Cremona, May 7 — The 17th edition of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity, held during the 38th edition of the renowned International Salone del Cavallo Americano in Cremona, Italy, has set new records across the board.
Last year, the NRHA European Futurity became the first $1 Million reining event in Europe; this year it remains the sole $1 million competition on the Old Continent. Open to 4-year-old horses enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the inaugural European Futurity was held in Kreuth, Germany, in 2009. In collaboration with NRHA’s European affiliates, NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese brought both the show and the nomination program to life. Thanks to Arcese’s vision and determination, since last year, a pool of IRHA sponsors and contributors across the U.S. and Europe, combined with the NRHA Nomination Program funds, has helped elevate the event to international prominence.
In the upcoming edition, entries from across all levels in both the Open and Non Pro divisions have increased by 30%, and a total of 88 sponsors have joined forces to support the event. “This year, in particular, is special, as the $1 million event has smashed entry records, and features riders from over 13 countries around the world,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “I am looking forward to the non-stop action, but first I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our incredible sponsors and team who make this incredible event possible. Especially Mr. Eleuterio Arcese, our European affiliates, IRHA, and CremonaFiere, without whom the event would not be nearly as successful as it is.”
For NRHA Hall of Famer Eleuterio Arcese, this year’s achievement is particularly sweet. “I believed in this event so strongly that I would have had the courage to continue on my own, but I’m proud to say that our partners and purse supporters embraced the five-year challenge,” said NRHA Hall of Famer Eleuterio Arcese. “This year, I’m especially thrilled to welcome key sponsors from the U.S. and incredibly proud to welcome NRHA $9 Million Dollar Rider and Hall of Fame Inductee Andrea Fappani who will be showing in his home country. The European Futurity is growing and I am truly convinced that a single event that unites the efforts will reduce the costs of show production benefiting animal welfare as our horses will be traveling and showing fewer times. A huge thank-you goes to all our staff and Giancarlo Doardo and his team for their dedication in making this event bigger and better each year.”
Doardo, organizer of the Salone del Cavallo Americano for the past two decades, has always firmly believed in the millionaire event. “The valuable sponsors of the European Futurity are all passionate about reining; they combine the economic opportunity and high visibility that the international Salone del Cavallo Americano offers and are key players in the sport’s continuous growth. Their joint efforts with Eleuterio Arcese at the helm—along with the collaboration between NRHA and its European affiliates, IRHA, and CremonaFiere—have continuously amplified the already significant organizational commitment. While the NRHA European Futurity is certainly the crown jewel of the Salone, there are many other high-level competitions, entertainment, and a fully sold-out exhibition area.”
2024 NRHA European Futurity Numbers:
Open Futurity: $700.000-Added (includes $ 207.340,56* Nomination Money)
• $420,000 Added – Level 4 Open | 82 Entries
• $154,000 Added – Level 3 Open | 90 Entries
• $91,000 Added – Level 2 Open | 100 Entries
• $35,000 Added – Level 1 Open | 46 Entries
Non Pro Futurity: $300.000-Added (includes $88.860,24* Nomination Money)
• $144,000 Added – Level 4 Non Pro | 41 Entries
• $84,000 Added – Level 3 Non Pro | 44 Entries
• $45,000 Added – Level 2 Non Pro | 50 Entries
• $27,000 Added – Level 1 Non Pro | 27 Entries
(* subject to change in Nominations)
Adding to the excitement, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash incentive program returns, this year offering a $1,000 bonus across all levels of both the Open and Non Pro divisions. Details: https://apha.com/about_apha/our-programs/chrome-cash/
More information on the NRHA European Futurity: www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com
Learn more about the International Salone del Cavallo Americano: https://salonedelcavallo.com/
Tickets for the NRHA European Futurity Open Level 4 Finals on May 24 are available here: https://www.teamforyou.net/index.php/salone-del-cavallo/tickets-nrha-european-futurity?view=event&itid=19&gview=1&reslim=20
View the 2025 Salone del Cavallo Americano Show Program here: https://issuu.com/internationalhorsepress/docs/2025_nrha_european_futurity_show_program?fr=sYTg5ODgzODgwNDk
Photos by Bonaga Communication
NRHA European Futurity Media Contact : Simona Diale – International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com WhatsApp: +39 340 535 4629
