Givrins, July 17—Closing the successful $80,000-Added SVAG CS Classic National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Championships held at NRHA Million Dollar Owner Corinna Schumacher’s state-of-the-art CS Ranch in Grivins, Switzerland, was the $200-Added Rookie EAC.
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25 qualified riders from seven countries lit up the beautiful CS Arena on Sunday morning where sliding to the highest step of the podium was Matt Legrand of France riding Gb Little Kid, a 7-year-old stallion by Nicmeridalittlestep out of Ima Torrid Lady, owned and bred by Anniek Legrand. “I am super happy with this prestigious title,” said the 14-year-old rider from France who closed his ride with a 214.5. “I was a little stressed before the class since this is my last Rookie class, but was very determined as I have been working with the goal of winning the Championship since the beginning of the year. This win encloses a lot of emotions since this horse was born at our place and we have both the dam and sire at home. My father [Gregory Legrand] showed the dam at the very first European Championships, and I would like to thank him for preparing my horse for this competition and of course I thank my number one supporter, my mother!”
A half-point behind, Belgium’s Siebe Van Bekhoven rode his own WS Check My Pedigree, a 7-year-old APHA gelding by Wimpys Smoking Gun x Footworks Finetiming to the second step of the podium. “I’m very happy with all the Belgium team who was here to support me all week, especially my trainers Ann and Bernard Fonck; they did a great job. My horse was as always really sweet, he gave me all like he does every time he does. We had a lot of fun, and I wish I could ride and show like we did today every time.”
Barbora Julinova of the Czech Republic rode LV Pistol Great Pine (Custom Rooster out of Majors Queen Mary), a 5-year-old gelding owned by Petr Monika Julina to third place honors with a 213 score.
2022 Highlights
NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament
Seven teams, comprised of two 13 & under and two 14-18 youth in each team on Saturday rode for the NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament medals. With seven countries represented, the top three scores counted for the composite of each team: Taking home first place along with the medals and buckles offered by NRHA was the Purple Team made up of Czech’s Nicolas Pavel and SK Cash To Gun Arc (207.5); Germany’s Lisa Wiechers riding Shesgunnasparkya (202); Lou Covarel of France with Big Chex Olena (208.5); and Switzerland’s Emelie Zopf with Smart Littlesplinter (202). All teams left Givrins with medals and friendships were sealed.
2022 World Para Reining European Championship
Frigg Birt Müller her own Belles Flair made their way from Denmark—a 20-hour haul with a stop in Germany—to show in the World Para Reining European Championship. Thrilling the crowd, the Grade 1 talented rider closed her precise and clean ride with an amazing 220.5 score and an enthused public. “This is the highest score I have ever received and I am thrilled with my horse who I’ve had for three months and who was with me all the way,” said Müller who turned to para reining after competing in para dressage. “I loved the crowd who was there to cheer me and it is actually the very first time that we did not ask the crowd to be silent until the end of the run and that’s a thrill.”
Frigg was quick to credit her trainer Rebecca Jensen of Highland Quarter Horses, and her assistant Anja Funder, for their support and added that she loves competing and would love to see more riders show in the para reining. “World Para Reining provides so many opportunities for riders with disabilities and I encourage them all to look into them. I love competition and would love to see more horse-rider combinations perform!” Being the only competitor in the class, the title could not go to Müller; CS Ranch did award the duo the trophy and ribbon for their performance.
After welcoming a record number of horses and riders this year, the SVAG CS Classic team looks forward to welcoming NRHA European Affiliate Championships Finalists in 2023!
Read all about the 2022 SVAG NRHA European Affiliate Championships accompanied with beautiful images at www.slide-tracs.com and find out more at www.NRHAEAC.com
For full results click here
Photos by Official Photographer Tom Hautmann
NRHA EAC Media Contact
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
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