Grathem, July 24 — The 2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championships, held at Reining Center Meertenhof in Grathem, the Netherlands, officially crowned the first European Affiliate Champions on Friday, July 24. The first coveted titles were awarded in the Youth 13 & Under, Youth 14–18, Rookie, Intermediate Non Pro, and Intermediate Open divisions, while the young riders also competed in the NRHA Youth Team Tournament.
$4000-Added EAC Fonck Performance Horses Intermediate Open (40 entries)
In front of a full house, 40 qualified European riders competed for the EAC Intermediate Open title. Once the last horse had left the arena, Markus Suechting of Germany, riding SS Beastmode (NRHA $4 Million Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Maggie Chic Dream), bred by Lil Equine LLC and owned by Katja Jungfer, and Quentin Galliere of France, aboard LH Shinecowboyshine (Cromeds Cowboy x Lady Santabellum), bred by Gustaf Jerenas and owned by Anke Hartwig, topped the leaderboard with scores of 220. The two professionals opted to share the Championship.
Fresh off his ancillary Intermediate Open win earlier in the week, Suechting was pleased with his horse’s improvement: “He was really good again and gave me everything. The stops were much better today, and he was really listening. When you win something at the start of the show, it’s great. Plus, today was my son’s birthday, so I was riding for him,” smiled the champion, who thanked his team. “I’m thankful to every owner of the horses I showed yesterday and today. I really appreciate their support. My wife stayed at home, but I’m very lucky that she is so supportive of me.”
Following his run, Galliere praised his horse: “I’ve believed in this horse from day one, and I’m very thankful to the owner for allowing me to show him today. I’m super happy with what he just did in the arena. I really like his funkiness; he’s a little weird and can be a clown, but that’s also what makes him so special and unique,” he said about his mount, whom he will now prepare for the NRHA European Derby in Lyon, France. “The Affiliate Championships are always fun. I really love this show, particularly because it is held here, where I come four times a year, so it feels like home to me.”
Tying for third place with a score of 219.5 were Suechting with Walhalla Whiz MS (NRHA $5 Million Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Delilahsdozenroses), bred by Suechting and owned by Caroline Hinsch, and Anne Grether of the Netherlands riding TR Voodoo Doll (NRHA $6 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun), bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC and owned by RS Reininghorses BV. Grether and TR Voodoo Doll also collected the $500-Added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash incentive.
$3000-Added EAC RH Support Intermediate Non Pro (50 entries)
Erik Verschueren of Belgium rode GP A Spook In Town (NRHA $4 Million Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Spook N Perla), bred and owned by his family’s Golden Paint Ranch, to a score of 218.5, topping the largest class of the day.
“My horse was fantastic! Today it’s not about me; it’s all about this incredible horse. He is nine years old this year and still going strong. Last year, he won the EAC Non Pro with my son Dries, and today we won this class—he truly is a once-in-a-lifetime horse for our family,” said Verschueren, who was quick to thank his team and praise the well-organized show. At home, I train with my son Dries, who helps me, and of course Bernard Fonck prepared us. I have to thank my wife, who allows me to have this hobby, and everyone around me: my two sons, Marie, Dries’s wife, and my friends.”
Sophie Overdevest of the Netherlands scored a 218 aboard her own A Nite In Walla (NRHA $6 Million Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Nitely Eyes), bred by Lynn De Ras, to take home the Reserve Championship.
George Sternberg Allen of Great Britain and Red Dirt Paleface (NRHA $4 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown), bred by Tim Anderson and owned by Francesca Sternberg, scored a 216.5 to claim third place and also collected the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive check.
$200-Added EAC De Coogh Rookie (48 entries)
Viktor de Boever of Belgium started the day strong. In a field of 48 Rookie riders, he piloted Thirty Eight Speshal (NRHA $8 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite x Dun A Lotta Dreamin), bred by Steve Vannietvelt and owned by Deboti Bvba, to a score of 211 and the Championship. “It was a bit stressful because it all came down to the last few riders, and I wasn’t sure if my score would hold. In the end, it did, and I still can’t quite believe it,” said the young rider. “This is actually my first championship with this horse. He’s been amazing, and I’m really happy with how he performed today. My favorite thing about him is his personality because he’s playful, enjoys his job, and is a really nice horse to be around.”
Gil Gerits of Belgium rode Miss Sparkling Whiz (NRHA $4 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage x KS Hollywood Twhize), bred by Johan Buijs and owned by Joy Verhaegen, to a score of 210 to claim reserve honors.
The third step of the podium went to Kaat Windmolders of Belgium and her own Betterlatethensorry (NRHA $3 Million Sire Shine Chic Shine x Snap A Lady), bred by Patrick Gobert, with a score of 209.
Reiner Spotlight: Ira-Marie Hubert & Dunnit Sailin
Ira-Marie Hubert of Germany made her way to Grathem with her 7-year-old mare, Dunnit Sailin (Pale Face Dunnit x KR Sailin, aka “Coco.” “I have two horses, but I only brought Coco here,” said Hubert. “I purchased her four years ago, and started her myself, which is not as easy as working with a trainer, but I’m really proud of her and where she’s at now. She’s a good stopper; she stops better than my other horse, but we do have to work more on the spins. It’s a process.”
Hubert, who qualified for this year’s EAC Limited Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Championships, says she enjoys everything about reining, particularly keeping her horses fit and conditioned. “I may be one of the oldest riders showing here. I love this venue; it’s a great place to prepare your horses, and everyone is really kind. It’s impressive. I often compete here, it feels like home, and I really enjoy being with all the young people at the show,” she added.
The successful 2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship will conclude on Saturday, July 25, with the $10,000-Added EAC Open, $5,000-Added EAC Non Pro,
$500-Added EAC Limited Non Pro, $500-Added EAC Limited Open, and $500-Added EAC Rookie Pro.
View the photos of the winners by Official Photographer Claudia Dermois here
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