Elite Reined Cow Horse action returns at the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity
[Travagliato, Italy] – The ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity once again delivered an electrifying showcase of young horse talent, marking a key highlight on the European reined cow horse calendar. Hosted by the European Reined Cow Horse Association (ERCHA) and sanctioned by the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), the event drew top riders and horses from across the continent. This year’s competition was judged by esteemed NRCHA professional Taylor Gillespie, whose expertise brought a high level of credibility and precision to the arena.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity Open
Italian rider Giovanni Campanaro delivered an outstanding performance at the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, securing the top two spots in a highly competitive field. Riding NR Ruby Time Cat, owned by Giuseppe Sgalambro, Campanaro scored a winning 220 with solid runs across herd work, rein work, and fence work (71.5 / 75 / 73.5). The talented 4-year-old gelding, sired by Woodys Time and out of KR Rubys Puddy Cat, impressed both the crowd and judge Taylor Gillespie with his consistency and cow sense. Campanaro also claimed the reserve championship aboard Rey Smart Tuff, owned by Carlo Mulatero, earning a total score of 218.5 (72 / 74 / 72.5). This mare, by Bet Command Rey out of CR Lenas Top Tuff, showed exceptional promise and precision throughout the event.
In the Limited Open division of the Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, Andrea Favaretto took the championship title riding SDP Browser, owned by Silvia Viaggi. The duo delivered a composed and stylish performance, earning a total score of 216.5 (70.5 / 73 / 73). Sired by High Brow CD and out of What A Rey, SDP Browser demonstrated both finesse and cow-smart grit that impressed the tribunes. Close behind in the reserve position with 2 horses was Pietro Tuberga aboard Electra Cat, a flashy prospect by Metallic Cattack out of Hope Is A Cat, owned by Alessandro Starace. Their score of 215 (72.5 / 74.5 / 68) highlighted strong herd and rein work, despite a tough go down the fence. And with Hickorys Journey a 3-year-old gelding sired by Metallics Journey and out of Hickorys Dual Violet owned by Cristina Cacciolatti. Their total score was also a 215 (71 / 74 / 70) for Co-Reserve Championship in the Limited Open division.
It was a dominant showing for Andrea Favaretto in the Level 1 Open division of the Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, where he claimed both Champion and Reserve titles aboard two outstanding horses owned by Silvia Viaggi. Riding SDP Browser, a well-balanced prospect by High Brow CD out of What A Rey, Favaretto delivered smooth, consistent runs across all three events to earn the winning score of 218 (74 / 72.5 / 71.5). His reserve ride, Foxxy Cat, a stylish mare by Metallic Cat and out of Maliblue Barbie, impressed with her athleticism and finesse, finishing just one point behind with a 215.5 (72 / 71.5 / 72). The double victory showcased both the depth of Favaretto’s training program and the quality of Viaggi’s breeding and ownership vision.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity Non Pro
In the Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro divisions of the Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, Anna Rodriguez clinched the championship title with Sannsweet, a promising mare by Sannman out of RR Sweet One Time, owned by Carlos Rodriguez. Anna impressed with her confident and courageous riding, earning a total score of 216.5 (70.5 / 73 / 73), showcasing strong cow work and feel throughout the event. Finishing closely in reserve was Daniel Arinci aboard his own Topsails Metalliccat, a gelding sired by Titanium Toy and out of Rien Markers Hida, who posted a solid 215.5 (70 / 72.5 / 73). The Non Pro class highlighted the dedication and talent of riders bringing along their own futurity horses with skill and heart.
In the Non Pro Boxing division of the Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, Giulia Rota claimed the championship title aboard her mare Talk Sol Win, sired by Quixotes Pep Talk and out of Red Win Lady Oak. With a total score of 211.5(70.5 / 73 / 68), Rota showcased precision and poise in the boxing portion, securing the win in a competitive class. Fabio Francesconi earned the reserve title riding his horse Duallenium Rey, by Bet Command Rey and out of CN Mifillenius, finishing with a score of 207 (67 / 71 / 69). The Non Pro Boxing division celebrated riders who demonstrated great control, cow sense, and partnership with their horses in the boxing-only format.
Autumn Show Open
At the Autumn Show Open, Giovanni Campanaro delivered a standout performance, taking both the Champion and Reserve titles aboard two exceptional horses owned by Carlo Mulatero. Riding Rey Smart Tuff, a daughter of Bet Command Rey out of CR Lenas Top Tuff, Campanaro posted a winning score of 220.5 (73.5 / 74 / 73), showcasing precision, rhythm, and cow sense in all three phases. Close behind, Top Tuff Rey, a full sibling to the winner, impressed with a strong 220 (73 / 73 / 74), securing second place by just half a point. The impressive results highlighted Campanaro’s expert riding.
In the Autumn Show Limited Open, Markus Schopfer claimed the top spot aboard Oh Cay EasterCat, a talented stallion owned by Sandro Peretto. The duo delivered a polished performance with strong scores of 73, 73.5, and 72 across the herd, rein, and fence work, earning a total of 218.5. Sired by Oh Cay MC and out of Snappers Victoria, Oh Cay EasterCat demonstrated excellent responsiveness and cow sense throughout the event. Finishing close behind in second place was Samuele Poli Barberis riding Sr Fletch in Black, owned by Az. Agricola Samisa Ranch. The pair posted solid scores of 72, 72.5, and 71 for a total of 215.5, showcasing steady performance and strong fundamentals.
In the Level 1 Open division at the Autumn Show, Micol Fontana took the top honors riding CLR Topsail Joke, a 5-year-old gelding by Quiet Whiz out of Piperita Chex. Fontana’s consistent and focused performance earned her a winning total score of 213.5 (72 / 72.5 / 69), highlighting her horse’s agility and responsiveness throughout the competition. Not far behind, Sara Casalini, aboard SA Great N Diabolik, owned by Clarissa Bisaschi, delivered a strong showing with a combined score of 213 (72.5 / 70.5 / 70). Their close finish showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit in the Level 1 Open division.
Autumn Show Non Pro
At the Autumn Show Non Pro division, Elena Ferrari showcased exceptional horsemanship aboard her gelding Spiderman Of Time, sired by Woody Time out of Spiderman By Night. Ferrari delivered a composed and skillful performance, earning a winning total score of 214 (72.5 / 72.5 / 69), which demonstrated her strong connection with the horse and precise execution across all phases. In second place was Alessandro Tugnoli on Banger Boom Smart, a solid competitor with a final score of 207 (71.5 / 66.5 / 69). Meanwhile, in the Level 1 Non Pro, Ferrari once again topped the leaderboard with the same horse, scoring 214 to claim victory over Marcello Maritano and MH Dual Boogie Time, who posted a respectable 205.5.
The Non Pro Boxing competition at the Autumn Show saw a thrilling battle between top riders, with Anna Petržílková from the Czech Republic taking the win aboard Lovely S Boon VE. Riding her own horse by Whats Up Doc Boon out of Lovely Magnificat, Petržílková earned a total score of 204.5 (67.5 / 72 / 65), demonstrating sharp control and precision in the demanding boxing format. Hot on her heels was Germany’s Frank Kunkel, who secured second place riding DG Pep Rey, owned by Kirsten Kunkel. Their run, featuring solid work throughout, earned them a close 204 (69 / 73 / 62). The close scores reflected the high level of competition and skill among Non Pro riders in this exciting discipline.
Bridle Spectacular Open + Open Bridle + Regional Final
In an exciting showdown at the Bridle Spectacular Open and in the Open Bridle HS, Philipp Martin Haug from Germany claimed the championship riding DG Sirius Rey Scoot, owned by Melanie Heinrich. With steady and controlled performances, Haug earned a winning score of 207.5 (69.5 / 70), showcasing the agility and responsiveness of his mount, a talented stallion by Roany Rey out of Smartys Rockin Scoot. Close behind, Sophie Paucker, also representing Germany, took second place aboard Chics Electric Spark, owned by Klaus Paucker. Despite a more challenging rein work phase, they posted a solid total of 198 (70 / 60), demonstrating determination and skill throughout the competition.
The Open Bridle Regional Final brought the season to a close with a challenging class that tested both horse and rider under pressure. Philipp Martin Haug of Germany claimed the win aboard Smokisticated Catt, owned by Masha Stein, a son of Sophisticated Catt out of Lady Smoke N Glo. Despite a zero in the rein work, Haug’s strong performance in the cow work earned him a total score of 134.5 (66.5 / 0), enough to secure the regional title. Italian rider Tiziana Olivieri, riding Greys Roan Oak, owned by Remo Minnucci, faced difficulties in the herd work and finished with a total of 60 (0 / 60). Though the scores reflected a tough day in the arena, the class marked the end of an exciting season and recognized the resilience and determination of Open-level competitors.
Bridle Spectacular Non Pro
In the Bridle Spectacular Non Pro division, young Italian rider Riccardo Morano took the top honors aboard his gelding Tygun, a talented son of Gunstar out of Pidgeon Poo. Morano’s precise and confident riding earned him a winning score of 206 (69 / 68), demonstrating remarkable skill and poise for a rising star in the sport. Finishing a close second was Germany’s Frank Kunkel, who competed aboard DG Pep Rey, owned by Kirsten Kunkel, posting a solid 203.5 (67.5 / 69).
Non Pro Bridle + Regional Final
The Non Pro Bridle class saw Riccardo Morano, one of Italy’s most promising young riders, take a well-earned victory aboard his gelding Tygun, a son of Gunstar out of Pidgeon Poo. With calm focus and solid execution, Morano guided his horse to a total score of 206 (69 / 68), proving his growing maturity in the show pen. Finishing in second place was fellow Italian Marta Bossi, who piloted her mount GSR Bet Hesapuddytap (by Dualin Puddy Tap out of Bets Cat) to a final score of 199.5 (67.5 / 66).
In the Non Pro Bridle Regional Final, it was Masha Stein of Germany who captured the spotlight aboard her talented gelding Smokisticated Catt, by Sophisticated Catt out of Lady Smoke N Glo. With a composed and well-ridden run, Stein earned a total score of 197.5 (67.5 / 69), securing the regional title and closing out the season on a high note.
Herd Work All Ages Open
In the Herd Work All Ages Open, Italy’s Stefano Mercuri rose to the top riding Dejavu N Boon, a son of Peptoboonsmal out of Dejavu N Blue, owned by Ernesto Mercuri. With a clean and confident run, the pair scored 72, securing the win against a competitive field. Simone Fiedler of Germany followed in second place aboard Ruf Kid Dont Spook, sired by Spooks Dox out of Sailinspark Playgirl, earning a 67 for her efforts.
Herd Work All Ages Open – Regional Final
The Open Regional Final in Herd Work concluded with a tie for first place between two standout runs. William Coulomb of France, riding Tassas Dreamer Mr, a gelding by Tassas Aristocrat out of Whiz Dreamer and owned by Miroc Quarter Horses, marked a score of 69. Matching that, Italian rider Remo Minnucci earned the same score aboard Jimmy Hot Reyish, a son of Dual Reyish out of Jasmine Bob Acre Jac, securing a shared victory and bringing the regional season to a thrilling close.
Herd Work All Ages Non Pro
The Herd Work All Ages Non Pro class saw strong competition, with Italy’s Sara Crisci taking the win aboard her horse Smart Theodore, a son of SLJ Smart Doc out of Sparks Rosellina, scoring an impressive 71. A tie for second place followed, with both Andrea Panizza, riding Ans Stylish Susy (by More Than Stylish out of Ans Wyatt Snappy), and Ernesto De Leonibus, aboard Stylish Tassa MR (by Tassa Aristocrat out of Bar Stylish Susi), each earning a 70. The class highlighted the high level of skill and feel among the Non Pro riders.
Herd Work All Ages Non Pro – Regional Final
In the Non Pro Regional Final, Claudio Paolucci of Italy took the win with a score of 68, riding his gelding A General Diamond, sired by General Topsy Cody out of A Spot Diamond. France’s Marie-Claude Segonzac secured the reserve position aboard Gunnafoxy, a daughter of Gunnatrashya out of VQH Foxy Cat, scoring 62.
Novice Horse Open
In the Novice Horse Open, it was once again William Coulomb who led the class aboard Tassas Dreamer Mr, repeating his winning form with a combined score of 141.5 (72 / 69.5). Following in second place was Stefano Mercuriof Italy with Dejavu N Boon, a son of Peptoboonsmal out of Dejavu N Blue, owned by Ernesto Mercuri, who closed with a total of 136 (71 / 65).
Novice Horse Open Final
The Novice Horse Open Final brought together emerging talent in the Open division, with William Coulomb of France taking a commanding win aboard Tassas Dreamer Mr, a stallion by Tassas Aristocrat out of Whiz Dreamer, owned by Miroc Quarter Horses. Coulomb impressed the judges with balanced and consistent runs, scoring 72 in the first go and 69.5 in the second, for a winning composite of 141.5. Christoph Seiler of Switzerland earned the reserve title with Lady Night Tuckers, a daughter of Gunner Special Night out of Tuckers Starlight, scoring 131 (68.5 / 62.5).
Novice Horse Non Pro
In the Novice Horse Non Pro, Anna Petržílková of the Czech Republic took the top spot aboard Lovely S Boon VE, a mare by Whats Up Doc Boon out of Lovely Magnificat. Their total score of 135.5 (69 / 66.5) was enough to edge out a tightly contested class. Finishing just half a point behind was Italy’s Francesco Fornaro with Flash Lady Amber, a mare by Skeets Diamonds out of Jakie N CC, who scored a total of 135 (69 / 66).
Novice Horse Non Pro Final
In the Novice Horse Non Pro Final, Nicole Morelli of Italy claimed the win with her mare TS Shining Bullet, sired by Kitas Spark out of Date Gotta Gun. Morelli’s two consistent performances earned her a total of 144 (72 / 72), securing the title with confidence and style. Close behind was Andrea Panizza, who delivered a strong showing with Ans Stylish Susy, a daughter of More Than Stylish out of Ans Wyatt Snappy, scoring a combined 142 (70 / 72) and taking the reserve position.
Limited Non Pro Boxing
The Limited Non Pro Boxing division saw a strong win from Thomas Trixner of Austria aboard CR Tuff Boon Pickens, a gelding by Woody Be Tuff out of CR Dees Boon Meow, owned by Peter Trixner. Trixner impressed with a well-rounded performance, earning 69 in the rein work and a strong 72.5 in the boxing for a winning total of 141.5. In second place was Kirsten Kunkel of Germany riding Snapper Lil Bingo, a horse by Peptos Lil Bingo out of Snappers Victoria, who posted a solid 136.5 (65 / 71.5), showing great improvement and control.
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
In the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle class, Marie-Claude Segonzac of France delivered a standout performance aboard Gunnafoxy, a mare by Gunnatrashya out of VQH Foxy Cat. Their consistent and stylish runs earned scores of 72.5 in the rein work and 72 in the cow work, for a combined total of 144.5, securing them the well-deserved win.
Limited Open Bridle
In the Limited Open Bridle division, Germany’s Simone Fiedler topped the leaderboard with Ruf Kid Dont Spook, a gelding sired by Spooks Dox out of Sailinspark Playgirl. Fiedler’s performance scored 70 in the rein work and 66.5 in the cow work, for a total of 136.5, demonstrating solid fundamentals and promising development. Sophie Paucker, also representing Germany, claimed the reserve spot aboard Chics Electric Spark, a horse by Jacs Electric Spark out of Smart Chic Ohoney. Despite receiving a zero in the rein work, their strong cow work score of 71.5 earned them a total of 71.5 and secured their place on the podium.
Filippo Masi Novice Riders & Regional Final
The Filippo Masi Novice Riders class saw a standout performance from Italy’s Sara Crisci, who rode her gelding Smart Theodore (by SLJ Smart Doc out of Sparks Rosellina) to a winning composite score of 143 (71 / 72). Her smooth and composed runs secured both the class victory and the Novice Riders Regional Final title. Finishing a close second was fellow Italian Nicole Morelli aboard TS Shining Bullet, a mare by Kitas Spark out of Date Gotta Gun, who delivered a strong showing with a total of 141.5 (69.5 / 72), confirming her consistency throughout the season.
Open Hackamore
In the Open Hackamore, Germany’s Philipp Martin Haug claimed the top spot riding Snapperpeptolena, a talented horse by Oaks Lone Pepto out of Genuinely Snapper, owned by Kirsten Kunkel. With scores of 70 in the rein work and 70.5 in the cow work, the pair finished with a total of 140.5 to take the win. Close behind was Italy’s Samuele Poli Barberis, who piloted Lil Gunna R Great, a daughter of ARC Gunna Sparkya out of Lil Ruffles R Great, to a solid 139 (71.5 / 67.5), earning the reserve position.
Open Hackamore Regional Final
The Open Hackamore Regional Final mirrored the main class with Philipp Martin Haug and Snapperpeptolena once again dominating the leaderboard. Their consistency paid off as they repeated their total of 140.5, solidifying their place at the top of the Hackamore rankings for the season.
Non Pro Hackamore
In the Non Pro Hackamore class, Germany’s Klaus Paucker took the win riding Silver Catfish, a gelding by Rainboon Man out of Vans Lil Pepidot. Paucker’s composed riding was rewarded with a score of 137.5 (68.5 / 69), crowning him champion in this competitive division.
Non Pro Boxing
A thrilling battle in the Non Pro Boxing saw Anna Petržílková of the Czech Republic take top honors aboard Lovely S Boon VE (by Whats Up Doc Boon out of Lovely Magnificat), scoring 139.5 (68.5 / 71) in a confident and precise performance. Hot on her heels was Austria’s Thomas Trixner with CR Tuff Boon Pickens (by Woody Be Tuff out of CR Dees Boon Meow), scoring 139 (67 / 72) and finishing just half a point behind in a highly competitive class.
Two Rein Open & Regional Final
The Two Rein Open class and Regional Final both saw Philipp Martin Haug return to the arena aboard DG Sirius Rey Scoot, a stallion by Roany Rey out of Smartys Rockin Scoot, owned by Melanie Heinrich. With a rein work score of 69.5, Haug secured the class title despite a zero in the cow work, underlining the pair’s technical excellence in the reining phase.
Non Pro Two Rein
In the Non Pro Two Rein, France’s Marie-Claude Segonzac took another win aboard her trusted mare Gunnafoxy (by Gunnatrashya out of VQH Foxy Cat), posting a total score of 137 (70 / 67). Frank Kunkel of Germany followed in second place with DG Pep Rey, a gelding by Roany Rey out of Mariah Pep, earning 134 (67.5 / 66.5).
Non Pro Two Rein Regional Final
The Non Pro Two Rein Regional Final mirrored the main class results, with Marie-Claude Segonzac and Gunnafoxy once again leading the field. Their consistent score of 137 secured the regional title, capping off a successful season for the French rider and her talented paint mare.
Box Drive
In the Box Drive class, Germany’s Frank Kunkel came out on top with DG Pep Rey, a gelding by Roany Rey out of Mariah Pep, owned by Kirsten Kunkel. Kunkel delivered a composed and effective performance, scoring 66.5 in the box and 69.5 in the drive for a total of 136. Following in second place was Austria’s Thomas Trixner aboard CR Tuff Boon Pickens (by Woody Be Tuff out of CR Dees Boon Meow), who posted a score of 130 (68.5 / 61.5).
In the Box Drive Regional Final, it was Ronald Fiedler of Germany who captured the title with The Big Lebowski, a son of Jac O Rima out of Joes Prescription, marking 69.5 in the boxing and 63 in the drive for a winning composite of 132.5. The class demonstrated the importance of precision, timing, and control in this increasingly competitive division.
With the conclusion of the ERCHA/NRCHA Snafflebit Futurity, the curtain officially falls on the 2025 show season. This final event brought together some of the most talented horse-and-rider combinations in Europe, celebrating not only the champions of the moment but also the promise of the sport’s future. From seasoned professionals to rising young riders, the competition showcased the depth of skill, dedication, and passion that define the reined cow horse community. As the season comes to a close, riders, owners, and fans alike look ahead with excitement to a new year of challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments in the arena.
🖊️Provided by: © L. Ruffino
📸 Photo credits: © 8 Photo Agency
