Grathem, July 24 — One of the highlights of the NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC), held at Reining Center Meertenhof in Grathem, the Netherlands, is its qualified youth riders. Ahead of the EAC Youth 14–18 and Youth 13 & Under Championship finals and the NRHA Youth Team Tournament, the young riders meet to spend quality time together through games and fun activities. They also meet with NRHA representatives to discuss opportunities for youth involvement within the association, as well as scholarship opportunities offered by the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF). Two NRHYA European delegates were elected in Grathem: Pascalle van de Watering of the Netherlands and Lotte de Boever of Belgium.

The Youth Team Tournament took place today with teams composed of four horse-and-rider combinations, with at least one 13 & Under rider and one 14–18 rider on each team. Seven teams took part in the competition, with riders representing Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The team with the three highest scores posted in the NRHA EAC Youth classes (the lowest score was dropped) earned the NRHA Montana Silversmiths buckles, and all teams received NRHA medallions.

EAC Youth 13 & Under (8 entries)
Emanuel Gebert of Germany and his own Wimpys Wanna Dance (NRHA $13 Million Sire Wimpys Little Step x Dance Little Spook), bred by Quarter Dream Srl, scored a 146.5 taking the highest step of the podium. “I’m feeling great. My horse was amazing today. Every run we’ve had together has been really smooth and relaxed, and I’m so happy with how everything went. I’m only showing in the Youth class here and I believe this is my third time winning this championship, which makes it even more special. It’s a great experience to be here: The show is fantastic, and I really enjoy everything about it. We’re heading home today and leaving for a show in Kreuth tomorrow. After that, on August 7, we’ll travel to Las Vegas to compete at The Run For A Million. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Following his EAC Rookie win— the first class in the morning—Viktor de Boever and Thirty Eight Speshal (NRHA $8 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite x Dun A Lotta Dreamin), bred by Steve Vannietvelt and owned by Deboti Bvba, scored a 141.5 for second place honors. The Belgian youth also claimed third place with a 139.5 riding SR Wimpys Littlewhiz (Wimpys Littlecolonel x Holly Dun Conquista), a gelding bred by Stefanie Orth and owned by Deboti Bvba.

EAC Youth 14-18 (17 entries)
Pascalle van de Watering of the Netherlands and Gonnashowya (NRHA $16 Million Sire Gunnatrashya x JK Vivs Show Tip), bred by Leona Schellekens and owned by Arjan van de Watering, scored a 144, clinching first place.

Christine Biesel of Germany and PM Jackson Olena (NRHA $1 Million Sire Spat Olena x ND Jazzy Step On It), bred by Piet Mestdagh and owned by Celine Biesel, rode to second place after scoring a 142.5.

Tying for third-place honors with a score of 140 were Melanie Toft Gerdes-Hansen of Denmark aboard her own Gunna Outgun Ya (Gunnatrashya x Shining Queen Tinia), bred by Gray-Leigh Wilson, and Silas Borgen of the Netherlands riding his own JJ Pleasedforanite (Gunners Special Nite x Chic Of Florence), bred by J&J Comm V.

Following the conclusion of the EAC Youth Championship, the team placings were confirmed. Team “Check Wimpys Dance” took home first place with a total score of 425.5, followed by Team Sliding Stars with a total score of 418, while Team Poco Gunna Shine For A Nite claimed third place with a total score of 413.5.

NRHyA European Delegates

Eighteen-year-old Pascalle van de Watering of the Netherlands joined the NRHyA for the final year of her youth career. “I think it will be a really special experience. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making even more connections with riders from all over the world,” said the young rider, who enjoys volunteering at reining shows around the country.“ I started riding reining four years ago, and I ride with my parents; they’ve always been a big part of my journey. One of the trainers I look up to is Luca Fappani. I’ve never had the chance to meet him, but I’d really love to ride with him someday.” About the show, Pascalle added: “I really love this show because it feels like one big family. The atmosphere is different from other major events—everyone cheers for each other, and I think that’s really special. I hope to keep competing at more shows with different horses, have fun, and create even more great memories along the way.”

Lotte de Boever of Belgium celebrated her 16th birthday in Grathem and was enthusiastic about her new role as the NRHyA European Delegate. “I don’t really know what to expect. We’ve been talking with the other youth delegates about ways to make reining more popular and how we can help it grow for young riders. It’s my first time serving as the NRHyA delegate, and honestly, I wasn’t planning on doing it, but I’m really excited to be here.” The young rider often trains under the guidance of the Foncks. “I train with the Fonck family quite often, and I think they’re amazing people. They’ve been great role models for me, both as riders and as people. I definitely want to keep showing horses in the future, and my dream is to have my own facility someday and maybe start breeding horses. I started riding English horses when I was five years old, and after my dad got into reining when I was 11, I just followed in his footsteps. I really love every part of the horse world, and I want horses to always be a part of my life.”

Youth Reiner Spotlight: Doris Sara Blomquist & Incognitto

The youngest rider in the EAC Youth Team Tournament, ten-year-old Doris Sara Blomquist, arrived in Grathem from her home country of Sweden with her trusted mount, Incognitto. “I’ve been riding reining for four years now, and I just love the sport. I like everything about it,” she said. “I’m really enjoying the show. It’s a great event, and I’m having a lot of fun. I have many friends here, and we’ve had a great time together. Of course, the best part is riding horses.” Doris and her 9-year-old gelding competed in both the EAC Youth 13 & Under and the NRHA Intermediate Non Pro ancillary class.. After the EAC, the duo will return home to prepare for their next show, which will be held in Sweden this fall.

The youthful day concluded with the NRHA EAC Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open.

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Photos by Official Photographer Claudia Dermois

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