
The Norwegian flag flew high today in Regstrup, Denmark, where the 2019 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Championship is being held.
Regstrup, July 18 – Provided by Simona Diale, IHP — Taking home the 2019 NRHA European Affiliate Rookie Championship, in a field of 40 qualified riders, was Britta Spies of Norway aboard her Chics Special Nite. The duo scored a 218.5 for the win and it could not have been a better way to start the day for Spies. “I purchased my horse in Texas from Brian Bell two years ago,” she said. “When he arrived, in November 2017, it was freezing in Oslo, so I didn’t get to ride him much in the beginning, but last year we made up for it and qualified for the EAC. It’s been a great ride and I am thrilled with this prestigious title.”
Tying for the reserve championship, with a 215.5 score, was Kyra te Paske of the Netherlands riding Hit The Rode Jac, and Anna-Maria Zehetbauer of Austria aboard Big Leo Gun. “I’m very excited about my score – it’s the highest ever for me – and making it to the second step of the European podium in such a big class is unbelievable,” said te Paske. “I’ve had my horse for two years, and this is a very proud moment for us.” For the youngest rider of the Rookie Championship finals, it was just as thrilling. “I never expected this; today is my birthday and this is certainly the best gift I could ever receive,” she said. “I cannot thank my horse and my team enough and I so look forward to the future with him.”
In the $500-added NRHA European Affiliate Limited Open Championship, Norway conquered the highest step of the podium and the second gold medal of the day. Tor Erik Eggen, the only NRHA Professional in Norway, rode Hollys Final Spark for owner TP-Ranch to the Championship with a 219 score. “I knew I had a 218 to beat, but I tried not to think about it and just went in and did my thing,” said Eggen. “My mare was really good for me; she is truly a show horse.” Eggen purchased the 6-year-old mare a couple of years ago from [NRHA Million Dollar Rider] Brian Bell and she is now in foal to Gunners Tinseltown. Claiming co-reserve honors a point behind were Pete Perkiö of Finland, riding his own Winchesteratomic, and Doug Allen of Great Britain aboard Spooks Gotta Lena. “This is my second year as an open rider and I am thrilled with this result,” said Pete. “I purchased my horse from Kate Roleska at the beginning of this year and my first real show with him was the NRHA Germany Breeders Derby where lady luck wasn’t on our side. This is only the second time that I’ve shown him and I am very happy with this title.”
Just as content was Allen: “I’m very happy with my horse, she loves to do her job and is really good-minded,” he said. “We went in early in the draw, she did really well for me, and our score held to tie for reserve. I think my wife Francesca [Sternberg] will take her to the AQHA World Show and show her in the Amateur and since will still be eligible for the NRBC next year, might show her there.”
The $2000-added NRHA European Affiliate Intermediate Non Pro Championship was all about Belgian Piet Metsdagh aboard his own Reining Whiz, a 12-year-old stallion the multiple past NRHA Non Pro Reserve World Champion purchased four years ago. The duo scored a 219.5 for the win and Mestdagh, who is currently leading the NRHA Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Top Ten rankings with his stallion confirmed that the ‘long haul’ for the World title is their goal. “He is such an amazing horse,” he said. “He is so consistent, never says no, and is always there for me. This title means a lot to me and I look forward to the rest of the year showing him around Europe.” Lia Freriks made her way to Regstrup from the Netherlands with her 9-year-old stallion, Ready For Revolution, ready to give his best. The duo took reserve honors two points behind the champions. “This was a tough class, so I’m twice as happy with the result my super horse achieved today,” said Freriks about her mount who she trained herself since he was a 3-year-old. “He was great for me since day one and since we know each other so well, we always give each other everything we have. I now look forward to showing him in the Non Pro EAC on Saturday.” The third step of the podium was for Tabitha Sternberg Allen who rode her mother’s [Francesca Sternberg] Dunnit In Pale to a 216. “I’m super thrilled with this result,” said the young rider from Great Britain. “I didn’t have the best first stop today, so I was a bit worried, but I stepped on the gas after that and it only got better. He tried really hard for me and this result is twice as special after my dad [Doug Allen] was co-reserve in the NRHA EA Limited Open Championship finals.”
Competition tomorrow will offer more great reining at the beautiful Tuse Creek Ranch where the $4,000-added NRHA European Intermediate Open as well as the European Youth 13&Under Champions will be crowned.
Thursday NRHA Ancillary Action
· Taking the NRHA Youth 13 & Under Co-Championship was Oliver Svensson and Shes Madonna along with Ruut Vidgren & Guntinius.
· It was a win for Italian Markus Schopfer in the $2,000-added NRHA Intermediate Open riding his past NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion, Jokin Whiz
NRHA Youth 13 & Under Co-Champions Oliver Svensson & Shes Madonna along with Ruut Vidgren & Guntinius – NRHA Intermediate Open Champions Markus Schopfer & Jokin Whiz
More ancillary action will return on Friday with the $500-added NRHA Limited Non Pro, $5,000-added NRHA Non Pro and $10,000-added NRHA Open classes.
For complete results and Livescore: http://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=815
If you cannot make it to Tuse Creek Ranch, follow the livstream here:
https://rh-video.de/livestreaming…
For any further information you may need, log on to https://www.nrha-eac2019-20.com/
Media contact: Simona Diale
International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Cell: +39 340 5354629