the reins passed on to Lendi at the beginning of last year. “Flarida, no need to say, did a great job in training Yankee Gun,” said Lendi. “I had to work the most on trying to understand how to prepare him to compete. He is extremely intelligent and very generous and at times tries to give you more than what is actually requested from him so what I had to concentrate on was ‘hooking up’ with him. This prestigious World Championship has been a fantastic experience and I am very happy and honored to have been part of it and for winning the gold for my country. In the team competition, because my horse is extremely sensitive to his surroundings and to the environment, things did not go as planned. During the two training sessions between the team and individual competitions, I tried to work on this aspect and it helped a lot. I must admit that waiting for the final result was pretty tense as I knew that the combinations left to go after me all had a chance to beat my score!”

Just as thrilled with the result was team coach Filippo Masi who is also the technical manager of the Youth and Young Riders coached by Alessandro Meconi. Masi was quick to praise Lendi and Yankee Gun’s performance. “Gennaro is a great rider and in the individual made up for his run that was not up to expectations in the team competition – where he was our anchor rider – due to a lead penalty in the circles,” he said. “This year was not particularly favourable for our team since two of our top riders, Kelly Zweifel and Mirjam Stillo, were unable to make it to Givrins. I am in any case very proud of our team riders who did their very best with reserve rider Giovanni Masi and Pier Luigi Chioldo pulling in. As far as the Juniors and Young Riders are concerned, their motivation and understanding of FEI rules is impeccable and we are all extremely proud of them and their performances here.” Italy was 4th in the World Championships for Seniors and took the team gold in the SVAG FEI European Reining Championship for Juniors as well as team and individual silver in the Young Riders.

The competition

In front of a full house, with fans cheering for the sport of reining, excitement reigned high as some of the world’s finest reiners battled to take home the coveted FEI medals. Setting the bar was Austria’s Tina Kuenstner-Mantl and Nu Chexomatic, third to run, who posted 221.5. Once Lendi and his mount bested her score by half-a-point, nobody was able to beat the Italian rider’s score though both the Germans and the Belgians still kept their hopes high as Grischa Ludwig (GER) and Bernard Fonck (BEL) were the last two riders in the order of go.

Ludwig and Gwhiz Im Smart, team members of the German team that claimed the silver medal on Thursday, equaled Kuenstner-Mantl and Nu Chexomatic’s score (members of bronze medal winning team Austria). Fonck and Smart N Sparkin (owned by 7 Heaven Reining Horses), the duo that had performed to an outstanding 222 in the team competition and had led Belgium to team gold, closed their run with a 219.

Though the gold medal was firmly around the neck of the Italian rider, a run-off was required to determine who would take home silver and bronze. First to run again was the Austrian rider and her flashy 9-year-old Quarter Horse palomino stallion. The pair performed to a 212.5. At this point Ludwig knew that he had to play it safe aboard the 7-year-old stallion and that there was no need to aim for a high score in order to claim the second step of the podium. Performing a clean and precise run, once he closed with the last required maneuver of NRHA pattern n.9, a sliding stop – the hallmark of reining – he knew that his country would bring home the second silver medal of the World Championships and so it was. Their score was a 217.5.

The individual competition closed the 2016 FEI World Reining Championships for Seniors as well as the ‘Summer of Reining’ at the CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland. “Although we have been hosting the SVAG CS Classic for many years, we are very proud and honored to have hosted these extraordinary FEI events,” said Eric Obrecht, Show Manager of the event. “The best riders in the world came to the quiet town of Givrins providing the highest level of competition!”

Prior to the event, Ingmar De Vos, FEI President, had welcomed the athletes with these words: “…I’d like to wish each and every athlete the very best of luck. Enjoy not only the sport, but also the company of your fellow-competitors who share your passion…” True to the President’s words, the athletes did enjoy their fellow-competitors and definitely shared their passion for reining horses.

For complete results, please visit the official website: http://www.worldreiningchampionships2016.com.

By Simona Diale

FEI Media Contact:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Championships, FEI, FEI, Western/Reining

Individual Junior Gold for Austria with Celina Bachleitner and Paintball Gun

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Junior Podium: Celina Bachleitner (AUT) gold, Marie Baralon (FRA) silver and Margaux Legrand (FRA) bronze (FEI/Andreas Kost)

Gina Schumacher conquers the Individual Young Riders gold for Germany

Lausanne (SUI), 15 August 2016 – The individual competition filled the day at the CS Ranch in Givrins in front of a full house. The first riders to run for the medals were the Juniors who, as the Young Riders, had had the chance to qualify for the individual during the team competition run the day before.

Taking home the gold for Austria – in a field of 19 contestants – was young Celina Bachleitner who, riding Michaela Bachleitner’s 7-year-old gelding Paintball Gun scored a 215 for the win.  Austria’s team coach, Gerold Dautzenberg, was thrilled with the medal Bachleitner earned her country following the team bronze won by the Seniors in the SVAG FEI World Reining Championships the day before. Dautzenberg, who has been involved in European reining and western riding since the first horses performing these disciplines set foot on the Old Continent, defined Celina as being a ‘true professional’. Just as happy with the result and proud of the hard work of the Young and Juniors teams was chéf d’équipe, Sabine Lisec, a long-time supporter of youth activities in her home country along with her husband, Chuck Klipfel.

Thrilling the crowd in stands, who cheered all the riders regardless of their nationality, the under 18 athletes gave the best they had and, once the last competitor left the arena, it was clear that France’s flag would fly high on both the second and third step of the podium. Taking home the silver medal with a 213.5 was Marie Baralon and her 10-year-old mare, Chicken Sandwich. The pair had contributed in posting the highest score in the team competition and in claiming the team silver medal. Their performance had resulted in a 215, the second highest result, which put them second but last to go in the individual as the working order is determined in reverse order with the lowest scoring combinations riding first. A half a point behind her team mate was Margaux Legrand riding Julien Legrand’s New Doc Peppy Cat. For the Legrand family this is truly an amazing and special result as the 15-year-old stallion was purchased by Julien in 2003 from David Roux and has always been in the family since then! Guy Duponchel, team coach for France, was thrilled with the results earned by the ‘future of our sport’.

Belgian Nimroid Vannietvelt and Im Smart And Wimpy closed in fourth place after scoring a 210.5.

The Individual Young Riders

Proving just how much the sport of reining has grown in the last decade was the level of competition offered in the FEI European Reining Championships for Young Riders. Claiming the gold medal for Germany was Gina Schumacher riding Chanay Sky Management SSA’s Arc Guns M Oaks. Last year, the talented rider had conquered the gold medal in the Juniors individual competition with her Gunners Enterprise between the reins. This year, her determination to step on the highest step of the podium came through in the team competition where her impressive score of 221.5 contributed to winning the team gold medal.

Last to enter the show pen – having earned the highest score in the team competition – Schumacher tried to best or equal the result posted the day before but had to ‘settle’ for a 219 that earned her the individual gold in front of Italy’s Enrico Sciulli and Austria’s Anna Lisec.

Sciulli, who in the team competition closed with a 220, rode his Snips Gotta Bud to a 217.5 thanks to his precise maneuvers. Their run earned Italy the second silver medal at this years’ FEI European Championships after having placed second in the team competition behind Germany on Thursday.

Yet another young lady reiner was seen stepping on the podium, Anna Lisec. Riding Tari Whizin owned by Chuck Klipfel, she closed her performance with a 214.5 adding yet another FEI medal to hers and Austria’s record in Givrins.

Corninna Schumacher’s beautiful CS Ranch for the third year running provided the venue for the SVAG FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders competition. Once again her motto ‘we love horses’ showed as the CS Ranch team provided the best possible conditions for all the participants.

For complete results, please visit the official website: http://www.worldreiningchampionships2016.com.

By Simona Diale

FEI Media Contact:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Championships, FEI, FEI, Western/Reining

Italy Tops Juniors Team Competition, Germany Goes On to Claim Young Riders Team Gold

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The Young Riders podium– Germany in gold, Italy in silver and Belgium in bronze (FEI/ Andrea Bonaga)

Lausanne (SUI), 13 August 2016 – Excitement, teamwork, friendship and a highly professional group of Juniors and Young Riders is what made Friday afternoon at the CS Ranch special. The beautiful venue this year is not only host to the SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Seniors, it is in fact – for the second year running – also host to the FEI European Reining Championships for Young Riders and Juniors.

The Juniors Competition

Opening the FEI European Reining Championship for the younger riders was the Juniors competition. With a total score of 638.5 Team Italy slid to the highest step of the podium taking top honors and the gold medal. Sealing the deal was 15-year-old Matteo Bolzano who rode High Point Reiner, a.k.a. ‘Ruffy’, to a 215.5. The talented 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding is the past 2015 NRHA Non Pro World Champion with Matteo’s father, Manuel, in the saddle. “Ruffy is the most consistent horse I have ever ridden and once again he proved how level-minded he is today,” said Manuel. “Seeing my son wear the gold medal along with his team is a feeling that cannot be described, especially as I know how much time, passion and work Matteo and his team mates put into this sport.”

Joining Bonzano on the podium with a 212.5 was Martina Baldelli riding Great Dun Pistol, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare owned by Christian Baldelli, Irene Merlotti and her Snapplejack, an 8-year-old Quarter Horse gelding (210.5), and Carlo Ambrosini aboard the Ambrosini QH owned 8-year-old Quarter Horse Gelding. Celebrating the Italian victory along with the young athletes was the president of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), Cav. Vittorio Orlandi.

With a total score of 626.5 points, Team France firmly held on to the silver medal in front of Belgium who settled for the team bronze with a total score of 608.5 points.

Riding for France was Marie Baralon who reined her 8-year-old mare, Chicken Sandwich to the second highest score of the day, a 215. “She’s simply the best!” were Marie’s words following her run. A little over a month ago, the pair – who has been together since the beginning of 2015 – earned the 2016 NRHA European Affiliate Limited Non Pro Championship in Poland. Along with Baralon were Margaux Legrand and New Doc Peppy Doc (owned by Julienne Legrand) who closed with a 208, and Axel Pesek riding Cheximatic (owned by Yannick Pesek) scoring a 203.5.

Team Belgium was represented by Bert Coeckelbergh riding Vannietvelt-De Pauw’s Toosexy For Ricochet (212), Nimroid Vannietvelt riding Im Smart And Wimpy to a 201.5 for his parents Vannietvelt-De Pauw (201.5) and Jinke Stevens with her own Don John Escape BB (195).

The Young Riders:

Defending champions, team Italy, battled to leave Givrins with the gold medal around their necks. This time around their direct opponents were the determined young German riders.

Franziska Eufinger with Smoking in Starlight, owned by Jessica Hein, (212.5) and Anna Voss riding her gelding Mandys Little Magnum scored a 212.5 and a 212 respectively. First to ride for the team, their runs put the Germans in the lead. Jacob Behringer and his gelding Rascal Sensation performed impeccably and once they completed their last maneuver, a 217 appeared on the scoreboard. The last horse-rider-combination for team Germany was that made up of Gina Schumacher and Chanay Sky Management SA’s Arc Guns M Oaks. The 18-year-old and her 7-year-old chestnut gelding a.k.a. ‘Earl’ performed to the best of their ability offering the crowd a close to perfect run which was paid back by the judges with an impressive 221 bringing their team’s total to a 651 and the gold medal.

Team Italy’s Enrico Sciulli and his Snips Gotta Bud – the last duo to run for the team – also left their mark in the pen with a great go worth a 220 score. Their performance, along with Andrea Pedrotti and Topgun Showtime’s 213 and Nico Sicuro with Dualin Surprise’s 211.5, was not enough to best the German’s final composite score and, with a final 644.5, they rode to the second step of the podium. The fourth team components were Alessia Simoncini and her Ready to Spook.

As Germany and Italy battled for the gold and silver medals, team Belgium rode their way to the bronze medal with Bo Brutsaert and CJ Whiz (210.5), Indy Henrard and Steadys WR Diamonds (209.5), Amber Heibuchel and Wimpys Lil Prize (209). The fourth rider for the team was Kimberly Noels and Ivegottafootwork, owned by Erik Hoet.

For complete results, information, live stream and live scores, visit the official website http://www.worldreiningchampionships2016.com/en/events

By Simona Diale

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Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
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