23 Classic Show
23 Quarter Horses – Incisa Scapaccino (AT)
May 30 – June 2, 2013

By Simona Diale – Incisa Scapaccino – Riders have made their way to the 23 Quarter Horses facility in Italy for the 23 Classic Show which this year also features FEI Competition.

The 23 Classic is a must for European reiners and has always been one of the major shows that in the past have determined who would make the NRHA Top 20 Open and Non Pro final year-end rankings.

Last year Bernard Fonck and Topsail Whizard had won the Open – Manuel Bonzano and Great Sun Burst
had topped the Non Pro.  They ended up winning the NRHA Open and Non Pro World Championships!
This year the NRHA approved competition includes the $28,000-added Open and the $18,000-added Non
Pro classes which will be held on Sunday 2 and Saturday 1 respectively. On Saturday morning the FEI competition will be the highlight as the CRI***, the CRI** Junior and CRI** Young Rider classes will be held.

The first five placed riders in the three classes will join the top five that had qualified in the CRI offered in
Reggio Emilia during the IRHA/NRHA Derby and the Italian long list, in view of the FEI European Reining
Championship, will be finalized.

Follow the event -
Livescore:  www.showmanager.eu
Livestream:  www.andreabonaga.it

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

Deadline Approaching for the 2013 NRHA European Affiliate Championship

Wiener Neustadt / Austria  – July 10 – 13, 2013

By Ramona Billing – Please remember the entry deadline for the 2013 NRHA European Affiliate Championship is June 21, 2013. The 12^th edition of this show is scheduled for July 10 – 13 this year and will be hosted by the beautiful H & D Schulz facility in Wiener Neustadt / Austria.

In the NRHA European Affiliate Championship, the top ten qualifier of each class, including ties on 10^th place, are entitled to enter, as well as the Top 20 money earning horses owned by European owners. The qualifiers can be found upon the NRHA website (http://www.nrha.com/affiliates/euroT20.asp). There are ten EC classes altogether.

The event is judged by Jan Boogaerts/BEL, Ricky Bordignon/ITA, Sylvia Katschker/AUT, Adam Heaton/GBR and Ralf Hesselschwerdt/GER. Besides the NRHA EC classes, there is an NRHA Ancillary Show with four Lawson Trophies. Also it is the fifth show of the NRHA approved Austrian Western Star Circuit. The total purse is $32,000.

Show Office:

Gerda Langer, A-2392 Sulz, Raitlstr. 154, +43-664-3005240, office@nrha.at

Informationen: www.nrha.at

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

The National Reining Horse Association has made its home and international headquarters in Oklahoma City since 1998.  We are deeply committed to the local community and proud to consider all reiners honorary Oklahomans.  The connection between NRHA and the Oklahoma community has been made even more evident since the tragic events in our great state during the month of May.

The devastating tornadoes caused loss of life in both our human and equestrian neighbors.  The physical, emotional and property damage will take much time to heal.  The National Reining Horse Association in cooperation with our membership and corporate, alliance and industry partners stand ready to assist in fulfilling the needs of all victims.

We are currently coordinating with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to identify the most immediate needs.  As more details are obtained we will share these and coordinate the efforts to assist with the recovery and reconstruction.  Assistance will be needed for an extended amount of time after the immediate phase of disaster relief has been completed.  NRHA stands ready to help throughout the entire process.

NRHA Corporate Partners Stepping Up to Help

Included in NRHA’s reining family are our NRHA Corporate Partners. Without them, NRHA would not be able to produce the shows that reiners around the world have come to love. After the destructive tornado hit the home state of our international headquarters, Oklahoma, many of these partners have stepped up to help out victims in ways they could.

Anderson Bean Boots and Rios of Mercedes sent approximately 200 pairs of boots to Langston’s in Oklahoma City for distribution through the Salvation Army and other charities for silent auctions and fundraisers for tornado victims. They are also working with OSU, Oklahoma Department of Ag, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, TSCRA, NCHA, NRHA, NRCHA, Texas 4H and several of their music endorsers for fundraising events and information distribution.

Arenus is collecting donations for direct assistance to American Red Cross relief efforts. For those who donate more than $25 to relief efforts, Arenus will be offering a free Arenus hat and mug. Donations may be made any time through Arenus, via PayPal on either Arenus’ Facebook page or www.arenus.com. Read the official news release.

Horse&Rider is working with their friends at Equine Network to get the word out about the various companies, associations and networks helping those needing it in Oklahoma. A simple way to help victims is by simply taking care of your own horse. Many companies are donating a potion of their sales to relief funds. To see a complete list, click here to see how you can help.

Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau is keeping a list of hotel availability for anyone looking or needing a place to stay whether you are tornado victim or a volunteer. You can call them at 405-297-8938 and they will let you know the best options. See what President of the OKC C&VB Mike Carrier had to say regarding this tragedy. The American Red Cross, Feed the Children, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Salvation Army have ways to accept donations online.

Purina Animal Nutrition and its dealers are donating feed to local clinics that are caring for displaced horses and other animals. If you’d like to make a donation that directly impacts horses and owners affected by severe weather you can donate to the AAEP’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund to help equine and veterinary communities impacted by storms and natural disasters. To make a donation, visit the AAEP Foundation website at aaepfoundation.org.

NRHA is proud to call them our partners!

Other Ways to Help

A “Horse Hotline” has been set up to assist the Orr Family Farm and Celestial Acres at (405) 283-2258.  If you would like to offer help or clean-up services, please leave your name and number.  When they have a better assessment of their needs, they will contact you.

Monetary donations may be made by texting REDCROSS to 90999 or STORM to 80888 to make a contribution to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

AAEP Foundation Aids Horses Affected by Severe Weather

Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma

Wiener Neustadt/Austria, August 14-17, 2013

By Ramona Billing – On multiple request, the first deadline for entries of the $ 80.000 added Austrian RHA Futurity & NRHA Show 2013 was postponed to June 4, 2013. Simply register at www.showmanager.eu, log in and off you go.

Here is the direct link to the Austrian Futurity entry: http://www.showmanager.info/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fUsersOnly%2fInscriptionEntry.aspx%3fshowID%3d273&showID=273.

Of course, horses can be entered after June 04, but then a late entra fee will be charged.

The event which is one of Europe’s premier reining events, is scheduled from August 14 until 17, 2013. Besides the $ 68,000 added Futurity classes, there is an NRHA Ancillary. Entries for the Futurity are possible after May 21, but then a late entry fee will have to be charged.

The Austrian Futurity is open for all 3- and 4-year-old reining horses. There will be four Levels ind the Open Futurity classes, and three in the Nonm Pro Futurity classes. All classes are NRHA approved. The event is also a qualifyer for the 2014 NRHA European Affiliate Championship. The show is judged by Filippo Masi/ITA, Eugenio Latorre/ITA, Maik Bartmann/GER and Pierre Ouellet/CAN, the bit judge being Dr. Hilde Jarc/AUT.

Information and entries:

Gerda Langer  -  ARHA  Team, ARHA – Austrian Reining Horse Association, A – 2392 Sulz im Wienerwald, Raitlstraße 154, Phone +43-2238-8484 cell phone +43-664-4534726, Fax +43-2238-8545, office@nrha.at, www.nrha.at

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

Whizasunnysailor BB & Cira Baeck win the IRHA/NRHA Open Level 4 Championship for owner Diedenhofen!

By Simona Diale  -  “I can’t believe I actually won the Derby in Italy!” were the first words NRHA professional and past NRHA Non Pro World Champion Cira Baeck said after posting the topscore, a 224,5 in the IRHA/NRHA Level 4 Open Derby.  Making the win even sweeter was the fact that Cira was riding Whizasunnysailor BB (Topsail Whiz x Walla Walla Sunshine x Shining Spark), owned by Ruediger Diedenhofen, bred by Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck of Beglium.

Reserve honors in the L 4 Open division, a half a point behind the winners, went to Rosanne Sternberg’s Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Whiz x Topsail Whiz) between the reins of NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Bernard Fonck.

Winning the L 3 Open Derby championship with a score of 218.5 was Mirjam Giraudini riding her husbands’, (Andrea Stillo), Spin N Wimp (Wimpys Little Step x Spinning Beauty x Shining Spark).  “I’m thrilled!”, said the all-around Italian trainer.  “This will be the last show of the season here in Italy as my husband and I will be relocating to Tioga, Texas, at the end of this month.  Spin N Wimp is actually leaving for the U.S. tomorrow morning so this is a great way to say ‘arrivederci’!”

The reserve championship was claimed by Davide Brighenti riding My Good Gun (Gunner x My Paint Wagon x Great Pine King) for owner Francesco Bonadeo.  The pair scored a 217.5.

It took a run off to determine who would take home the L 2 Open Derby title following a three-way tie between Giovanni Masi riding Stefano Scardina’s Smart Whiz Del Maso (Easy Otie Whiz x Playin Dress Up x Smart Chic Olena), Roberto Prevosti and Heza Gunner and Dario Carmignani riding Dun Ok Dun.  Dario posted the highest score, 219.5, after coming back into the pen on Sergio Felici’s horse by Okie Dun It Too and out of Tari Miss Badger (by Pepyseco).  Masi settled for reserve honors along with Prevosti who also took home the L 1 championship for Liborio Nicotra, owner of the stallion by Gunner and out of Sliden Like A Winner (by Slide Me To The Bar).

Nu Chexomatic and Tina Kuenstner-Mantl are IRHA/NRHA Non Pro Level 4 Champions!

By Simona Diale  -  It took a 222.5 to win the Euro16,000-added IRHA/NRHA Non Pro L 4 championship.  That was the score that appeared on the score board when Austrian Tina Kuenstner-Mantl and Nu Chexomatic (Nu Chex To Cash x Tejons Texie Lena x Tejons Peppy Doc) walked through the out gate of the Salone del Cavallo Reining Arena in Reggio Emilia.

“I am so thrilled that we finally made it to the highest step of the podium.  Lately it’s always been about being half a point behind the winners, today we finally scored a half a point higher!”, said an enthusiastic Tina.  “My horse was just great for me, especially in his stops, and I would like to thank our trainer Cody (Sapergia) for the great work he did for us.”

The reserve-championship went to the winners of the qualifying go-round, Manuel Cortesi and PC Sliderina For Me (Dualin For Me x The Slide Surprise x ARC Sparkle Surprise).

It was a big day for Ulrike Krueger, also from Austria, and her Hang Ten Creek (Hang Ten Surprize x Golden Dry Creek x Jac O Rima).  The pair closed their performance with a 214.5, enough to win the Euro8,000-added L 3, the Euro3,000-added L 2 and the Euro1,500-added L 1 Non Pro Derby championships.  “This is the first show of the season for us and taking home three titles is just incredible,” said Ulrike.  “I have to thank   Cody (Sapergia) who I rode with in Austria to get back on track and Bernard (Fonck) who has been coaching me.”

Reserve honors, a half a point behind the winners, in the three levels went to German Sigrid Gooris and Shes Got Big Guns (Gunner x BH Top Gun x Be Aech Enterprise). The co-reserve championship in the L 3 division went to Antonio Zagaria of Italy riding his Gun At The Gate (Gunner x Starlight Gate x Grays Starlight).

Ancillary Action

A full slate of NRHA approved classes is also offered during the Euro83,750-added IRHA/NRHA Derby.  Log on to showmanager.eu for complete results.

For further information visit the Italian Reining Horse Association website:
www.itrha.com

Photos courtesy Andrea Bonaga.

Show Media Contact
Simona Diale  – simonadiale@gmail.com

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

Following the May 6, 2013 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors meeting it was brought to their attention that the motion which named Beth Himes the interim Executive Director may not have complied with NRHA’s bylaws. Therefore, on May 16, 2013 the NRHA Board of Directors held a conference call to consider the previous motion. After further legal review and discussion the previous motion was rescinded and Resolution #09-13 was approved. In summary, the Resolution allows for the President of the Association to carry out duties and responsibilities until an Executive Director is hired. The Search Committee continues to seek the right person for the NRHA Executive Director position.  Resumes can be sent to the Search Committee Chair, Rick Clark at rick.clark@clarkspns.com.

By Simona Diale – Reggio Emilia, Italy – With the IRHA/NRHA Open Derby finalists determined after the qualifying go-round held yesterday, today 82 non pro competitors fought their way in the Salone del Cavallo Reining Arena to earn a spot in the seeded finals which will be held on Friday.

Leading the Euro16,000-added Level 4 non pro go-round with a score of 222.5 was Italian rider Manuel Cortesi riding his PC Sliderina For Me. The pair are no strangers to the pen. The talented mare by Dualin For Me and out of The Slide Surprise (by ARC Sparkle Surprise), bred by the Cortesi family, boasts over $51,000 in NRHA competition. With Manuel in the saddle, hers were the IRHA/NRHA L 4 Non Pro Futurity championship, the NRHA European L 4 and 3 Non Pro Futurity championship and the NRHA European L 4 Non Pro Derby championship.

Riding Arc Pleasetogunyou (Topgun Whiz x Arcpleasedtoceeu x Chic Please), owned by Petra Burger, Ewald Rifeser posted the second highest score in the L 4 with Susy Baeck. The Belgian lady reiner was riding Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck’s Pop Gun Cash BB (Nu Chex To Cash x Sugar Pop Gun x Gunner). The pair had earned the 2012 NRHA European Non Pro L 3 and 2 Non Pro Futurity championship and were L 4 co-champions. Rifeser and his 5-year-old mare’s achievements include the 2011 IRHA/NRHA Non Pro L 3 championship and the 2012 ARHA Non Pro 4-year-old Futurity crown.

The highest score in the L 3 (Euro8,000-added), L 2 (Euro3,000-added) and L 1 (Euro1,500-added) divisions was the 215.5 earned by Austrian Ulrike Kruege riding her Hang Ten Creek (Hangten Surprize x Golden Dry Creek x Jac O Rima).

A full-slate of NRHA ancillary classes are offered during the show. On Thursday following the NRHA approved Novice Horse Open, Novice Horse Non Pro and Euro1,250-added Non Pro classes, the FEI CRI*** and CRI* Youth and Young Riders competition will be offered.

Follow the action livestream by logging on to www.andreabonaga.it

Livescore and complete results: www.showmanager.eu

For further information visit the Italian Reining Horse Association website: www.itrha.com
Photo by Andrea Bonaga

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

From Simona Diale – Reggio Emilia, May 14 -  The Euro38,750-added IRHA/NRHA Derby officially opened the Salone Del Cavallo Americano Show in Reggio Emilia, Italy, today.  108 open horse-rider combinations made their way into the pen today vying for a spot in the finals which will be held on Saturday 18.  The Derby is open to 4-5 and 6-year-old horses and is run in a qualifying preliminary round and seeded finals.

Leading the Euro32,000-added Level 4 open go-round with a score of 220.5 was past NRHA Open Derby Champion Kelly Zweifel riding Samurai Snap for owner Impresa Agricola Cuoghi.  Kelly and the 6-year-old gelding by Mr Snapple and out of Tivios Little Dun It (by Hollywood Dun It) won the 2010 IRHA/NRHA Open Level 4 Futurity in 2010.

Riding Katarzyna Roleska’s Shiney Tinseltown (Smart And Shiney x Dun It In Tinseltown x Hollywood Dun It), Alessandro Frassà posted the second highest score, a 220, in the L 4 open division and went on to lead the Euro13,500-added L 3 division.  With Gennaro Lendi in the saddle, the flashy palomino had claimed the IRHA/NRHA 4-year-old Futurity Level 4 Open Championship last year.

The top score in the Euro4,000-added L 2 Open division, a 216, was posted by Marco Manzi riding Jokin Whiz (Who Whiz It x Jokin Peppy x Hangten Peppy) for owner Nadia Bighicchi-Iadanza.  With a score of 213.5, Andrea Proto and My Bud Is Shinin (Nic It In The Bud x Shining Miss x Shining Spark), owned by Laura Pepe lead the Euro1,500-added L 1division.

The qualifying round of the IRHA/NRHA Non Pro Derby will be held tomorrow.

Follow the action livestream by logging on to www.andreabonaga.it.

Livescore: www.showmanager.eu

For further information visit the Italian Reining Horse Association website: www.itrha.com.

Photo courtesy Andrea Bonaga

Show Media Contact
Simona Diale  – simonadiale@gmail.com

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

For Immediate Release – By Hayley Lewallen – Oklahoma City, Okla. –May 14, 2013 – In less than nine months after earning his Four Million Dollar Sire status, Gunner (AQHA Colonels Smoking Gun; APHA Colonels Smokingun) has become The National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) fourth, Five Million Dollar Sire. As of May 13, 2013, the NRHA Hall of Fame inductee has official offspring earnings of $5,096,543.

“We feel very lucky to have another great horse in our life, Hollywood Dun It being the first. No matter how great any horse is, it still takes all the people in his life to make him successful. We have so many people to thank for his success and we just want each of them to know how much we appreciate their investment in Gunner and our program,” said Tim and Colleen McQuay after learning of the achievement.

Several of Gunner’s progeny had a successful show at the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) earning over $150,300 in the Challenge classes and Open and Non Pro finals alone. This final push gave Gunner the amount he needed to reach the five million dollar mark. Some of the top earners included: Americasnextgunmodel owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA. and ridden by NRHA Professional Casey Deary; HF Mobster owned by Heritage Farms/Rhodes River Ranch and ridden by NRHA Million Dollar Rider and Professional Jordan Larson; Chics San Guns owned by S. Coguaike and ridden by NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider, Hall of Fame inductee and Professional Shawn Flarida; Always Gotyer Gunsup owned by McQuay Stables and ridden by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon; Customized Gunner owned by McQuay Stables and ridden by Mandy McCutcheon; and Gunsmokes TNT owned by Mary Jansma and ridden by NRHA Professional Sebastian Petroll.

Bred by Eric Storey of Henagar, Ala., Gunner is the top NRHA earning offspring of Colonelfourfreckle (Colonel Freckles x Miss Solano). Gunner is out of Katie Gun who has produced NRHA earners of more than $544,000. The 1993 stallion currently stands in Tioga, Texas at McQuay Stables, Inc. and is owned by McQuay Stables, Inc. (NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider and Hall of Fame inductee Tim McQuay and wife Colleen). Gunner earned nearly $175,000 in his career. His accolades include:

-          1996 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Champion ridden by Clint Haverty

-          1997 NRHA Derby Level 4 Non Pro finalist ridden by Kim Sloan

-          1998 NRBC Level 4 Open Reserve Champion ridden by Clint Haverty

-          1998 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open finalist ridden by Clint Haverty

-          2001 USET Festival Of Champions National Reining Champion ridden by Bryant Pace

In 2002, Gunner was immortalized as a Breyer Horse for the USET Special Edition model.

Gunner’s top-earning progeny include:

-          Tinker With Guns (Gunner x Tinker Nic by Reminic): $336,200 NRHA LTE, bred by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Rancho Oso Rio, LLC and owned by the Tinker With Guns Partnership (which is currently being purchased by NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Equine). Awards include: 2009 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open finalist; 2011 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion and NRBC Level 4 Open finalist; and 2012 NRHA Derby and NRBC Level 4 Open Reserve Champion.

-          Americasnextgunmodel (Gunner x Cee Dun It Do It by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It): $223,900 NRHA LTE, bred by NRHA Million Dollar Owner David Silva, Sr. and owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA. Awards include: 2012 High Roller Reining Classic Futurity Level 4 Open Champion; 2012 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion; and 2013 NRBC Level 4 Open third place.

-          Gunners Special Nite (Gunner x Mifs Doll by Mifilena): $219,700 NRHA LTE, bred by Kim and Debra Sloan and owned by Turnabout Farm, Inc. The first reining horse to be honored with the USEF Horse of the Year award. Other awards include: 2007 NRHA Futurity Level 3 Open Champion and Level 4 Open Reserve Champion; 2008 and 2009 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open finalist; 2009 and 2010 NRBC Level 4 Open finalist; and 2010 Alltech^® FEI World Equestrian Games™ Individual and Team Gold Medalist.

-          Gunnatrashya (Gunner x Natrasha by NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Trashadeous): $218,000 NRHA LTE, bred by Katarina Dorminy and owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses U.S.A. Awards include: 2009 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion and All American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Futurity Level 4 Open Champion; 2010 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion, and 2012 NRHA Futurity Open finalist.

-          Gunners Tinseltown (Gunner x Miss Tinseltown by Great Red Pine): $152,900 NRHA LTE, bred and owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner David Silva, Sr. Awards include: 2012 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Champion and Prime Time Open Champion.

-          Always Gotyer Gunsup (Gunner x Always A Dunit by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It): $152,400 NRHA LTE, bred by Trinity Compress Real Estate Co. and owned by McQuay Stables, Inc. Awards Include: 2010 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open finalist and Prime Time Open Champion; 2012 NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Champion; 2012 NRHA Derby Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Champion; and 2013 NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Champion. 

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.

Photo Credit: Tristan Dark