Italy Dominates the NRHA European Affiliate Intermediate and Limited Open Championship Classes

Giovanni Masi de Vargas © Thomas Hautmann

Kreuth, Germany – Reiners in Kreuth, Germany, provided exciting competition as they performed vying for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Intermediate Open and Limited Open Championships.

NRHA Professional Giovanni Masi de Vargas and Majestic Okie (Okie Dun It Too x Majestic Ice), owned by Katharina Dejori, topped the $4,560-added EA Intermediate Open Championship class. The Italian Professional hit a winning run with the 10-year-old stallion between the reins paid back by the judges with a 220 score. “I’ve been riding this horse since 2014 and he has always been great for me and his owner!” said Masi who boasts multiple FEI and AQHA gold medals. “This is my first Euro Affiliate title and I am thrilled. It’s a great show and achieving this goal has been great, especially considering the fact that the horse owner’s son qualified this horse for the upcoming FEI European Reining Championships for Young Riders.” The champion received a saddle presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Saddles, an NRHA Lawson trophy, a pair of NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine splint boots and an NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckle.

Nico Sicuro © Thomas Hautmann

Taking co-reserve honors with a 219.5 score were NRHA Professionals Markus Morawitz of Austria riding Gunners Chic Magnet, a 2011 American Quarter Horse gelding by NRHA Ten Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Wind Her Up Chic owned by Josef and Tamara Ahorner, and Nico Sicuro of Italy aboard Iam Sailors Brother.

Sicuro also stepped on the highest step of the podium of the NRHA European Affiliate Limited Open class with the 13-year-old American Quarter Horse stallion Iam Sailors Brother (Sir Jac Frost x Sail On Sweetness), owned by Fabio Merola, between the reins. “This horse has left his mark in European arenas more than once and for me to be able to ride him to the championship in Europe’s most prestigious NRHA event is a dream come true,” said the 22-year-old who also received an NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Saddles saddle, an NRHA Morgan trophy, a pair of NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine splint boots and an NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckle. He also received a pair of bell boots offered by NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine, a pair of spurs offered by NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths and an NRHA plaque for the Reserve Championship.

NRHA Professional Barbara Bayer of Austria rode CC Ima Cashgun, a 2011 American Quarter Horse gelding by Gunner out of CC Ima Cash Surprise, owned by Alexandra Widholm, to a 216 score which earned her the reserve championship in the European Affiliate Limited Open Championship.

The third step of the podium with a 215 was taken by Rafal Dolata of Poland riding Arcwood Jac (Arc King Cody x Broadywood Jac), a 2013 American Quarter Horse gelding owned by Irena Grygiel. They received a pair of stirrups offered by NRHA along with an NRHA plaque.

Thursday NRHA Ancillary

Anne Grether © Thomas Hautmann

Sweeping both the $960-added NRHA Intermediate Open and the $480-added Limited Open with a 216 was Anne Grether riding Wimpys Little Tejano (Wimpys Little Step x Tejana Chic) owned by Nancy Schmidt. Reserve honors with 214.5 went to NRHA Professional Paolo Fabbri of Italy riding Little Spook Wicked (Spooks Gotta Gun x Topsail Little Missy) owned by Salvatore Patti.

Taking second place in the Limited Open with a 215 was NRHA Professional Rafal Dolata of Poland aboard Arcwood Jac.

NRHA European Affiliate Championship Youth Competition highlights

Riders who will be competing in the NRHA European Affiliate Youth Championship 13 & Under and 14-18 had tons of fun this morning during the meeting sponsored by NRHA Germany. Riders representing 14 countries enjoyed their time together and got to know each other better in view of the NRHA European Affiliate Youth Team Tournament.

Each team will consist of four members; two competing in the Youth 13 & Under and two in the Youth 14-18. The three highest scores will be added and the lowest score will be dropped. First to tenth placed teams will receive NRHA medals and the winning team will be awarded NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckles.

The 2018 NRHA European Derby Non Pro Finals will close the day in Kreuth. Make sure to follow the action live FREE on www.nrhaeuropeanderby.com.

Photos by Thomas Hautmann Photography