The inaugural World Reining Continental Championship (WRCC) held in the beautiful BO Ranch, located near Fontainebleau, France’s horse capital, right outside Paris, proved to be emotional and exciting with 129 riders, representing eight nations, riding for the coveted medals and custom-made trophies.

On Saturday night, the much-awaited Individual Open Championship showcased reining at its best. With twenty qualified individual combinations, it was all about girl power. Performing a precise and powerful run, Kim Girinon and Miss Maggie Brown, a mare by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Hollywood Footprints owned by Sabatino QH of Italy, topped the leaderboard with an outstanding 224. “This is amazing and I am super happy; my mare was amazing and I am so grateful the owner gave me this opportunity,” said the Belgian professional.
 
With a 220.5, Kim’s husband, NRHA $1 Million Rider Arnaud Girinon, rode to the second step of the podium and the silver medal for Belgium, riding Dancer Monkey (Gunner x Dance Little Spook), a mare owned by Raffaele Carbonara. The Girinon couple were on Team Belgium who won the silver medal in the Open Spooks Gotta Whiz Team Competition.
 
In third place was Italy’s Stefano Ferri riding BO Ranch’s Spider Whiz, a stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz x Great Dun Pistol. The pair, who scored a 220 for the bronze individual medal, was on the winning Team Italy who claimed the gold in the Open Spooks Gotta Whiz Team Competition.

On the closing day of the WRCC, the first individual champions of the day were the Young Professional Riders. With a powerful ride, and a score of 220.5, Germany’s Lucie Egenter and BB Gotta Gold Tinsel, owned by Barbara Braun, slid to the first step of the podium.  Taking the silver medal was Germany’s Franziska Wallner riding Heidi Wallner’s Captain Chex Sparrow to a 217 score. Closing the podium was Italy’s Alessio Pizzuti aboard Vintage Gun Model; the duo performed to a 215.5.

The Junior Riders Individual competition brought exciting action as the young riders competed for the title. With a winning score of 215.5, Manuele Bonzano of Italy guided Mr Shines, owned by 23 Quarter Horses, to the gold medal and the Junior Riders Individual Championship. “I have no words to describe this feeling and how great my horse was,” he said. “Winning the Team gold was the first great goal achieved here; taking home the individual makes it twice as sweet and I cannot but thank this great horse.”
After four-way tie for the second step of the podium, the run off saw Martina Zeni of Italy riding RZ SG claiming the silver medal. The bronze medal went to fellow-Italian Riccardo Cellini aboard his own Millenium Rooster.

The Young Non Pro Riders Individual competition delivered more exciting action.
With an impressive 218, Italy’s Francesca Ferrarol and her own VD Snarling Miracle captured the gold medal. “This horse is amazing and simply gave me all her heart,” she said. “She is the best horse I have ever ridden and after today’s run I am incredibly happy.”
The silver medal with a 216.5 score went to Matt Legrand of France riding his own Rock Shining Spat. Giulia Travagli of Italy and her own FV Whiz Gotta Gun earned the bronze with a 215.5.

At the end of the four-day competition, Italy won the BO Ranch Best Nation Award after topping the medal leaderboard.
 
The world is now looking forward to the 2027 edition of the World Reining Championship which will be held in Givrins, Switzerland.
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.

About BO Ranch
Under the leadership of Grégory Morat, the functional and elegant BO RANCH – located on the outskirts of Paris and close to Fontainebleau, the horse capital of France — 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
 
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