Lyon, October 30 — The 2024 NRHA European Derby launched with a thrilling start at the Longines Equita Lyon international show, where the ELEMENTA Non Pro Derby Qualifier took center stage in the Oklahoma Arena today. The event’s 14th edition opened with 122 competitive horse-and-rider duos, each vying for a coveted spot in the Non Pro finals on Friday, November 1.
History will be made in Cremona, Italy, where the National Reining Horse Association European Futurity will be the first event in Europe to guarantee $1 million added money. Held during the Salone del Cavallo Americano on May 22–26, the event is supported by NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese in collaboration with the Italian Reining Horse Association, TFY, a select group of supporters, and the NRHA Nomination Program money. This event will be the first of its kind for Europe and will create incredible opportunities for riders, breeders, owners, and fans.
Lyon, November 3 — The $300,595-added NRHA European Derby held in Lyon, France, during the renowned Equita Lyon fair, closed the third day of reining competition with the Non Pro Derby Finals. It was ladies night in the Oklahoma Arena where a very high level of competition was showcased. Storming into the arena as draw four in the second section of the ELEMENTA European Derby Non Pro Finals, Belgium's Jody Fonck with Smart Spooky Joe under the saddle set the bar high by performing to a 223. Their score held until the end and the pair pocketed the Level (L) 4, 3 and 2 Championships as well as the Youth Non Pro Championship.
One of Europe’s largest equestrian trade and horse shows, Equita Lyon in Lyon, France, is host to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby. Today, reining competition kicked-off hit the ‘Oklahoma Arena’ with the ELEMENTA Non Pro European go round counting 98 combinations vying for a ticket to the Finals which will be held on Friday, November 3.
The atmosphere during the 2022 National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Finals, held Friday, April 22, was full of anticipation.
When Taylor Zimmerman rode into the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum on Shining On Ruf, the excitement of the crowd built, and the whoops, hollers, and whistles hit their crescendo when the pair’s score – a 222 – was announced. “The crowd was electric. I was really focused and trying to zone in as much as possible, but I did hear and feel the energy from the crowd,” Zimmerman shared following the Finals.
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