WESTERN DAILY
European Affiliate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Championship Titles are Awarded as the Youth Take Over the Scene in France
Friday, July 10, 2015
Posted by Simona Diale
NRHA EUROPEAN AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The EA Limited Non Pro Championship, sponsored by AGP Imprimerie, opened the day in Le Pin. Winning the first title of the day, and keeping the French flag high, was Jean Francois Ayoul riding his 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Slide On Sal (Lenas Wright On x Smart Sally x Smart Chic Olena). “My goal coming here was the podium, so actually taking the title is just great,” said the NRHA France vice-president who closed his run with a 213. “I purchased this horse three years ago and unfortunately last year he was injured so we slowly started showing again in 2015. I cannot thank my trainer, Fabien Boiron, enough for the great work he has done with me and my horse and of course my friends Catherine and Philippe Castel, owners of Maqueline Reining Horses, who are huge supporters of the sport of Reining.”
Michelle Maibaum of Germany rode Chics Lil Revolution (Einsteins Revolution x Dun It By Chick x Hollywood Dun It), owned by Juergen Maibaum, to second place honors with a score of 212.5. “I’ve been showing this horse for a little over a year and I really like him,” said Michelle who also qualified two other horses for the EAC Youth finals. “He is very talented and I’m happy we got this result today. My trainer at home is Alex Ripper and, since he did not qualify any horses for the Championship, my thanks go to Ann and Bernard (Fonck) who helped me out here.”
Third place honors, with a 211.5, went to Gilles Huyghe of Belgium riding Docs Lil Gun. The 8-year-old gelding, owned by Annick and Tom Huyghe, is by Lil Gun and out of Miss Bright Doc (by Exclusively Ours).
The EA $1,500-added Intermediate Open Championship, sponsored by Equita Lyon, counted 19 entries. Claiming the title for The Netherlands was Petra Van Ede riding Spook So Fly for owners De Bruin Reining Horses. The 6-year-old gelding by Smart Spook and out of Fly Flashy Jac (by Boogies Flashy Jac) has been shown by Petra since 2013. “Words cannot express how happy I am to have made it to the highest step of the podium especially after coming in second behind Doug for the last two shows,” said Petra who boasts two Limited Open EAC and who closed her run in Le Pin with a 218.
The reserve championship, with a 215, went to Doug Allen of Great Britain riding Christine Brazeau’s Hangten Shiner (Hang Ten Surprize x Ebony Shines x Shining Spark), a 7-year-old stallion. “My horse was really good for me today, he tried really hard, he’s so good minded, athletic and talented,” said the NRHA Professional. “We came here right after the CS Classic, so we’ve been on the road for a while and he’s a little tired. I would like to thank Christine Brazeau for giving me the opportunity to ride him.”
Tying for third place honors, with a 214.5, were Valentina Sagmeister of Austria aboard Robert Hahn’s SZ Gunners Newcomer (Gunner x Cowboys New Comer x Dunnit Like A Cowboy) and Frank Perret of France riding his own ND Tiger Woods (Little Gump x Codys Diamond Dun It x Hollywood Dun It).
The Youth Competition sponsored by DP Western In the EA Youth 14-18 Championship, twenty-five riders representing eight nations rode for the prestigious title (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands). Competition was tough and Indy Henrard of Belgium topped the final standings with a 217.5 with her 9-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, Steadys WR Diamonds (Steadys Dude x Arc Oak Diamonds x Doctor In Diamonds) between the reins. “I’ve had my horse for 2 years now. He is really sweet and a great spinner and stopper,” said the 16-year-old rider. “I have to thank my trainers Patrick and Jurgen Poels for helping me achieve this great result.”
The second step of the podium was also for Belgium as Gilles Huyghe rode Docs Lil Gun to a 216. The pair had already claimed third place in the EAC Limited Non Pro held in the morning. “Today I showed him in the morning but this afternoon he was super,” says Gilles. “The level of competition is getting better evey year in the youth classes and it makes showing here more and more fun.” With a 214.5, Gina Maria Schumacher of Switzerland rode Jesses Major Affair (Major Vaquero x Jesses Affair x Jesses Impression), a 6-year-old gelding, to the third step of the podium.
Twenty-one riders from six countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, The Netherlands) left their mark in the pen vying for the EA Youth 13 & Under Championship. Marie Baralon of France and her 7-year-old mare Chicken Sandwich (Ricochet Rooster x Ms Sanditch Whiz x Topsail Whiz) were second but last to enter the pen and with a 216 they took the title. “I just love my mare who I’ve had since the beginning of this year,” said Marie. “Anything I ask of her she tries to give me back, even though I truly have to be very focused when I’m in the show pen. I would like to thank my parents for giving me this opportunity and my trainer, Ann Sophie Guerriero. I now look forward to showing her at the European Derby.”
Matteo Cappello, who had set the bar with a 215.5 early in the draw riding his 5-year-old gelding RS Knockout Olena (Spat Olena x Boogie Bar Linda x Boogie Mania), settled for second place. “My goal was that of qualifying for the Championship and hopefully earning the title,” said the Italian rider. “I’m happy with the way my horse went for me today, even though I can’t hide the fact that I was hoping to win!” Belgian Jinke Stevens and her 8-year-old gelding Don John Escapes BB (Don Quixote Escapes x Soft Whizpers x Topsail Whiz) posted a 214.5 taking third place honors.
Youth Team Tournament:
The 2015 Youth Team Tournament counted 13 teams. Taking first place, and the Gold medal, with 643.5 points was the Brent Wright Bunch (Emiel Delporte/Pumpkin Rooster – BEL; Gina Schumacher/Jesses Major Affair – SUI; Marie Baralon/Chicken Sandwich –FRA; Matteo Cappello/RS Craggan More –ITA). Each team member earned a $300 scholarship sponsored by the RHSF as well as the Tournament.
With 637 points Todd Bergen’s Gang won the Silver medal as well as a $150 scholarship offered by the RHSF (Gina Schumacher/Captain Igloo – SUI; Danique Handgraaf/PR Sissy Missy Kid – NED; Margaux Legrand/Secret Cash In Jo – FRA; Marie Baralon/Chicken Sandwich, FRA).
Tim McQuay’s Team took the Bronze with 636 points (Indy Henrard/Steadys WR Diamonds – BEL; Sara Nordin/Donna Arc Escapes BB/SWE; Jayson Henri/Hangten Boogies Sari/FRA; Matteo Cappello/RS Knockout Olena/ITA).
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