Beautiful BO Ranch, set on the outskirts of Paris, France, opened the arena doors to the inaugural World Reining Continental Championships (WRCC) counting 129 horse-rider combinations representing eight countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, and Switzerland).
With 39 shows held in nine countries from September 2025 through May 2026, and 289 qualified riders, sliding to the first WRCC team podiums on the Wednesday, July 1, were the top three teams in the Prime Time Non Pro Riders, Children Riders, and Young Non Pro Riders.
Prime Time Non Pro Riders
Claiming the highest step of the podium on home turf with a total score of 635 was Team France with Stephane Giraud riding Dont Need Gun Color, Christopher LLinas on DJ Truck Gun, Jean-Yves Granottier with DC Hell Bells, Frédéric Pierre and CG Lilgraycrome.
Great Britain claimed Team Silver with three riders performing to a total of 630.5 Francesca Sternberg aboard Red Dirt Paleface, Wayne Michael Lightbown riding Colonel Chic Dream, Paul Cheetham with High Proof Spook under the saddle.
Two points behind was Team Italy, who also saw three combinations representing their country: Umberto Velotti with PC Oak Gun Dunnit, Domenico Giannitti with FB Topsail Shine, and Piero Priori aboard Flash 66.
Children Riders Team
The future of reining thrilled the crowd at BO Ranch with Team Italy wearing the gold medal around their neck thanks to the performances of Lorenzo Leonardi and Master Jack Sparrow, Romeo Toscani with OT Great Jacs, Martina Menicucci riding Whiz Gunna Bee One.
The three children riders closed with a total score of 615.5.
Following with a 601 total was Team Germany. Nathalie Maile and Gunners Resolution, Marie Scherschel and HR Steppin Ruf, and Lotta Magdalena Petzi with Chex For Spooks under the saddle rode to the second step of the podium
With a total score of 596, Fleur Hoffmann (LUX) and PP Special Gun, Stella Bellani (ITA) and First Rosy Gun, Lena-Dea Gaffory (FRA) and Snap For The Prize took home the bronze medal for Team Europe.
Young Non Pro Riders Team
Europe: Annalisa Solbiati (ITA) riding SM Magicice Valentin, Amelie Werner (GER) and Great Customer, Giulia Travagli (ITA) with FV Whiz Gotta Gun, Sophia Staub (AUT) riding Shining Cooper BB slid to first place honors. The all-girls Team raised the dust scoring a 639 score.
Ten points behind, Team Germany represented by Charlotte Henkelmann and Reddies Lil Cash, Madlene Bodmer and Joe Cashmachine, Lena Burger and As Broadmaster, Simon Hoffmann with Sex Gun Kid closed on the second step of the podium.
With a 627.5 total, Team Italy once again left their mark by claiming the bronze medal. Representing the ‘blue’ team were Francesca Ferrarol and VD Snarling Miracle, Ludovica Zambelli and OT Dont Miss To Wish, Francesca Giulia Solbiati and SM Taris Heart Force, Tobia Cesare Lonati and Sevenchextocash.
Closing the day were the amazing Para Riders who rode in the first go of the competition and will conclude on Saturday.
Shows under the World Reining rules place special emphasis on clean sport. Protocols are put in place for medication and animal welfare policies to ensure the best environment for the horses.
For further information and updates: https://www.wrcc26.com/
About BO Ranch
Under the leadership of Grégory Morat, the functional and elegant BO RANCH continually strives to offer exceptional facilities for its visitors, but above all for their horses. With eight years of experience organizing world-class reining events, the BO RANCH team is committed to delivering a unique experience for riders, officials, and spectators at the 2026 World Reining Continental Championship. Find out more here
If you are unable to make it to the show where entrance is free, follow the action live here and live score here.
Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +39 340 5354629
Photos courtesy BO Ranch / Official Photographer 8 Photo Agency
Press Release by Simona Diale/International Horse Press
