Lyon, November 1 – In twenty years, Equita Lyon has become an international benchmark in terms of equestrian events. Every year, over 150.000 visitors make their way to the French city which is located in the Rhône-Alpes region and which attracts over 2000 horses represented by 20 breeds. Horse enthusiasts enjoy the incredible number of vendors and naturally the greatest jumping, dressage, cutting and reining champions. The $35,000-added Equidia Reining International de Lyon Open Like each year, the $35,000-added Equidia Lyon Reining International Open lived up to expectations; the public filled the stands and 25 top European horses and riders rode in the pen. Prior to the prestigious NRHA approved Lyon International Reining Open, during the Opening Ceremony, Penelope Leprévost and Olympic rider Michel Robert gave everyone the chance to see the best female rider in the world and her mentor try out the main reining manoeuvers. “I’ve had the chance to ride a reiner before and I must admit I really enjoyed it! These horses are simply amazing,” said Leprévost. Three NRHA Million Dollar Riders (Bernard Fonck, Rudi Kronsteiner and Cody Sapergia) as well as NRHA past Open World Champions (Sail On Top Whizard, Nu Chexomatic,) rode through the in gate and once the last stop was performed, the highest score of the day was a 223 posted by Belgian Cira Baeck riding Rudeidger Diedenhofen’s Whizasunnysailor BB (Topsail Whiz x Walla Walla Sunshine) and by Austrian Rudi Kronsteiner aboard Glis Ranch’s Dr Lee Hook (Ray Gay Quixote x Chickadualsha). The two NRHA Professionals decided not to run-off and settled for the co-championship. “It’s the end of the season and both our horses have given us both so much both this year and during their career,” said Cira. Kronsteiner agreed to the decision and was quick to praise his 7-year-old stallion’s performance: “Once again my horse felt good and did good enough to win! This is the fifth time he’s showing here and it was with him that I crossed the Million Dollar Mark right here in Lyon!” Cira Baeck riding Shine N Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Spark N Pretty), owned by Chanay Sky Management, also shared the co-reserve championship with husband and wife team, Ann and Bernard Fonck. Ann rode Rosanne Sternberg’s Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Whiz). The pair had left their mark in Lyon last year winning the prestigious Open and also took the 2014 NRHA Open World Championship. Multiple NRHA Open World Champion, Bernard Fonck, rode Smart N Sparkin (Smart Chic Olena x Setting Off Sparks). The three Belgian riders closed their runs with a 222. The $15,000-added Delome Reining International de Lyon Non Pro Saving the best for last was exactly what past NRHA Non Pro World Champion, Tina Kuestner-Mantl, and her flashy palomino gelding, Nu Chexomatic, did on Sunday afternoon in Lyon. In a field of 22 entries, last to go, the pair closed the reining competition and their pattern with an explosive 223.5. The highest score of the entire show! With Cody Sapergia in the saddle, Nu Chexomatic – aka Duke – had claimed the 2013 NRHA Open World Championship. By Nu Chex To Cash and out of Tejons Texie Lena, the 7-year-old stallion once again proved his worth. “I’m happy and since my first horse (Hesa Sure Whiz) didn’t do too well, I was a bit more aggressive showing,” said Tina. “The most important thing was that Duke was quiet and really nice everywhere!”
Early in the draw, Gina Schumacher and Gotta Nifty Gun (Dun It Gotta Gun x Custom Nifty Nic), owned by Chanay Sky Management, had set the bar by scoring a 219.5. Their score remained un beat until Tina entered the pen after which they had to settle for reserve honors. In third place, Belgian Piet Metsdagh rode his Reining Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Rush N Cat) to a 217.5. He was followed, with a one point difference, by Manuel Bonzano of Italy aboard High Point Reiner (Sailin Ruf x Scarlet High Listo) owned by 23 QH Az. Agricola SS. The two European riders, are hauling for the NRHA Non Pro World Championship.
The French 3-year-old Snaffle Bit Futurity
Earning the $3,000- added Futurity Snaffle Bit 3-year-old Open Level 4 Championship were Cira Baeck and Wimpysshortstride BB, owned by Tuur Lefloot. The pair scored a 216.5 for the win.
Taking home the the $2,000-added Level 2 and the $1,000-added Level 1 championship was Christelle Graffeuille riding Customized Whizcrome for owner Laurent Garrido.
Winning the $2,500-added Snaffle Bit Non Pro Level 4 division was Tina Kuenstner-Mantl riding her Whizzing Grace. The $1,500-added Level 2 was for BFR Whiz I Had A Gun with Renate Duijnkerke in the saddle. Claiming $500-added Level 1 division were Sabrina Gujer and KR Next Revolution.
The French 3 & 4 year-old Futurity
Winning the $4,000-added Futurity 3 & 4-year-old Open Level 4 championship with a 217.5 was Ann Fonck riding Spook N Perla for Golden Paint Ranch.
Checkmybarbiesturbo, ridden and owned by Kristiaan Hermus, earned both the $2,000-added Level 2 and $1,000-added Level 1 Open championships.
In the $2,800-added Non Pro Level 4 division, Gina Schumacher riding CS Eye Catchin Gun took the title.
Both the $,1200-added Level 2 and the $500-added Level 1 titles went to Gina van den Bos riding Lil Ruf Whiz N Tag. The Reining International de Lyon and the $21,000-added French Futurity, organized by GL Events in collaboration with the NRHA of France, is the largest international reining event in France.
Provided by Simona Diale
