2024 NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular Presented by International Horse Press

The NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular, presented by International Horse Press, took place in CremonaFiere, Italy, on January 23-25, 2025, during the Western Show. Originally scheduled to be held in December 2024, the event was postponed due to the Blue Tongue pandemic. 

Competition culminated on January 25, when the 2024 Champions of Europe’s Greatest Horseman were crowned in front of a packed arena after competing in Rein Work, Herd Work, Fence Work, and Steer Stopping.


$2,000-Added Four Crown Spectacular Open Championship.: Samuele Poli Barberis Claims the Crown
Italy’s Samuele Poli Barberis earned the title of Europe’s Greatest Horseman riding Cats Got Freckles (WR This Cats Smart x Playboys Girl), a 2010 American Quarter Horse stallion owned by Luca Terzi. The pair scored a 290.5 composite (Rein Work: 71.5, Herd Work: 73, Steer Stopping: 71, Fence Work: 75) to claim the title. “Winning the Four Crown title is always special,” he shared. “Winning aboard Cats Got Freckles makes this  even more special; he’s such an amazing horse to ride and to show. Of course, I’m very proud of the other young horses I rode too. They definitely have the qualities to become great show horses.”
Poli Barberis also secured the $500-Added Open Bridle title with a 219.5 score. 


Two riders tied for the Open Four Crown Reserve Co-Championship with a 284.5 composite score.
• Switzerland’s Antoine Cloux, riding Wares The Nurse (WR This Cats Smart x Playboys Girl), owned by Brigitte Belin (Rein Work: 72.5, Herd Work: 66, Steer Stopping: 73, Fence Work: 73).
• Italian Giovanni Campanaro, riding Just Metallic Light (Sannman x Just Getting Light), owned by Shirley Schalcher (Rein Work: 73.5, Herd Work: 70, Steer Stopping: 72, Fence Work: 69). 
• Campanaro also finished as Reserve Champion in the $500-Added Open Bridle, with a 212.5 composite.


$500-Added SR Four Crown Spectacular Non Pro Championship: Vera Walliser Takes the Title
Vera Walliser and her 9-year-old gelding, CD Fortunate Son (Metallic Cat x CDS Lucky Gal), claimed the $500-Added SR Four Crown Spectacular Non Pro Championship with a 214.5 composite (Rein Work: 70.5, Herd Work: 70, Steer Stopping: 0, Fence Work: 74). The duo also won the Non Pro Bridle class. “It was such a wonderful show! ” said the Swiss riders. “The atmosphere was great, as well as the facility, the arena, the cows, and the team behind it all. First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my amazing horse, ‘Max,’ and to all the people and friends who helped me during the show.”


With a 213 composite score, Italian rider Alessandro Tugnoli and The One Dark Deal (Smart Easy Deal x Miss Mify Olena) earned Reserve Champion honors in both the Non Pro Four Crown Spectacular and the Non Pro Bridle.

Snaffle Bit Divisions
$2,000-Added 3-year-old Open Snaffle Bit 
•  Samuele Poli and Ill Be Asmartshowgirl (Oaks Lone Pepto x Showtime Chic Olena), owned by Vittorio Rabboni, took the win with a 215 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 73, Fence Work: 71).
• Second place honors Luigi Di Felice and BL Gray Win (Lil Smokeing Gun x Mary Sol Win), owned by Giuseppe Semerano, with a 212 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 69, Fence Work: 72).


$1,000-Added 4-year-old Open Snaffle Bit
• Samuele Poli, riding Lill Gunna R Great (ARC Gunna Sparkya x Lil Ruffles R Great), owned by Ingrid Novasconi, took the lead with a 213.5 composite score (Rein Work: 72, Herd Work: 70, Fence Work: 71.5).
• Second place was for Micol Fontana and CLR Topsail Joke (Quiet Whiz x Piperita Chex), with a 203 composite score (Rein Work: 71, Herd Work: 66, Fence Work: 66).


$1,000-Added 3&4-year-old Non Pro Snaffle Bit
• Winning the class with a 212.5 composite score (Rein Work: 70, Herd Work: 70, Fence Work: 72.5).was Gloria Benassi and High Ret Devil (Ret Great N San x High Brow Dancer)  
• In second place was Alessandro Tugnoli and Wild Wet Mifycat, with a 209.5 composite score (Rein Work: 69, Herd Work: 71, Fence Work: 69.5).

The Clinic
Past NRCHA Open Futurity Champion Lee Deacon hosted a two-day clinic open to both Professional and Non Pro riders.
Deacon, who judged the show twice, praised the competition, stating, “I love Italy! The facility was great, the cattle worked well, and the ground was perfect for all the events. I liked that the cow horse show ran concurrently with a Cutting jackpot and a Ranch Sorting event, drawing many participants and spectators. It created a fantastic atmosphere for the sport. I enjoy judging this event—it’s similar to our World’s Greatest Horseman competition. The riders competed in a friendly yet highly competitive environment, showcasing exceptional horses and skills. I really enjoyed it!”

The NRCHA SR Four Crown Spectacular once again proved to be a premier event, bringing together top horsemen and horsewomen from across Europe. With high-caliber performances, a strong community atmosphere, and valuable learning opportunities, the event reinforced its reputation as a must-attend competition on the European reined cow horse circuit.

By International Horse Press

Show Photos by International Horse Press Meida Platform Partner 8 Photo Agency

Lee Deacon Clinic – Photo by International Horse Press Media Platform Partner Bonaga Communication

Videos by International Horse Press Media Platform Partner YouViwa