ERCHA/NRCHA Hackamore Classic 2025 is in the books
The ERCHA/NRCHA Hackamore Classic 2025 proved to be a highly significant event that celebrated the rich heritage and tradition of the reined cow horse. Based on a history of excellence and equestrian skill, this competition showcased the ability, dedication, and artistry of riders and their horses, highlighting the timeless discipline of working with the hackamore. As one of the most anticipated events on the ERCHA calendar, the Hackamore Classic continued to honor California’s deep heritage.
Hackamore Classic
At the end of three exciting events, the winner of the Hackamore Classic Open 2025 was the Italian professional Giovanni Campanaro, who, riding Top Tuff Rey, achieved the highest score of 216.5 (72.5 herd/71 rein/73 cow). “Tuff also showed today that he has a big heart. I am happy to have added this achievement to her show record. I always want to give my best to help my horses perform well, and I believe I succeeded today!”, commented Giovanni after the awards presentation. Top Tuff Rey is a 5-year-old mare sired by Bet Command Rey and out of CR Lenas Top Tuff, owned by Carlo Mulatero.
Taking home Limited Open division Champion title but also Reserve Champion honours in the Open was another Italian rider: Markus Schopfer presented the 5-year-old stallion Oh Cay EasterCat (Oh Cay MC x Snapper Victoria) owned by Sandro Peretto ending with a 216 (72 herd/71.5 rein/72.5 cow). “I’m happy with this result. The cow in the cow work was goodl, but it didn’t allow us to mark more. Still, it was a good preparation for Americana, the event of the year.”
Second place in the Limited Open division went to Andrea Sanfelici and Micol Fontana’s CLR Corona Seco Boon. This 5-year-old gelding sired by Boogie Boon and out of Donna Secolo ended with a total of 209 points (66 herd/71 rein/72 cow).
Austrian Tomas Barta took the lead in the Hackamore Classic Level 1 Open with 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare Sugars Smart Annie (Sugars Smartest Lena x Avril Smart Play). “I have rode both parents of this mare, who was born on my ranch, and I must say she looks exactly like her father in every way. This result confirms that we can go to Americana with something to show for it.”
Regarding the divisions reserved for non-professional riders (Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro), Peter Trixner from Austria won with his HSR Metallic Alpha. This 5-year-old mare was born in the States and come to Europe just and the end of last year. “The most difficult part for me was competing in these temperatures and humidity, but my mare was able to withstand even challenging conditions. I had little time to prepare her for this competition, and I am happy with how it went.”
German Klaus Paucker was Reserve Champion both in the Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro divisions of the Hackamore Classic. Under his saddle the 5-year-old gelding Silver Catfish (Rainboon Man x Vans Lil Pepidot). Klaus and his horse took the lead in the Non Pro Hackamore class of the Horse Show #3 with 136.5 points (69.5 rein/67 cow). “I’m pretty happy with the run today, I think we start developing together, I’m looking forward to show him at the next two ERCHA events”.
Bridle Spectacular
Concurrently with the special event Hackamore Classic, the Bridle Spectacular was held in Travagliato (BS), Italy, in preparation for the prestigious ERCHA Nations Cup, which will be held this year in Friedrichshafen.
In the open division of the event with the three classic cow horse events in bridle equipment, the standout was Swiss rider Antoine Cloux who presented the 10-year-old stallion Wares The Nurse (WR This Cats Smart x Nurseware) owned by Brigitte Belin. This talented sorrel scored the biggest score: a 215.5 (73.5 herd/71.5 rein/70.5 cow). “I managed to start well with a good herd work, but I have to say that I am particularly satisfied with the fence, where my horse was able to hold a cow that wasn’t exactly easy.”
Taking home Reserve Champion title in the Open division but also Champion title in the Open Bridle class was Austrian Tomas Barta who rode the 7-year-old mare CR Tuff Calie Rey (Woody Be Tuff x Calie Del Rey) ending with 210 points (70 herd/69.5 rein/70.5 cow). “This result came unexpectedly; I am grateful to my wife Andrea, who helps me in every way, but also to the owner of the mare, Karl Simon, who allows me to compete with her.”
In the Bridle Spectacular Non Pro, a German pair took the lead in the standings, with Marco Breitenbach securing the victory with his 13-year-old VR Lolita Pep (Star G Grand Peppy x Lolita Jacs) and 205.5 points (70.5 herd/68.5 rein/66.5 cow). “I got lucky, a lot of things went bad today with the cow but I managed to have the average most points. I think we can do a lot better but I’m happy for the winning and also for my wife that is Reserve Champion in this class, that’s really special.”
Following in second position was Marco’s wife Kerstin Breitenbach who presented the 7-year-old mare MA Liones Cat (SDP Justice Is Comin x Trust In Me Today) with a total of 203 (71 herd/66 rein/66 cow).
Non Pro Bridle + Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
Both categories were signed by German Masha Stein riding her Smokisticated Cat. An 8-year-old gelding sired by Sophisticated Catt and out of Lady Smoke N Glo bred by Masha Stein same who scored a 139 (69 rein/70 cow). “It’s kind of hot here in Italy and I’m really proud of him! I want to keep him ready for Americana, our home show. I had a lot of fun!”
Filippo Masi Novice Riders + Youth
Young Italian rider Sara Crisci bring home Champion title in the Novice Riders class, between her reins 7-year-old gelding Smart Theodore (SLJ Smart Doc x Sparks Rosellina) that scored a
143.5 (70.5 rein/73 boxing) to take the win. “Finally, I managed to ride my horse well; I am happy with this result. Now, we plan to participate in the final ERCHA event in October, and then next year, try riding him in a bridle. I would like to thank my family, who, even though they are not here with me, have supported me from afar.”
Second place went to Gloria Benassi from Italy with her High Ret Devil, a 5-year-old Paint Horse gelding sired by Ret Great N San and out of High Brow Dancer, with 136 points (70 rein/66 boxing).
In the division of the Novice Riders class reserved for Youth rider the winner is Austrian Tomas Trixner who rode Kitty Can Dew (WR This Cats Smart x Dew It Flo) owned by Peter Trixner, to a score of 138 points (69 rein/69 boxing)
On the second step of the podium we find another Austrian rider, Felix Lucas Vogt with 17-year-old gelding AJ Smart Whizador (Conquistador Whiz x Smartin Lady) owned by Iris Vogt. Their total was a 133.5 (68.5 rein/65 boxing).
Two Rein
In the Open division of the Two Rein Champion title went to Germany with Philipp Martin Haug and 6-year-old stallion DG Sirius Rey Scoot (Roany Rey x Smartys Rockin Scoot) owned by Andreas Bauer ending with a 142 (71 rein/71 cow). “I’m really happy with him he’s really honest today, he was pretty cool with the cow and I like his rein work pretty much. My plan is to show him at Americana”.
On second place Austrian Tomas Barta placed Shiners Osterman (8-year-old gelding, Shiney Fandango x Wimpys Top Playgirl).
The winner in the Non Pro division of the Two Rein is Italian Giorgia Girardello who presented her 6-year-old Quarter Horse mare Girl of Spark (Spark N Whiz x One More Whiz Girl) and 141 points (72 rein/69 cow). “I was very happy because we decided to go to Americana. Giovanni did a truly extraordinary job with my mare, who showed she really wanted to do well. I am pleased with this progress.”
Second place honours went to Austrian Peter Trixner and 6-year-old mare Kitty Can Dew (Wr This Cats Smart x Dew It Flo) with 134.5 points (68.5 rein/66 cow).
Non Pro Boxing + Limited Non Pro Boxing
In both classes the Champion is Spanish Raimundo Segura who presented his 7-year-old stallion ANS Mokie Vaquero (ANS Mokie Cat x Junes Little CD) ending with a 140 score (69 rein/71 boxing). “It has been a very hot week, but my horse did not show any signs of fatigue, and we were able to win both classes I entered. Once again, my thanks go to my trainer Andrea Santini, who carefully oversees my training and performance in competition.”
Open Hackamore
In the Open Hackamore class of the Horse Show #3 German Philipp Martin Haug take Champion honours. Between his reins the 4-year-old mare Snapperpeptolena (Oak Lone Pepto x Genuinely Snapper) owned by Kirsten Kunkel. “This is only the second show for her, I’m pretty happy with her, she is super easy and super good minded. I try to keep a little bit her for the futurity”.
Herdwork All Ages
In the Open division of the Herdwork All Ages the winner was Italian professional rider Andrea Santini who presented 5-year-old mare SQH Wild Lil Justice (SDP Justice Is Comin x Wild Princess Bar) owned by Raimundo Segura, with a score of 71. “This mare has been very unlucky because last year she suffered a serious injury that kept her out for 7 months. Now I’ve started riding her again, and I can feel she’s very good—she has a lot of instinct and was bred by Leo Senese. I’ve trained her myself from the beginning. I believe she could become an excellent bridle horse in the future.”
Reserve Champion honours went again in Italy with Markus Schopfer and 3-year-old stallion Oh My Cats (Oh Cay MC x Cats Oaks) who scored a 69.5.
Regardind the Non Professional division of the Herdwork All Ages Italian Andrea Panizza is the winner with his 11-year-old mare ANS Stylish Susy (More Than Stylish x ANS Wyatt Snappy) with 72 points. “This mare, after so many years, still continues to surprise me. The first cow was somewhat improvable, but then she started to stop deeply and perform better.”
Half point behind them young Austrian rider Thomas Trixner placed the 6-year-old Kitty Can Dew (WR This Cats Smart x Dew It Flo) owned by his father Peter Trixner.
🖊️Provided by: © L. Ruffino
📸 Photo credits: © 8 Photo Agency
