Le Pin, July 20 — The last day of the 22nd edition of the NRHA European Affiliate Championships held in Le Pin, France, welcomed the youth riders vying for the Youth 14-18 and Youth 13 & Under Championships as well as the NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament. The great group representing eight European countries came together, competing against each other for the titles at stake in the show arena, but building friendships outside the pen.
$100-added MARKEL/NRHA EAC Youth 14-18
Arfwid Grytfors and his own Voodoosbigenterprise, a 7-year-old mare sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Just Miss Enterprise, slid to the highest step of the podium after performing to a 212.5. With a 210 score, the Swedish rider also placed third with his second mount, Gumps Hummer BB, a 12-year-old gelding sired by Little Gump out of Groovie Quintana. “It feels good and I am happy about our run. We had some minor mistakes, but it went really well overall. My mare did the best she could. I really liked the first set of spins and also enjoyed the last stop.” Grytfors, who rides with NRHA Professional Roy van der Hoeven, traveled to the EAC all the way from Sweden. “It took us three days to get here, but it was worth it. I keep my horses at home and I ride them myself but about once a month I go ride with Roy and get ready for the shows there,” said the young rider after his win. The team was unsure about future plans but since the flashy palomino mare is only 7 years old, Grytfors would like to take her to the NRHA European Derby in Lyon, France, this fall.
Joana Sequeira of France and her own Fury Sweetlove Dream, an 8-year-old gelding sired by Smart Furys Remedy out of Loves Lealeta Dream, rode to second place honors with a 210.5.
$100-added MARKEL/NRHA EAC Youth 13 & Under
Emanuel Gebert of Germany and Wimpys Wanna Dance, a 9-year-old gelding sired by NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Dance Little Spook, owned by Birgitt Wagner, performed to the highest score in the youth competition — a 216 — claiming the EAC Youth 13 & Under Championship. Though 11 years old, Gebert is no stranger to the winners’ circle and his performance was awarded not only by the judges but also the audience, who cheered for him through the whole run. “My parents always cheer the loudest for me,” said the young talented rider. “Our run was really good today. I enjoyed the circles a lot. My dad actually rode this horse at the Italian futurity as a 3-year-old and I get to ride him now and I really like him.”
Anna Palasová of the Czech Republic and Dr Who (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Peppergun), a 7-year-old gelding owned by Petr Palas, scored a 212.5 earning second place.
Victoire Molla Guisset of France and her own 10-year-old gelding Whizkey Coated Kiss (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds x Einsteinshersheykiss) completed the podium with a 207.
NRHA Youth Team Tournament
Youth riders representing Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden competed for the first place NRHA Team Tournament buckles and NRHA medals. There were eight teams, each composed by two 13 & U riders and two 14-18 riders. The scores from the Championship classes were added together with the lowest score dropped.
MARKEL Ice Cream Party
NRHA Corporate Partner Markel Equine offered the European youth and friends a very special ice cream party: An original French-style ice cream cart made it’s way to Le Pin along with Markel Equine’s Muriel de Moubray as host.
Youth Rider Spotlight: Anna Palasová
Anna Palasová and her 7-year-old gelding Dr Who came to the 2024 edition as the only representative from the Czech Republic. The duo, qualified for the EAC in Rookie Level 1 and Youth 13 & Under, returned to the European stage after last year’s success where they won the latter. This year, the pair got close to repeating the results finishing as Reserve Champions in the Youth 13 & Under as well as placing fourth in the Rookie Level 1. Anna enjoyed especially the facility hosting the show. “It is a little sad that we are here alone this year, but there are a lot of youth from the other countries so it is nice to have someone to talk to. I really like the arenas here; the ground is great and there is enough space everywhere, so it is perfect for my horse.” Palasová qualified for the EAC at an NRHA Czech show and came to Le Pin with her trainer Eva Nováčková. After the event, the team is deciding whether to return to France for the NRHA European Derby in Lyon or attend Autumn Derby in Slovakia.
Rider Spotlight: Axel Pesek
From left to right: Louane Pourel, Anaïs Tilmont, Axek Pesek, Lilou Caillouet, Maryloup Drapier, Valentine Grolez, Elynn Leblond (not pictured)
NRHA Professional Axel Pesek of France had a busy week during the 2024 EAC having six youth competitors under his guidance competing in the EAC Youth classes. A successful youth competitor himself not too long ago, Axel opened up about his experience with coaching the youth while also concentrating on his open horses. “I had six youth riders this morning and also three open horses this afternoon, so it is a busy day for sure. I am very proud of all my youth riders. I’ve been competing from a very young age so I try to pass my experience on to them and help them to find their way both in riding and showing. I know how it feels to be at big shows, how to work with the pressure and a loud crowd, so this is something I can help them with and prepare them for the shows.” The past WEG contestant as well as the FEI Junior World Championship Individual gold medalist admitted that it is easier for him to communicate with young riders since they are closer to him in age. “I have been riding horses since I was three years old and I’ve always wanted to be a horse trainer, so I enjoy working with the youth because I have been involved with youth programs all my life. I have ridden with a lot of good trainers and riders and I credit my success to them for sure. Also, without my family, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love and accomplish what I have so far,” closed the professional who just crossed $80.000 in his NRHA lifetime earnings.
Follow the action live at https://nrhaeac.com/live
For further information: NRHAEAC.com
Action photos by John Photography
Photos by International Horse Press & @infinity.studio.off @chemin2traverse_
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