2026 World Reining Continental Championship: BO Ranch Welcomes the First Day of Individual Competition

As the sun lit up BO Ranch, the World Reining Continental Championship (WRCC) Individual Riders shone in the beautiful arena set in Fontainebleau, France’s horse capital, nestled on the outskirts of Paris.

Non Pro Riders thrill the public
Italy added yet another gold medal to their board with an amazing ride by 2025 World Reining Champions Fabio De Iulio and RS Chronos Jac. The duo once again showed off their athletic ability and connection by closing their run with a 223. The public loved it and so did the judges. “This stallion never ceases to fascinate me with his mind and his heart,” said the rider from Naples who credits his nephew, Italian Professional Vittorio De Iulio, for keeping his horse healthy and ready to hit the show pen.
It took a run off to determine who would bring home the silver and bronze medal honors after Alexander Giarratano of France and Peter Ettinger of Germany both posted a 217.5. Once Giarratano and The Electric Bandit ran back into the show pen, the two once again showed off why they boast such a great show record, including qualifying for The Run For A Million Non Pro Championship in Las Vegas. “I cannot believe how amazing and how great my horse was for me tonight,” he said hot off his second ride rewarded by the judges with a 220. “He is super special and I cannot thank him enough for always riding his heart out.” Stepping on the third step of the podium was Ettinger who rode Smart Kidd Josephine to a 217 in the run off.

Prime Time Non Pro Riders
Stephane Giraud (FRA) and Dont Need Gun Color rode to top honors with a 213 followed by Olga Hofmann (GER) and Walla Whiz Keen who posted a 211.5. Half-a-point behind, taking home the bronze was Francesca Sternberg (GBR) riding Red Dirt Paleface.

Children Riders rode for the Championship with Smart Rockin Haida and Antonia Enzenhofer of Austria riding to the gold medal with a 206.5
Following an amazing tie and run off for second and third place, Gunboy, ridden by Theresa Pühringer (AUT) clinched the silver medal while Stella Bellani of IRHA Italian Reining Horse Association rode her First Rosy Gun to the bronze medal. The Children Riders did not disappoint!

Para Riders Individual
Para athletes and their horses showed off their talent, capturing the public’s attention with their amazing runs. Taking the gold medal was 2025 World Reining Para Champion Martina Panizza of Italy riding Smoking Custom Lena.
Ophélie De Favitski of France is a vision impaired athlete. In order to show, a group of volunteers positioned in the arena helps her find the correct direction with their voices. With her amazing mare Roosterlena under the saddle, De Favitski performed a precise pattern with the crowd in awe. Her 210.5 score earned them the silver medal and loud cheers.
Closing the podium was yet another Italian athlete, Sara Borgonovo, who rode SSD RL Monsereno’s Millionic Gun to a 208 and the bronze medal.
Saturday action will see the Young Pro Riders, Junior Riders, Young Non Pro Riders, and the Open Riders close the inaugural World Reining Continental Championship.