Le Pin, July 18 – The long awaited for NRHA European Affiliate (EAC) classes finally kicked off today at Le Petit Far West in Le Pin, France. 167 horse-rider teams made their way across Europe to perform in the Championships they qualified for through their respective affiliates throughout the year.
$4,500-Added Fautras NRHA EAC Intermediate Open
French rider Alain Giraud rode Hervé Mayeux’s Smart Jewel Peppy (Gunner Little Jewel x Peppy Lil Joke) to a score of 217.5 to top the $4,500-Added Fautras EAC Intermediate Open. It was an emotional run for Giraud and the sorrel stallion. “Hervé Mayeux, the owner of the horse, has been a long-time friend of mine, and has had several horses with me over the years. This horse has a great heart and Hervé usually rides him himself, but this time, he told me that I should show him here. I am very grateful for this opportunity and that it worked out this way,” said Giraud hot off his win. Giraud’s daughter Manon, NRHA France board member and EAC organizer, was cheering on the duo from the sidelines, adding: “I am very proud of them today! We have been working so hard on this show and now my dad won a big trophy and the Fautras horse trailer, so it was all worth it, and I am really happy for him.”
Reserve honors went to a fellow French Jeremy Vandenabeele and JM Shine To Inferno (NRHA $4 Million Sire Inferno 66 x Dun It for Shine) owned by Jean Paul Tetard. The duo came out short half a point behind the leaders scoring a 217 for second place.
Closing the podium, there was a three-way tie with a 216.5 score: Swedish rider Anders Josefsson piloted KR Ima Dream (NRHA $13 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream x Kr Ima Tejon) owned by Annemanna AB; Patryk Peszke of Germany rode Spooks Gotta Whey (NRHA $11 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Whizzing a Whey) owned by Bernice Engel; and yet another German rider, Jasmin Andersdotter, teamed up with Sparkling And Spooky (NRHA $4 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Ebony Spook) owned by Alina Sira Herzlinger.
$5,000-Added Stephanie Latour NRHA EAC Non Pro
To close the day, 48 combinations entered the arena to battle for the NRHA EAC Non Pro titles; the Belgian riders did not miss any chance and took all three podium places. Two riders rose above the rest of the group with their runs awarded by the judges with a 219.5 score: Amber Heidbuchel riding her own Prof Voodoo (NRHA $5 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Evita Del Cielo); and Dries Verschueren together with GP A Spook In Town (Hollywoodtinseltown x Spook N Perla), owned by Golden Paint Ranch.
Heidbuchel described her mount as a very reliable horse to show. “He is such a big-hearted horse; every time we enter the pen, he tries his best. He was really good today! He actually had last week off because I was at a dressage competition, but I have been riding him for such long that he didn’t miss a beat. He gave me his best and I couldn’t be happier about our run today.” The Belgian rider mentioned the difference between the two sports. “I think dressage is extremely technical and reining has more power and speed, so it is hard to compare, but I really like to do both. My next show is dressage again. I try to alternate between the sports when I can,” closed Heidbuchel, who will be back in the pen with her flashy palomino tomorrow for the EAC Intermediate Non Pro.
Verschueren, of Golden Paint Ranch, piloted his stallion close to the end of the draw and finished tying the leading score. “I am more than happy about our results today. It is our second show this year, because it is still breeding season for the stud, so it is nice that we can take him out for a little bit.” Verschueren was especially proud of his horse as he is the testament to his family’s breeding program. “He has been competing since he was a 3-year-old in the Open and Non Pro classes, in the aged events, in everything… He is what you wish for in a stallion. We are really proud of him. We are here with our family and friends, so I’m really enjoying the show, even though we are super busy. It is always nice to come to the EAC, because there is a lot of Belgian riders, so it makes for a very friendly atmosphere,” added the winner, who arrived with a full family support. “We help each other a lot, so it makes it easier. Of course, the Fonk team is here to help us as well,” closed Verschueren.
Last draw of the day, Siebe van Bekhoven and his Ws Check My Pedigree (Wimpys Smoking Gun x Footworks Finetiming), had a strong run and scored a 217.5 to close the podium.
$500-Added NRHA EAC Limited Non Pro
The EAC $500-Added Limited Non Pro saw an intense battle at the top with three horse-and-rider combinations initially tying with a score of 214. A run off was required to determine the champion, and it was Manon Sergent of France who rose to the occasion.
Sergent, riding her own CDS Denver Olena (NRHA $3 Million Sire Shine Chic Shine x Vickie Del Cielo), delivered another strong performance in the run off to secure the Limited Non Pro Championship with a final score of 214. Her consistency and composure in the pen earned her top honors in a highly competitive field. “It is incredible,” said the emotional champion after her second run. “My horse gave me everything today! We came back from the World Reining Championship last week and this week he has been so amazing, I still can’t believe we won the Limited Non Pro. I have had him for a year, and so far, this is my best moment with him! The run off was hard because it was so hot today, but it was also fun.” Sergent added she had a lot of people who stood behind her and her companion and their success. “I especially want to thank my uncle, who found this horse for me.”
Sharing the Reserve Co-Champion position were: Michael Schopfer of Italy aboard Jokin Whiz (Who Whiz It x Jokin Peppy), a past NRHA World Champion owned by Markus Schopfer, who marked a 211 in the run off; and Pauline Engel of Germany riding Voodoos Shootingstar (NRHA $5 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Select A Star), owned by Bernice Engel, who closed the run off with a 210 score.
$500-Added NRHA EAC Rookie Professional
Dutch competitors dominated the EAC Rookie Professional class when they took all three steps of the podium. Casper Tsin and his own Spook Lightning (Best Spook x Olenas Finest Chic) took top honors with a 213.5 score. “I am super happy with my horse. Even in this warm weather, he gave me everything today,” said Tsin, who bred and started the stout palomino. “That makes it even more special to win on a homegrown horse. As a 3-year-old he won the Bo Ranch Futurity, so this is another title to his resumé. He is my best friend, he always gets jealous when somebody else gives me attention, so we are like one. I really enjoy the show, I love the atmosphere and the arena is beautiful, really good to show in.”
Second on the podium was Roy Willemse riding Wimpys Ric (Wimpys Topgun x Whiz Indian Freckles), owned by Esther van der Linden, scoring a 210.5. Willemse also took the third place, this time with MR Trick Or Treat (Tricked Out Spook x Pepita Major Angels), owned by Niek van der Linden, scoring a 209.
$200-Added NRHA EAC Rookie
After yesterday’s success in the ancillary classes, Lotte De Boever of Belgium and her gelding Great Sun Of A Gun (Great Sun Burst x GVR Gunalicious), owned by Deboti BVBA, returned to the pen even stronger to conquer the $200-Added EAC Rookie scoring a 214.5. “My horse is great; he is very quiet and always tries his best for me. He likes to sleep a lot, but he is awake when he needs to be,” said De Boever about her horse. When asked about her show rituals, the young rider didn’t hesitate to answer: “I like to saddle up my horse in quiet environment of the stable together with my trainer [NRHA Professional Ernst Claassen] and go over the plan for the run together. Usually, he tells me to take one maneuver at a time, and if something goes bad, not to worry about it and focus on the next thing. Also, that I need to trust myself because I got it!” De Boever has been enjoying the show all week. “I got to meet the other youth riders during the youth meeting, so that was nice getting to know each other, and overall, the show is very nice.”
Half a point short, scoring 214, was German duo Helen Mueller and Vintage Crome MH (NRHA $4 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Cash In Roan), who claimed the second step of the podium.
Two riders shared third place scoring a 211.5: Viktor De Boever of Belgium riding SR Wimpys Littlewhiz (Wimpys Littlecolonel x Holly Dun Conquista) for Deboti BVBA; and Swiss Sebastian Woerwag and his own Hr Vincent Vega (NRHA $13 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream x CN Missilenium).
American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive
This year at the NRHA EAC Chrome Cash Incentive payouts of $500 are awarded in the following EAC classes: Youth 13 & Under/Youth 14–18, Intermediate Open/Rookie Pro, Open/Limited Open, Non Pro/Limited Non Pro, Rookie Level 1. APHA International Director Irene Stamatelakys arrived at the show to present the checks to the highest scoring Paints in their respective classes.
$500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Rookie Pro / Intermediate Open
It was a win for German Patryk Peszke and Spooks Gotta Whey (NRHA $11 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun x Whizzing a Whey), owned by Bernice Engel. The duo scored a 216.5 to take the top spot in the APHA Chrome Cash Rookie Pro/Intermediate Open. “He’s truly an amazing horse,” said Peszke after his winning ride. “We gave it our best in the arena today and had a solid run. The owner, Bernice Engel, bought him two years ago in Italy, and I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity to ride such a talented horse. I’m really happy about our win – this program is a fantastic opportunity for the Paints.” Proud owner Engel also praised the APHA Chrome Cash program, adding that she plans to enter her horses again at the European Derby in Lyon, France.
$500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Limited Non Pro / Non Pro
Siebe van Bekhoven and his Ws Check My Pedigree (Wimpys Smoking Gun x Footworks Finetiming) topped the APHA Chrome Cash Limited Non Pro/Non Pro after scoring 217.5 for their run. “This win feels amazing. This is a great event in general and there is a lot of good Paint horses showing, so to stand out in this class, it feels pretty special,” said van Bekhoven, who repeated the victory from last year together with his companion. “I always say that my horse is the best, but he is also the best Paint, and he proved that again today. He has a big heart in his little body, but he did everything he could and I am absolutely overjoyed with him,” said the APHA Non Pro Champion, who will now let his horse enjoy some green pastures after the show.
$500-Added Chrome Cash Rookie Level 1
Melanie Aebi and her own RR Branding Star (RR Star x As I Want) scored a 210 in the EAC Rookie class to the take the win in the APHA Chrome Cash Rookie Level 1. “My horse is amazing. His name is RR Branding Star and he really does shine like a star,” smiled the young rider of Switzerland, who rides under the guidance of NRHA Professional Morey Fisk. “I have a great team at home led by Morey and also mental coach Nadia Lattmann. This is my second year competing in the Chrome Cash Incentive and I really appreciate it. It is a nice bonus for us when we enter the classes and earn something more for our Paints.”
Youth Action
Youth riders met today ahead the NRHA Youth Tournament and enjoyed an afternoon full of fun activities and games under the guidance of NRHyA International Liaison Ava Smedley. The hot temperature was fought thanks to generous portions of ice cream donated by NRHA France. The NRHA Youth Team Tournament will take place tomorrow, during the Youth EAC classes with teams composed of two 13&Under and two 14-18 riders. The team with the three highest scores posted in the NRHA EAC Youth classes (the lowest score will be dropped) will take home the NRHA buckles, and all teams will be awarded with NRHA medals. 18 entries from five countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxemburg, The Netherlands) will compete for the prestigious prizes.
The NRHA EAC Finals continue tomorrow with another set of classes featuring:
- $10,000-Added NRHA Open
- $500-Added NRHA Limited Open
- $3,500-Added NRHA Intermediate Non Pro
- $100-Added NRHA Youth 13&Under
- $100-Added Youth 14–18
Horse Spotlight
Jo Corby brought her four-legged companion, 19-year-old Quarter Horse stallion Rooster Nic (NRHA $4 Million Sire Gallo Del Cielo x Sanjos Pistolette), to show at this year’s EAC. Little did she know that her black stallion would be the oldest horse to compete at this show. “I love this horse,” said Corby about her mount. “He still has great energy at his age, and I enjoy showing him.” Corby’s trainer, NRHA Professional Gregory Legrand, mentioned that the stallion is perfect for his owner in the show pen: “He is very quiet in the arena, doesn’t overthink the maneuvers, and is really easy for Jo to show.” The 2006 stallion has quite a successful career under his belt with NRHA LTE (Lifetime Earnings) over $60,000, and making finals at various major European reining events. In 2023, Rooster Nic teamed up with Gregory’s son Matt for the World Reining Championship, and the duo came out with the Gold medal in the Junior Riders Individual and Team competition. When asked about a special care for the seasoned reiner, Legrand had a simple answer: “We train him very lightly. Every day he gets to lope around, and we practice maneuvers maybe a week before a show, not more. He knows his job, so there is no need to drill him hard, it works well for him this way.”
For further information: NRHAEAC.com
Live score: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1640
Livestream (FREE): https://chevaltv.fr/programs/nrha-european-affiliates-paris-2025
Photo by John Photography
NRHA EAC Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
