July 26, 2018 – Kreuth – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Championship filled the day in Kreuth, Germany, where three 2018 Champions were crowned.
It was a first for the Czech Republic as NRHA Professional Jonas Bujnoch claimed the highest step of the podium in the $570-added NRHA EA Rookie Professional Championship. In a field of 17 riders, Bujnoch rode his own 6-year-old stallion, Mercedes Rooster (Cromed Out Mercedes x Rooster Ata Party), to a 212. “I expected to earn a higher score but I never imagined I would go home with the European title,” said the young professional who runs his own facility in the Czech Republic. “He’s an amazing horse with great looks, talent and is super minded.” Bujnoch also qualified his mount in the NRHA European Derby Level (L)2 and L1 Open finals. The champion received a saddle presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Saddles, an NRHA Lawson trophy, a pair of NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine splint boots and an NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckle.
The reserve championship went to NRHA Professional Barbara Bayer of Austria and Brigitte Polly’s Where Does Rosy Go (Dancing On Diamonds x Sugar Bay Miss). The Austrian professional and her 7-year-old mare closed their run with a 210.5.
Taking third place honors half-a-point behind was NRHA Professional Alicja Kula of Poland riding Shining Whiz Olena (Shiner Olena x Shining Whiz), a 4-year-old mare owned by Katarzyna Roleska.
Winning the $3,520-added NRHA EA Intermediate Non Pro Championship with a 216 was Dries Verschueren riding Smart N Sparkin, a 10-year-old stallion by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena out of Setting Off Sparks owned by Golden Paint Ranch. “This is a great horse that I have the honor of owning and riding. He has won over $106,000 NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) with [NRHA Million Dollar Rider] Bernard Fonck in the saddle,” said an enthused Verschueren. “I am thrilled with this Championship and am very fortunate to have the best coach ever; Fonck!” The champion received an NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Saddles saddle, an NRHA Lawson trophy, a pair of NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine splint boots and an NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckle.
The reserve championship, with a 215.5, was claimed by the $570-added NRHA EA Limited Non Pro Champion Emma Villa of Italy and her Kidding Chicory, a 13-year-old stallion by Mr Tori Kid out of Genuine Chicory. “I have owned this horse since last year after one of [NRHA Professional] Davide Brighenti’s clients sold him to me. He’s an incredibly talented and sweet stallion and I love him to death,” said Villa. “Earning the Championship as well as a Reserve Championship, on top of second place in the NRHA Limited and Intermediate Non Pro ancillary classes is simply incredible and he truly deserves to be on the podium.” The duo received a saddle presented by NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Saddles, an NRHA Morgan trophy, a pair of NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine splint boots and an NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths buckle for the win.
Conquering the third place of the podium in the Intermediate Non Pro with a 213 was Luke Phillimore of Great Britain riding Tin Whizin (Tinsel Nic x Whizin Off Sparks) owned by Roma Phillimore.
Reserve honors, with a 212.5 score in the Limited Non Pro were Paula Siekanska of Poland and her Sugars Smart Player (Honky Tonk Player x Sugars Doc Tari). Third place, with a half-point difference, went to Belgian Sharon De Groot aboard her 13-year-old mare Conquistador Sis (Conquistador Whiz x Sisters Twisted).
Reserve champions received a pair of bell boots offered by NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine, a pair of spurs offered by NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths and an NRHA plaque. Third place received a pair of stirrups offered by NRHA along with an NRHA plaque.
NRHA Press Release
