Tulsa, OK – A boutique group of fabulous American reining horses went head-to-head on Friday night, in Tulsa, OK, at the 2011 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship, the featured evening event at the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic.

The National Championship title and top honors in the concurrent CRI3* ended up as a showdown between two teammates from the Gold medal-winning team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. These two superstar reining riders were also the WEG Individual Gold and Silver medalists.

Friday night in Tulsa they brought two chestnut mares to the occasion and Craig Schmersal turned the tables on his teammate, Tom McCutcheon, and cruised to the win on Miss Lil Addy Tude. Schmersal scored his second USEF National Open Reining Title with a score of 224.5.

The elegant 9-year-old Quarter Horse mare put in an easy and smooth effort, and her confidence in herself and Schmersal was evident.

“I was glad I led Tom in this victory celebration today,” said Schmersal. “He led the last one and the one before that.”

Schmersal was referring to not only the World Games, but also the runner-up effort he had with KC Performance Horses’ Miss Lil Addy Tude to McCutcheon in Sweden at the FEI World Reining Final in May. Schmersal felt the little mare was due for a win.

“She felt good the whole time,” said Schmersal. “She stopped good; she turned good. I was tickled pink about my ride. She’s a good mare and I’m glad she got her picture taken tonight. She deserved it.”

Turnabout Farm’s Chic Olena Starbuck put in a trademark McCutcheon performance that was half a point shy of the win. McCutcheon has gotten used to winning, so settled for second but was thrilled with his horse.

“The mare showed great,” said the World Champion of the 7-year-old mare. “She was good all the way through. It was lots and lots of fun. She’s a big, big stopper. That’s her lick. She was really trying hard. She was good tonight; she was really waiting for me. She wanted to be a show horse tonight.”

Casey Hinton rounded out the top three places with Play Dual Rey, who is owned by the Play Dual Rey Partners. He scored 220 and earned a Bronze medal for the effort.

Pete Kyle, Chair of the USEF High Performance Reining Committee and a USEF Reining Team stalwart, was fourth and fifth on Gimme Major Bucks and Whizs Bronze Star, respectively.

Another WEG Gold medalist, Tim McQuay, was having a terrific ride on Hollywoodtinseltown but he picked up penalties after his second flying change and ended up sixth.

Schmersal won his first National title in 2009 with Mr Dual Rey.

Video of the top three rides will be available later today at www.usefnetwork.com. The Tulsa Reining Classic continues today at Expo Square. More information is available at www.tulsareining.com.

Oklahoma City, OK – Members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) are the future of the sport of Reining. With this in mind, the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) has long been committed to providing leadership and scholarship opportunities to youth members. At this time the RHSF is awarding $10,500 in academic and need based scholarships for seven youth members.

Youth members from the United States and Canada submitted applications for the RHSF Scholarships in 2011. Recipients were determined by a committee based on academic achievement, future goals, involvement in NRHyA and NRHA, and financial need.

“The RHSF scholarship program is the perfect way to contribute to the future leaders of the reining industry. NRHyA is fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of young adults, and we look forward to watching the scholarship recipients’ future successes unfold,” said Shianne Megel, Supervisor of the RHSF & Youth Programs.

Christine Gordon of Colorado, Helen Lauth of Minnesota, and Samantha Belcher of Colorado were each awarded $2,000 in RHSF scholarship monies. Gordon attends Colorado Christian University and majors in music and math. Lauth will return to South Dakota State University as a member of their equestrian team, majoring in park & recreation management. Belcher plans to attend the University of Georgia where she will continue to compete in Reining as a member of their equestrian team.

Holly Lauth of Minnesota and Jacklyn Hoyt of New York will each receive $1,500 in scholarship awards from the RHSF. Lauth is attending the Rochester Community & Technical College and plans to transfer to the Mayo Medical Program. Hoyt attends the University of Georgia where she is a member of the equestrian team and studies anthropology and agribusiness.

In addition RHSF will award Morgan Burns of Florida and Jordan Cox of North Carolina with $750 in scholarships from the RHSF. Burns plans to attend Auburn University where she will continue to compete as a member of their equestrian team. Cox attends Kansas State University where she is majoring in veterinary medicine and is a member of the KSU equestrian team.

For more information about the RHSF Scholarship program, go to www.rhsf.com or www.nrhya.com. You may also contact the RHSF & Youth Programs at (405) 946-7400, or Shianne Megel at smegel@nrha.com and Kasie Pigg at kpigg@nrha.com.

© Copyright 2011 United States Equestrian Federation

Lausanne (SUI), 2 August 2011 – The FEI Reining Committee has now completed its work on a total revision of the Rules structure for the discipline. The proposed amendments will be sent to National Federations for full consultation before they are voted on at the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) in November prior to implementation on 1 January 2012.

The FEI set up three working groups in January of this year to conduct a full review of the discipline, addressing all aspects of the sport, including rules and veterinary issues.

The proposed new Rules include a ruling that prevents any organisation that does not fully comply with FEI Rules and Regulations from running competitions in conjunction with FEI Reining Events.

The new Rules will cover training and warm-up methods used at FEI Events for sliding stops, spins and backing. Also included in the revisions are new Rules covering:

•    Types of bits allowed
•    Types of spurs allowed
•    Education of Officials
•    Minimum number of Stewards required at Events

Separately, the FEI enquiry into allegations that breaches of its Rules and Regulations occurred during training sessions at the FEI World Reining Final in Bökebergs Gård (SWE) on 20 May 2011 has now been completed.

The enquiry was based on detailed reports received from FEI officials on duty at the Event as well as interviews with key individuals, including the FEI Honorary Steward General for Reining Eric Straus, who was Chief Steward at the Event.

No yellow cards were issued at the Event, but the Chief Steward has since informed the FEI that verbal warnings were given to a number of riders in Bökebergs Gård.

The enquiry has established that verbal warnings were issued for a variety of reasons, including riding for too long, running a horse into the wall, overly aggressive use of the hands, overly aggressive use of the spurs and attempting to train post-competition. However, due to the lack of authenticated evidence such as original unedited video footage, no further action can be taken against any individuals.

Findings from the enquiry have been incorporated into the overall review of the discipline and have played a key role in finalising the proposed new rules on training and warm-up methods as well revisions to the FEI’s stewarding policy on enforcement of the FEI Rules and Regulations. The FEI is also working closely with the Steward General to coordinate revision of the Stewards Manual.

“We absolutely understand the importance of learning from this alleged incident,” FEI Director Non-Olympic Sports Ian Williams said. “Our work over the last seven months has been to ensure that we put new Reining Rules in place that protect the welfare of the horse, as well as systems that empower our Stewards to enforce those Rules.”

FEI Media contacts

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Will Letner wins Gold. Photo: Waltenberry

Lexington, KY – Will Letner knew the bar was set high when fellow U.S. rider Laura Sumrall went out first into the Alltech Arena on Saturday – and came out with an impressive score of 217.5. Sumrall pumped her fists in the air, shouting, “Yes, yes!” at her first SmartPak Individual Reining Championships at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

Letner’s thought: “Well, where do I go from here?” And he’d have to wait for 18 more riders to go before him to find out.

As it turns out, the best was saved for last. The 20-year-old from Harris, MO, topped Sumrall by a whole point, earning 218.5 from the judges – a number that left his cowboy hat flying into the air, the crowd cheering, and Letner with a Gold medal.

“He was great,” Letner said of his 12-year-old Paint, A Genuine Diamond, owned by Dr. Larry Letner. “I couldn’t have asked for more horse today. He doesn’t really have a bad day and today was the best day he’s ever had.”

Sumrall, who won the Silver medal, knew she could do better than she did at Thursday night’s Team Reining Championships, also held at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Her horse, Einsteins Fancy Pine (aka “Smartie”) spooked and “I nearly fell off,” Sumrall said. Choking back tears, she walked off with a zero score.

“The zero was so disappointing,” said the 18-year-old from Summit, MO. “But today we had nothing to lose and she was amazing. She did what she does best.”

Sumrall’s Silver came with an extra push Saturday. Shelbie Friesen of Saskatchewan, Canada, and the 7-year-old quarter horse stallion, Golden Lena Chex (aka “Bo”), earned a score of 217.5 – the same as Sumrall.

By the end of Saturday’s 20-rider Individual pack, Sumrall and Friesen – who’s been riding since she was 2 and won a Bronze with Team Canada on Thursday – knew they would be in it for a run-off for the Silver medal.

The second time around, Sumrall wowed the judges again, earning a 215.5. Friesen’s horse, though, tired and after taking a circle close to the judges’ stands, she opted to pull Golden Lena Chex out.

Lane Wilson wins Gold, Juniors division. Photo: Waltenberry.

In addition to NAJYRC, the sport of reining presented for the first time a Juniors division at the SmartPak Reining Championships. All three junior riders at Thursday’s team competition earned qualifying scores to advance them to the individual medals round.

Lane Wilson of Ontario, Canada, rode No Finer Shiner to a Gold medal, scoring 207. “I was so proud of him,” Wilson said, adding that he has put his heart and soul into his horse for several years. “He gave it back to me this morning,” Wilson said.

Tiffany Wynn of Benton, KY, who has only been riding two years, won the Junior Silver on I Gotta Whiz with 187.5, and Emily Wilson of Ontario, Canada, earned 182.5 on Miss Cielo Chex for the Bronze.

For more information, please visit www.youngriders.org.

Don’t forget to read blogs, watch video and follow the competition at http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/NAJYRC2011.

Canada's YR Reining Gold team, l-r: Lisa Hiebert, Kylie Wasiuta, Jessica Green, Nancy Pratch. Photo: Diana De Rosa.

Lexington, KY – High-quality runs and terrific scores from a field of top-quality reining horses and the continent’s most elite junior and young rider athletes made for a spectacular night at the 2011 SmartPak Reining Team Championships at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

Canada reclaimed the top of the podium at Thursday night’s team competition, this time with its Alberta/Manitoba team earning a score of 623. All three counting scores on the Gold medal team came in above the 200 point mark. Team members Jessica Green (201), Lisa Hiebert (206.5), Nancy Pratch (215.5), and Kylie Wasiuta (194) powered through the competition with determination and heart and their efforts paid off in a big way. Defending the Gold medal on behalf of Canada was a top priority for the team, and seasoned team veterans Pratch and Wasiuta knew just what it would take.

“The horses were great and we had very nice, consistent runs that helped us stay on top,” said Pratch. “It is a huge honor and we are super proud to represent Canada at such an important competition.”

Pratch wins her third FEI Gold medal in two years, as she was the anchor rider for the Gold medal Canadian team at the Adequan North American Junior & Young Rider Championships last year and won the Individual Gold medal in 2010. All eyes turn now to see if Pratch will also defend her Individual Gold on Saturday morning in the final round of championship FEI reining.

Wasiuta is perhaps the most experienced reining competitor at these championships. She is the only rider that has competed at every NAJYRC since reining was introduced at the 2008 Championships in Parker, CO.

“I’ve been to each and every Young Riders since Parker, and I cannot think of a better way for me to go out on this, my last year competing as a Young Rider,” said Wasiuta. “I never dreamed that I would one day be a Gold medalist. It is the most important thing I’ve ever accomplished, and I am so proud,” an emotional Wasiuta said.

Team Mexico made its debut at the 2011 Championships, fielding a full team of Young Rider athletes and bringing with them some exceptionally nice horses. Taking their inaugural trip to the continental championships very seriously, the team has been in the U.S. training and preparing for the championships since June. After what would have been a devastating blow to any team, the Mexican Young Riders lost a strong team member at the horse inspection when their likely anchor, Alberto Aguilar’s horse, failed the jog. Undeterred, Mexico reorganized and advanced only three to the team competition, knowing that they would not have the security of the dropped fourth score. However, when the pressure was on, competitors and cousins Jesus Arturo Leal (199.5), Gerardo Leal (206) and Gilberto Leal (214) rose to the occasion and in the end, claimed the Silver medal with a team score of 619.5.

Mexico’s competitors and coaches all had the goal of reaching the podium. They enjoyed the challenge of possibly taking home some hardware to Mexico on their first attempt, and after the first two rounds, team scores revealed the Gold medal was within reach. It wasn’t until the second to last run of the night that Canada edged out Mexico in an incredibly tough fight for the top honors.

Asked about their experience so far at the Junior & Young Rider Championships, Aguilar, speaking for the entire team said, “It is a great place…so beautiful. We are very proud to bring the Silver medal back to Mexico and we give many thanks to our horses, our coaches and to the sponsors and organizers of this amazing event.”

Team Mexico has raised the bar of competitions at these championships and it is clear they will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.

While many come from far and wide to participate in the NAJYRC, perhaps none so far as team Saskatchewan, Canada. Determined and resolute, the team goal was to find a way to the podium in 2011, which began as far back as qualifying events. The team drove long hours, remained focused and kept an incredible team spirit – and was rewarded with the team’s first FEI medals. Bronze medalists from Canada – Brent Dembisky (208.5), Shelbie Friesen (202.5), Jon Katzman (202.5), and Lindsay Wankel (204) – combined for a team score of 615.

In addition to NAJYRC, the sport of reining presented for the first time a Juniors division at the SmartPak Reining Championships. All three junior riders earned qualifying scores to advance them to the individual medals round. Juniors include Lane Wilson and Emily Wilson of Canada, and Tiffany of the U.S.

See more of the Adequan North American SmartPak Reining Championships with the Individual Finals this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information, please visit www.youngriders.org.

Don’t forget to read blogs, watch video and follow the competition at http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/NAJYRC2011.

IT’S ALL GOLD FOR UNTOUCHABLE ITALIANS by Louise Parkes

Giovanni Masi won Junior Team and Individual gold at the FEI European Reining Championships 2011 at Wiener Neustadt, Austria where Italy reigned supreme at all levels. Photo: FEI/Christian Kellner.

Lausanne (SUI), 29 JULY 2011 – Italian riders swept all before them at the FEI European Reining Championships 2011, which came to a close at Wiener Neustadt, Austria yesterday.  In an extraordinary run of form they claimed gold in all three team championships, and took both gold and silver in each of the individual divisions.

Competitors from 10 countries were in action throughout the week, but the remaining nine had to bow to the supremacy of the Italian performers who out-rode all others.  They began with success for their Junior Team on Tuesday, and they never looked back.

JUNIORS
A total of 30 riders lined out in the Junior Team Championship in which the combined score of 643 points provided Italy with a clear victory over Germany in silver medal position while The Netherlands took bronze.  Germany’s Alisa Muller and Sparkling Cielo produced one of the highest early scores with 211 on the board, but it was Italy’s Giovanni Masi and his American Quarter Horse stallion Remins Remedy who produced the best result of the day. Rewarded with a mark of 220 it helped secure the ultimate honour for Masi and his team-mates Sara Ambrosini (Maxplease), Lara Lorengo (BH Shot O Lon) and Nicolo Boretti (Sun Olenas Red Chicka).

“I’m so glad about our success,” said Italian coach Filippo Masi.  “I knew I had four good riders on the team but, with the exception of Giovanni, they had no experience at this level.  Also Germany had a strong team,” he added.  Trainer Kay Wienrich was happy with the achievement of the German side.  “They all did a great job and I’m especially glad as we had three young and inexperienced riders in the team – and all four have qualified for the individual final.”

There were 21 young reiners from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic in the Junior Individual Championship won by Masi, who celebrates his 18th birthday tomorrow.  A score of 225.5 gave him a clear nine-point victory over Italian team-mate Lara Lorengo and her American Quarter Horse gelding BH Shot O Lon.  Italian Chef d’Equipe, Roberto Cuoghi, was delighted with the result. “We worked hard for it and also we were lucky of course, but Filippo Masi is doing such a great job – we are very proud to have him as the trainer of the seniors now as well,” he pointed out.

Bronze went to Germany’s Laura Spielmann and her mare Little Peppy Olena who scored 212.5.  The 18-year-old, who trains with Christine Burig and Nico Hormann, was 2009 German Champion and 2010 German Reserve Champion.  “This is a new milestone for me,” she said afterwards, “I’m really happy – my horse really gave everything!”

SENIORS
The Italian Seniors clinched the second team title of the week with a convincing score of 662.5 points which left them ahead of Germany in silver medal spot while Austria took bronze. The Netherlands’ Ricky Young and Brady Chex set the target score at 219.5 early in the competition, but the two highest marks were achieved by Italy’s Giuseppe Prevosti riding Enzo Gola’s Skeets Flamin and Austria’s Rudi Kronsteiner with his stallion Ima Mega Antares which was Reserve Individual European Champion in 2009.  They both put up a score of 223.00 on the board, while Prevosti’s Italian team-mate Stefano Angelucci steered AB Captain Badger to come in with 221.00 for the second-highest mark of the day. Added to the results produced by Massimiliano Canu (Hesa Mega Whiz) and Cristian Dallapozza (Whiz Ruf Peppy), this was more than good enough to secure the gold for Italy yet again.

“I knew we had a good team, but I also knew that Germany and Austria had brought fine horses as well. So we simply went on and tried to do our best. And we were lucky,” said Italian team manager Cuoghi. He also heaped praise on the event organisers.  “A big thank you to Helmut Schulz for his hospitality and great organisation.  Everybody is so friendly here, and the facility is great!” he said.

German team trainer Kay Wienrich was satisfied with the silver medal result from Sylvia Rzepka (Doctor Zip Nic), Nico Hormann (Smart Spookster), Christina Toksdorf (Ruf Lil Martha) and Oliver Wehnes (Lil Ruf Bandit).  “What can I say – it was fantastic!  Our riders were even better than we hoped.  Oliver has his horse for only four weeks and it was his first European Championship – he was great!  And Sylvia and Nico did a superb job as did our youngest, Cristina”.

The host nation missed the silver medal by the smallest of margins and Austrian Chef d’Equipe, Helmut Schulz, said afterwards, “we would have loved to win silver but the Germans were better and deserved it.  We had one great ride and some bad luck with the others, but I’m glad about the medal all the same,” he said as his team walked away with the bronze.

In the Individual Championship it was another Italian whitewash of the top two slots, as Prevosti reigned supreme ahead of Brighenti, with Austria again having to settle for bronze when Rudi Kronsteiner (Ima Mega Antares) lost three points for a simple mistake when slowing down after the first fast circle.  “It was my fault,” Kronsteiner admitted afterwards, “I asked him too suddenly and then I got that reaction. Ima Mega Antares was perfect otherwise.  I’m angry at myself – but that’s how the sport is.  Giuseppe and Davide were simply better and deserved to win,” the sporting Austrian said.

Gold medallist Prevosti, who is a multiple champion, has been riding the seven year old stallion Skeets Peppy since April.  “Kelly Sweifel trained him and she did an awesome job!” he said. “He is such a great minded horse. I’m so happy and I would like to thank Enzo Gola for giving me this wonderful horse, and Lara Maiocchi and of course our trainer and coach Filippo Masi for his confidence in me!”  Brighenti and his 14-year-old stallion Dualin For Me were on the gold medal winning Italian team at the World Championship in Manerbio.  “I’m so glad – I can’t believe it!” he said, “and what is even more, my great friend Pepe (Prevosti) has won the gold medal! Thanks to my family and my Dad for helping me all the time, and of course to Giovanni Franco for his fine horse!” he exclaimed.

YOUNG RIDERS
The Italian Young Riders completed the team medal haul in a tough five-nation competition that saw Belgium take silver and Germany slot into the bronze medal spot. Italy’s Guglielmo Fontana (Sparkle Poco Hickory), Chiara Bartoletti (Sailor Lyla), Gloria Spiaggi (Smart Zen) and Manuel Cortesi (ML Great Spirit) scored a total of 648.5 points to overtake the Belgians who had been in the lead for some time.  In the end just 3.5 points separated the top two teams while the German bronze medallists were 8.5 points further adrift.

This third team gold medal for Italy brought rousing cheers from the crowd, and when trainer Filippo Masi was asked about his recipe for success he replied with a smile “Luck! We had very good riders and horses, but the other teams were really strong as well.”  Belgian Chef d’Equipe Sally Baeck said her side had hoped to make it hard for the Italians, “and we did! Our riders were great – silver for the second time!”, while Germany’s Paul Kratschmer added that “we had the maximum of our potential here and the competition was tough, but our people did their best.”

Manuel Cortesi and his American Quarter Horse stallion ML Great Spirit produced the top score of 221.  And 19-year-old Cortesi, who took bronze at the 2009 FEI European Reining Championships, scored even higher when awarded 222 to win the Individual title yesterday.  The battle for silver was played out in a run-off between his Italian team-mate Andrea Ianetta (Little Sugar Speedy) and Belgium’s Matyas Gobert (Chicky Smart Jac) who both recorded first scores of 219.5.  Ianetta’s nine-year-old stallion proved the stronger horse in the final analysis however, earning 222 in the run-off while three-time Belgian champion and 2009 European silver medallist Gobert picked up a mark of 219.

The sporting spirit was not lost on the Belgian bronze medallist.  “I had a lot of stress in the run-off as I knew Andrea and how good he is. It was difficult for my mare as well as this was her first big event and the run-off was very close to the final ride.  She gave all she could for me.” And Belgian Chef d’Equipe Susy Baeck added, “It is simply unbelievable – Matyas is Belgium’s big future talent and we are looking forward to him riding in the Seniors!”

For individual champion Cortesi it was all about his stallion ML Great Spirit which was given to him by owner and breeder Eugenio Latorre just two months ago.  “He is an absolutely honest, strong and very smart horse who loves to be in the show ring.  I’m so happy about this success for Italy and I’d like to thank Eugenio and his wife Bonny for giving me this amazing horse – and my father who has supported me so much!”

Results:
Junior Team Championship:  GOLD – Italy 643 – Maxplease (Sara Ambrosini), BH Shot O Lon (Lara Lorengo), Sun Olenas Red Chicka (Nicolo Boretti), Remins Remedy (Giovanni Masi); SILVER – Germany 628.5 – Sparkling Cielo (Alisa Muller), Guns Red Obsession (Sofie Eckebrecht), Top On Cutie (Sabrina Baumgartner), Little Roosters Gal (Fabienne Kramer); BRONZE – Netherlands 616.5 – BQ Fancy Starlet (Famke Alegra), Great Kid Whiz (Megan Schmidt), Twist N Freckles (Trudy Van de Plas), Little Smart Jameen (Alissa Leloux).

Young Rider Team Championship: GOLD 648.5 – Italy – Sparkle Poco Hickory (Guglielmo Fontana), Sailor Lyla (Chiara Bartoletti), Smart Zen (Gloria Spiaggi), ML Great Spirit (Manuel Cortesi); SILVER – Belgium 645.00 – Chicy Smart Jac (Matyas Gobert), Juans Stolen Gun (Nathalie Van Den Broeck), The Rumble Bee (Shana Vanhove), Hesa Juicey (Giverny Cappoen); BRONZE – Germany 636.5 – Frosty 2 (Laura Stein), SES Topsail Whiz (Vanety Korbus), Miss Estrella Del Cielo (Josefin Lintner) Jacs War Leo (Andre Aschau).

Senior Team Championship: GOLD – Italy 662.5 – Whiz Ruf Peppy (Cristian Dallapozza), Hesa Mega Whiz (Massimiliano Canu), Skeets Flamin (Giuseppe Prevosti), AB Captain Badger (Stefano Angelucci); SILVER – Germany 656.5 – Lil Ruf Bandit (Oliver Wehnes), Ruf Lil Martha (Christina Tolksdorf), Doctor Zip Nic (Sylvia Rzepka), Smart Spookster (Nicolas Hormann); BRONZE – Austria 652.5 – Dun It Whiz Jerry (Markkus Morawitz), Smart Rattle Snake (Dennis Schulz), Ima Mega Antares (Rudi Kronsteiner), Dun It On The QT (Martin Muhlstatter).

Junior Individual Championship: GOLD – Remins Remedy (Giovanni Masi) ITA 225.5; SILVER – BH Shot O Lon (Lara Lorengo) ITA 216.5; BRONZE – Little Peppy Olena (Laura Spielmann) GER 212.5.

Young Rider Individual Championship: GOLD – ML Great Spirit (Manuel Cortesi) ITA 222.00; SILVER – Little Sugar Speedy (Andrea Iannetta) ITA 222.00 (in two-way run-off); BRONZE – Chicy Smart Jac (Matyas Gobert) BEL 219 (in two-way run-off).

Senior Individual Championship: GOLD – Skeets Flamin (Giuseppe Prevosti) ITA 226.5; SILVER – Dualin For Me (Davide Brighenti) ITA; BRONZE – Ima Mega Antares (Rudi Kronsteiner) AUT 225.00.

Layla Choate winning the inaugural NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship aboard Kathleen Ray’s Dunit Pistol Pete (Photo by Waltenberry).

Oklahoma City, OK – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitors to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby Show on June 30, 2011. Competitors were given an opportunity to participate the first-ever NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship, a competition similar to the long-standing NRHA Collegiate Championship.

The new championship class brought together the top four riders from the Individual Open Reining at the IEA National Western Championship and the top four riders from the 2010 NRHA Youth 14-18 division in an exciting competition where the youth will show unfamiliar horses donated by generous supporters.

Layla Choate of Hazel, Ky. and Dunit Pistol Pete (donated by Kathleen Ray of Aubrey, Tex.), earned the first Interscholastic Championship title with a score of 217.5. Megan Foley of the Autumn Rose Equestrian Team in Powell, Ohio, rode Check This Dun It (donated by Lorrie & Terry Thrasher) and was awarded Reserve Champion with a score of 217.

Choate will be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall where she will be majoring in environmental science. Choate offered advice to young riders by saying, “Work hard every day and ride as many different horses as you can.“ She said that by doing so you will improve yourself as a showman.

IEA riders included: Cody McMillion, Hammond School; Megan Foley, Autumn Rose Equestrian Team; Jessica Cornwell, Autumn Rose Equestrian Team; and Ciara Bartholomew, Autumn Rose Equestrian Team.

NRHA riders were: Ashley Auditore, Pepperell, Mass., Kayli Mullins, Weare, N.H., Layla Choate, Hazel, Ky., and Laura Sumrall, Summit, Miss.

NRHA and NRHyA would like to thank the following horse owners who donated their horses for the Interscholastic Reining Championships: Kathleen Ray of Aubrey, Tex. with Dunit Pistol Pete; Lorrie and Terry Thrasher of Cairo, Mo. with Check This Dun It; Carolyn C. Smith of Azle, Tex. with Showtime Pistol; Mindy Truex of Warsaw, Ind. with Streakin Catalyst; High Crest Reiners, Inc of Dayton, Mont. with Mr Awesome Affaire; Teresa Wynn of Benton Ky, with Playgun Chic Olena; Jordan Donnelly of Aubrey, Tex. with Hollywood All Star and J/P Anderson of Sallisaw, Okla. with Pkm Scootin Smart.

IEA was formed, in 2002, and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition, and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.

Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere.

© Copyright 2011 United States Equestrian Federation

Denny Chapman of Ocala FL won the Men’s All-Around World Championship at the Single Action Shooting Society “End of Trail” finals at Founder’s Ranch, Edgewood NM. Chapman, a professional mounted shooting competitor, horse trainer and Wild West entertainer, flew in to the event and competed on a borrowed horse. “The event consisted of multiple stages of mounted shooting combined with live-fire cowboy action shooting over several days,” Chapman said. “The Double E Ranch of Gila NM provided me with a horse and tack to compete with and Taylor’s & Company Firearms provided my shooting equipment. It was my first World Championship win and I had a great time.” Denny recently launched a Mounted Shooting talk show which can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dennychapman/2011/07/08/mounted-shooting-radio-with-denny-chapman.

www.DennyChapman.com

Oklahoma City, OK – Michael Pope’s 7-year-old horse, Whizota, “tried his heart out” and that determination edged the pair over their competitors into first place. Pope, Elizabeth Cosper and Olivia Hartman were crowned USEF National Youth Reining champions of three separate age groups at Saturday’s 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby.

The Youth qualified for the USEF Championships by earning points in Qualifying Classes throughout the country in 2010-2011.

Pope, a 21-year-old from Theodore, AL, won the 19-21 age division on a score of 141 over Pilot Point, TX-rider Breanne Bertrand, who took the reserve spot on Stoned Chick on 140. Pope also claimed the third-place position, riding Whizn Freckle on a score of 139.5.

“The show is always fun and people were great,” Pope said. “I am very proud of my horse he did great.  It was a long trip to get here but it paid off big. Tim McQuay did a great job training this horse and I really enjoy showing him.”

Pope’s victory is just the latest in a long string of accomplishments that include: showing at all three NRHA Non Pro levels and leading the nation in USEF Youth 19-21 division and Adult Amateur division; 2009 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Champion Youth 14-18; 2008 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Reserve Champion Youth 14-18; 2005-2007 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Champion Youth 14-18; 2009 Year-End Champion Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2; and 2009 Year-End Reserve Champion Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1.

In the middle age group, Elizabeth Cosper of Wilmington, NC, was named USEF National Youth Reining Champion in the 14-18 age group after a great performance on her mare, Whata Dream. Cosper was an NRHA Youth Top Ten ranking in 2009 and she has a Southeastern Reining Horse Association Reserve Champion title and a Virginia Reining Horse Association Reserve Champion title. She also has served as a NRHyA delegate from the Southeast region.

Cosper won on a score of 145.5 over Laura Sumrall of Summitt, MS, who had 144 aboard Einsteins Fancy Pine, aka “Smartie.” Third place went to Javier Melo of Pinecrest, FL, on Imasugaredpepto who had a score of 143.5.

Olivia Hartman of Scottsdale, AZ, won the 13-and-under division aboard Sailing by Starlight, owned by OK Ranch LLC. Her score of 140 put her well on top. Stephen Timberlake of Millington, TN, rode Electric Maid Chic to second place on 136.5, and Rylee Justus of Larkspur, CO, took third aboard Ima Chocolate Dunit on a score of 132.5.

In the CRI-Y which ran concurrently, riders had their eyes on the 2011 Smart Pak North American Young Rider Reining Championships at the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North.

Will Letner of Harris, MO, rose to the top this year on a score of 144 on A Genuine Diamond owned by Dr. Larry Letner.  Breanne Bertrand and Stoned Chick placed second on 140 and Tiffany Wynn of Benton, KY, on I Gotta Whiz claimed third on 135.5.

This group of riders will represent the United States July 27-31, 2011, in Lexington, KY.  The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21. Young equestrians come from the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands to vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the FEI World Equestrian Games disciplines of reining and endurance.

For more information, please visit: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allreining/youthReiningChampionship.aspx and http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2011ReiningNationalChampionships.

For more information about NAJYRC, please visit: www.youngriders.org.

More information regarding the USEF Reining program is available by contacting Vonita Bowers at vvbowers@usef.org.

Trey Young, “The American Horseman,” has been busy planning and promoting his new television series airing on HRTV Dish Network 404. While creating his schedule, the horseman has reserved many dates along the way for future clinics. Young has been hosting clinics at his 3-Y Ranch in Crawfordville, FL for nearly 4 years. His clinics range from confidence on the trail, to cow work, to basic horsemanship.

Trey’s next clinic is a basic horsemanship clinic set for June 25th-26th. This clinic is designed for all levels of horsemanship. Young will assure that you leave this clinic with renewed confidence and understanding, resulting in a stronger bond and partnership between you and your horse. Regardless of your skill level, this clinic promises something new, fun, and helpful for everyone that attends.

This basic horsemanship clinic will feature some ground work as well as more saddle time to get your horse to better understand your cues. From start to finish the rider will focus on improving everything for themselves, and their horse. Clinics are limited to small sizes to ensure each person gets the one on one time they need. If you would like to attend a clinic, but don’t have a horse, one can be provided for an additional fee.

Clinics start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., with a one hour lunch break.  Coffee and a light breakfast are provided early for those needing an extra boost to jump start their day. Lunch will also be provided for those attending the clinic, usually something filling, but light enough so you can get back on your horse!  We don’t want any napping!

For more information on our clinics, or to reserve your spot, please contact Cindy at 1- 352-546-2820 or cindy@3yranch.com.

Seats for participants and auditors are still available – call to reserve now!  No extra charge to come the day of the clinic.

Contact:
Cindy Oatman: Director of Marketing: 1-352-546-2820; cindy@3yranch.com; www.3yranch.com
Jason Gazy: Executive Producer: 1-585-213-0205; equinehbtv@gmail.com; www.equinehbtv.com

Click here for the Trey Young “The American Horseman” horsemanship clinic flyer