Samuele Poli wins ERCHA Derby 2013 on This Cats Light

 The European Reined Cow Horse Association’s second limited aged event of the season, took place at Salone del Cavallo Americano in Reggio Emilia from 14th to 19th may 2013. The show is open to 4 and 5-years-old horses, showed in snaffle bit. There were 20 competitors in the Ercha Derby, which was judged by Jannette Steffl and Joe Carter, with scribe Vera Eliani and Manuela Maiocchi. 15 open entries, 5 non pro, 3 limited non pro contestant, and finally the limited open had 7 competitors.

Samuele Poli and This Cats Light won ERCHA Derby 2013. The nice sorrel stallion, proved to be extremely talented and efficient, especially in the fence work. Poli, who trains at his place, near Sarzana, had a winning day, and gained the title in the open after scoring 148 in the herd work, the pair continued with a 144 in the rein work, and a good 145 in the fence work, for a 437 composite. “He’s a very good athlete” claimed Poli after the awards ceremony. “He’s very good minded and finally he has the opportunity to show the best his capability”. Born in the States, the 5 years-old stallion arrived in Italy two years ago and he was trained always by Samuele.

Poli took also the second place in this ERCHA Derby 2013, with the beautiful stallion MA Adrenalize owned by himself. The 5-years-old roan stallion by Playin Stylish and out of My Mom Won It All posted a composite of 434.5 (146.5-140.5-147.5).

Serena Bagnara and Big Bag Of Snapple, 5 years-old bay maren by Mr Snapple and out of Little Bag Of Rubies by Smart Chic Olena, owned by Loris Raffagnato gained the ERCHA Derby Limited Open class with a score of 143 in the herd work, 139.5 in the rein work and a 143.5 down the fence for a composite 426. The trainer was very happy about her winning, and thanks all the people who helped him. “I’m so happy about this! I have a great fun in this week, Big Bag Of Snapple will show in six go, also her owner ride her in this Derby, she is a very great minded and a great athlete”.

Reserve championship honors in the limited open class went to Giovanni Campanaro and Nick For Me owned by Roberto Anoardo. The pair scored a fantastic 150 in the herd word (top score) and a 141.5 in the rein work and finish with a 134.5 down the fence.

Non Pro Derby Champion 2013 honors went to Israel rider Naama Reiss astride her bay mare Double Pick Olena by scoring a 419 (141 – 141 – 137). Naama trained with Markus Schopfer. Naama and her bay mare were also finalist in the reining derby this week. “It was a very tired week for me and for my horse, but I have much fun, and I’m so happy to win this title”.

Reserve championship non pro and limited non pro titles went to Michele Masi and Thaz A Twist, beautiful son of ARC Tora Tora (alias Smartaz) and out of Snappy Twist, owned by the Michele father: Filippo Masi. His composite was: 408 (140-142-126). Thaz A Twist was also reining futurity 2012 finalist with Giovanni Masi in saddle. And this is his first experience in the cow horse.

Loris Raffagnato and Big Bag Of Snapple took the second place in the limited non pro Derby division with a score of 415 (146-136.5-132.5). Loris with his horse has already gained the champion title in the Spring Stakes Non Pro and Limited Non Pro division.

Championship classes on Sunday 19th may 2013:

Alessia Campi with her Smart Style Dunnit won the Non Pro Limited, Non Pro Two Reins and Novice Riders classes with a score of: 142, 141 and 138.

Markus Schopfer and Elans Painted Rooster for owner Jeannette Krahenbuhl won the Two Reins Open.

Christoph Seiler won the Limited Open Bridle class on Smart Little Steady. The same horse with her owner Eliane Gfeller took the Non Pro Bridle champion honors.

In the open bridle the winner is again Markus Schopfer this time riding Peptos Lil Bingo owned by Braam QH.

Eliane Gfeller and Smart Little Steady gained the champion title in the Non Pro Bridle and in the Limited Open Bridle classes.

Anna Lil Peptos and his rider Markus Schopfer won also the Open Hackamore class, after gained third place on Derby open division.