Givrins, July 11 — Provided by Simona Diale — The NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC), held during the SVAG CS Classic ’23, officially opened the doors to competition with NRHA ancillary action lighting up the day. Following a week of intense World Reining Championship competition, the wonderful CS Ranch arena welcomed the first riders showing in the NRHA Rookie Level 1 and Level 2 classes.

Tying for first place honors with a 141 score in the Level 1 was Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic riding Dr Who (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Peppergun) and Melanie Aebi of Switzerland aboard RR Branding Star (RR Star x As I Want). Aebi, who rides under the guidance of NRHA Professional Morey Fisk, also took the Level 2 win this time riding Lil Joe A Whiz (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x A Whiz N Wranglers) and a 142 score.

Quentin Galliere & Tinsel Whizington

Fabien Boiron & ARC Walla Smart

There was a tie for first place honors in the $400-Added NRHA Novice Horse Open L3 with fellow Frenchmen Quentin Galliere riding Sharon De Groot’s Tinsel Whizington (Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis) and Fabien Boiron riding ARC Walla Smart (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Please Pass The Chic) owned by Adrienne Speidel to a 143.5 score.

Thomas Hein & Rockster Piccolino

Thomas Hein of France rode Rockster Piccolino (Piccolo Spanish x Smoking Chrome) owned by Karoline Sommer to first place with a 139 score in the $500-Added NRHA Rookie Professional.

Sára Karasová & KH Yankee Step

In a field of 26 riders, Sára Karasová of the Czech Republic stole the show riding her two horses to first and second place in the $400-Added NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro L3. With her first mount, KH Yankee Step, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Rowdy Yankee out of Step A Little Closer with whom she has won many a prestigious title, she closed her performance with a 144 earning the top slot. The young rider also went on to score a 142.5 riding Wimpy N Mercedes (Mercedes Rooster x Pretty Little Steps), owned by Iveta Karasová, to the reserve spot. “I feel really great about today. Last week we had few bobbles both in the go round and in the finals, so I’m happy that’s over and I feel ready for this week,” said Sára after her win. “Yankee” [KH Yankee Step] was great and my second horse “Roosticka” [Wimpy N Mercedes] did also well. This was our first show with the mare, so I am very pleased with the outcome.”

Wednesday Rider Spotlight
12-year-old Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic took her first win at the NRHA European Affiliate Championship in the Rookie Level 1 ancillary class riding her own Dr Who, AKA “Woody.” Though this is her second year at CS Ranch, it’s the first time with her flashy 6-year-old palomino who she purchased from Italian Professional Davide Brighenti at the beginning of 2023. “He’s always nice to me and always does everything I ask him to and never complains,” said the young rider who has been riding reiners for the past five years under the guidance of Eva Nováčková. “We were looking around for a new horse and tried quite a few. The reason I chose him was because he is so sweet, and never goes where he wants to nor does he do things I don’t ask him to do. I am really looking forward to showing him in the Youth class here at the European Affiliate Championships and am really excited!”

About CS Ranch
CS Ranch is the biggest and most modern private reining facility in Switzerland. Owner Corinna Schumacher, with careful attention to detail, is constantly striving for CS Ranch to remain the best environment for reining horses. Since 2006, the state-of-the-art facility has been host to prestigious reining competitions including the Swiss Slide and, since 2009, the renowned SVAG CS Classic. Show manager Eric Obrecht and his ambitious CS Ranch team are always making a huge effort to comfortably accommodate riders, horses, officials, and spectators at the CS shows.

Photos by Tom Hautmann

If you make it to Givrins, admission is free. If not, follow the webcast and live score here: nrhaeac.com/live

For further information regarding the SVAG CS Classic ’23 held at CS Ranch, host of many a prestigious World and European competition CS-CLASSIC.com

Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
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Cell: +39 3405354629