Grathem, July 19—The NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC) were first held in 2002 at the Alps Coliseum in Egna Ora, Italy. The event was created following the successful model of the NRHA North American Affiliate Championships in the U.S., allowing riders to qualify through their national NRHA affiliates before competing for continental titles.
The EAC has become one of Europe’s premier reining championships, bringing together qualified riders from NRHA affiliates across the continent to compete for prestigious championship honors in an atmosphere that reflects the camaraderie and spirit of the sport.
Rotating every two years among leading European reining venues, the EAC was held in Deurne, Netherlands, in 2003 and 2004. This year, the event managed by the Dutch Reining Horse Association (DRHA), returns to the Netherlands where Reining Center Meertenhof in Grathem will welcome Europe’s top affiliate-qualified riders for six days of elite reining competition.
On Saturday, July 18, doors opened to 246 horses and 200 riders representing 14 countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom), who will be riding for the titles in the Reining Center Meertenhof arena. The facility is recognized as one of Europe’s premier reining venues and regularly hosts major NRHA-approved events, including the Belgium Power Reining Circuit and DRHA shows.
The DRHA team has been working tirelessly for the past four months with the goal of producing a successful show: The number of entries, the support of numerous sponsors, and the preparation of the venue aiming at the well-being of horses and riders as a top priority, are all clear indications that the stage is set for an outstanding championship.
Competition will commence on Wednesday, July 22, and continue on Thursday, with NRHA ancillary action. The first five Championship classes will be held on Friday, with the remaining five concluding on Saturday. Once again the APHA Chrome Cash incentive will be offered in the Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open, Limited Non Pro, Non Pro, and Open.
A special thank you to our sponsors listed here
Admission to the EAC is free. However, if you can’t make it to Grathem, watch live here and follow the live score here
Follow the NRHA EAC Facebook page and Instagram for updates and highlights.
For additional information, visit NRHAEAC.com
Photos by Official Photographer Claudia Dermois
NRHA EAC Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +39 340 5354629
