Travagliato (BS), Italy — Championship titles were on the line at the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity, Autumn Show and Regional Finals, where competitors delivered their talent and determination in the Palacittà arena of Travagliato.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity 3/4year-old Open
The premier event of the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity + Autumn Show and Regional Finals delivered a thrilling conclusion, as Giovanni Campanaro and Shinin Aristocrat MR claimed the Snafflebit Futurity Open Championship with a score of 441. In a final decided by a single point, the 4-year-old mare daughter of Tassas Aristocrat and LJ Shining Whiz, owned by Andrea Chietini, produced a standout performance in all three phases, earning a 143 in the herd work, a 150 in the rein work and a 148 in the fence work.
The battle for the title remained undecided until the final scores were posted. Riding Smart N Snappin MR, another offspring of Tassas Aristocrat out of GH Dual Snappin, owned by VA Quarter Horses, Campanaro secured the reserve championship on 440 points after posting scores of 146 in the herd work, 144 in the rein work and a class-leading 150 in the fence work.
With just a single point separating champion and reserve champion, the open final showcased the level of competition expected from Europe’s premier reined cow horse Snafflebit Futurity.
The Futurity Limited Open Championship was equally competitive, ending in a tie at 438 points between Andrea Sanfelici on Oh My Cats and Pietro Tuberga with Electra Cat. Following NRCHA tie-breaking procedures, the Limited Open title went to Tuberga and Electra Cat, by Metallic Cattack out of Hope Is A Cat, 4-year-old mare owned by Alessandro Starace, thanks to the highest fence work score of the division, a remarkable 150. Their scores of 146 in the herd work and 142 in the rein work completed a championship-winning total of 438.
Reserve honors in the Limited Open were awarded to Sanfelici and Oh My Cats, 4-year-old gelding by Oh Cay MC out of Cat Oaks, owned by Andrea Panizza. The pair matched the winning aggregate score of 438 through marks of 144 in the herd work, 146.5 in the rein work and 147.5 in the fence work, concluding an outstanding futurity campaign with a hard-fought reserve championship.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity 3-year-old Open
The Open and Limited Open championships of the Metallic Cat Snaffle Bit Futurity 3-Year-Old Open belonged to Italian Pietro Turberga and Lonelikewandaolena (Oaks Lone Pepto x Haida Olena), owned by Riccardo Morano and Tuberga, who assembled an outstanding three-event total of 433.5. The pair remained consistently strong throughout the competition, posting a 143.5 in both the herd work and rein work before sealing the victory with an impressive 146.5 fence work score.
Finishing as the Open Reserve Champion was Giovanni Campanaro aboard Dualsophycat (Dual Reyish x Sophisticated Margie) owned by Giuseppe Formisano. Their 428.5 composite score was highlighted by the highest herd work mark of the class, a 146, alongside a 144.5 in the rein work and a 138 in the fence work.
In the Level 1 Open division, Sara Casalini piloted Call Me Smart Voodoo (Call Me Mr Woodoo x CH Smarty Freckles), owned by Gloria Benassi, to the championship on a total of 414.5. After marking a 138 in the herd work, the pair surged ahead thanks to a standout 147 rein work score before adding a 129.5 in the fence work.
Reserve honors in the Level 1 Open went to Davide Di Giacinto and Miss Hunter Command owned by La Masseria dei Cavalieri. The duo accumulated 413.5 points through scores of 142 in the herd work, 139.5 in the rein work, and 132 in the fence work, finishing just one point behind the champions in one of the closest battles of the Futurity.
Meanwhile, the Limited Open Reserve Championship was secured by Samuele Poli Barberis and SR Royal Samy Jr (Highbrow Fletch x Lizzy Whiz). Their balanced performance across all three events produced a final score of 428, built on marks of 142 in the herd work, 145.5 in the rein work, and 140.5 in the fence work.
The 3-Year-Old Open Futurity delivered strong scores across all divisions, with competitors showcasing the versatility, talent, and consistency required to excel in the three traditional phases of reined cow horse competition.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity 3/4-year-old Non Pro
Italy’s Giorgia Giacone and Tomuchfloweredpepto rose to the occasion when it mattered most, claiming the Snafflebit Futurity Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro Championship with a composite score of 419.5. Sired by Oaks Lone Pepto and out of To Much Powered, the 4-year-old mare delivered a remarkably balanced performance across all three phases, earning a 142 in the herd work, a 142 in the rein work and a 135.5 in the fence work.
The battle for the reserve championship ended in a tie at 414.5 points. Alice Bruscaini and 3-year-old mare Meteles Mary, by Meteles Cat out of Showgirl All Dun, combined a 138.5 herd work score with a 131.5 rein work and an outstanding 144.5 fence work. Joining them in second place of the Non Pro division were Switzerland’s Shirley Schalcher and 3-year-old Spooky Woodys Boon, a daughter of Woodys Time and NJ Boonsmok, who posted marks of 140 in the herd work, 138.5 in the rein work and 136 in the fence work.
With the pressure of a Futurity title on the line, Giacone and Tomuchfloweredpepto proved the most complete combination in the arena. Their consistency across all three events earned them a five-point advantage over the reserve champions and secured one of the most prestigious wins of the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity.
Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity Non Pro Boxing
The spotlight of the Futurity Non Pro division turned to the Boxing Final, where young Italian rider Edoardo Poli Barberis and SR Fletch In Girls delivered a championship-winning performance to claim the Snafflebit Futurity Non Pro Boxing title. The 4-year-old daughter of Highbrow Fletch and Girls Got Dual closed the event with a composite score of 436, backed by marks of 144 in the herd work, 141.5 in the rein work and an exceptional 150.5 in the boxing.
Fresh off her Futurity Non Pro Championship victory, Giorgia Giacone once again reached the top of the leaderboard aboard Tomuchfloweredpepto. By Oaks Lone Pepto out of To Much Powered, the talented prospect posted scores of 142 in both the herd work and rein work before adding a strong 146.5 in the boxing for a reserve-championship total of 430.5.
With the title on the line, Poli Barberis and SR Fletch In Girls rose to the occasion in commanding fashion. Their class-leading boxing score proved decisive in securing a 5.5-point advantage and one of the most prestigious victories of the ERCHA/NRCHA Metallic Cat Snafflebit Futurity + Autumn Show and Regional Finals.
Autumn Show Open
Shinin Aristocrat MR, ridden by Giovanni Campanaro and owned by Andrea Chietini, topped the Autumn Show Open, earning a composite score of 437. The Italian combination delivered a consistent performance across all three events, scoring 147 in Herd Work, 143.5 in Rein Work, and 146.5 in Cow Work. “After joining us last winter, this mare has shown exceptional consistency at her second show, particularly in the Herd Work and Fence Work, proving to be a talented and enjoyable mare to compete with.”
Campanaro and the 4-year-old mare Shinin Aristocrat MR, by Tassas Aristocrat and out of LJ Shining Whiz, finished 1½ points ahead of the reserve combination, Sara Casalini and 4-year-old gelding Jack Again, owned by Margherita Merzari. Casalini and Jack Again marked 145 in Rein Work, 149½ in Cow Work, and 141 in Herd Work, for a final composite of 435.5. Thanks to her score Casalini brings home also Championship title in the Level 1 Open division of the Autumn Show. “Jack Again is a four-year-old gelding who joined us in late April from a reining background. After introducing him to cows over the past few months, we were impressed by his natural talent and decided to take on the Futurity, and we are very happy with his performance so far.”
Italian professional rider Andrea Favaretto is the Reserve Champion in the Level 1 Open division with 5-year-old stallion SDP Browser (High Brow CD x What A Rey) owned by Silvia Viaggi. Their score was a 432 total (144 Rein/144 Cow/144 Herd). We find again Italy on second place in the Limited Open division of the Autumn Show with Pietro Tuberga and 4-year-old mare Electra Cat (Metallic Cattack x Hope Is A Cat) owned by Alessandro Starace. Their total was a 434 (143 Rein/148 Cow/143 Herd).
Autumn Show Non Pro
In a thrilling conclusion to the competition, Giorgia Giacone riding 4-year-old mare Tomuchfloweredpepto (Oaks Lone Pepto x To Much Powered) delivered an outstanding performance to capture first place in the Autumn Show Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro. Owned and ridden by Giacone, the dynamic mare finishing with a composite score of 423.5 (143.5 Rein Work, 140 Cow Work, 140 Herd Work). Giorgia celebrated a strong performance at the Autumn Show, winning the Non Pro and placing also second in the Boxing with her mare. “She has an enormous heart and always pushes me to go beyond my limits. We have been together since she was young, and I’m very proud of how far we’ve come. I’m feeling very excited and ready for the Futurity Final.”
Taking the reserve championship honours both in the Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro division was Claudio Paolucci aboard his own stallion A General Diamond (sired by General Topsy Cody out of A Spot Diamond). Paolucci closing out the competition with a strong total score of 421 (141.5 Rein Work, 137.5 Cow Work, 142 Herd Work).
In the Autumn Show Non Pro Boxing class, Edoardo Poli Barberis rode the 4-year-old mare SR Fletch In Girls (sired by Highbrow Fletch out of Girls Got Dual, and owned by Az. Agricola Samisa Ranch) to a brilliant first-place victory. The winning pair displayed exceptional control and teamwork, securing the championship title with a fantastic total score of 431, broken down into 138 for Rein Work, 149 for Boxing, and 144 for Herd Work. “She is in great shape, and now our focus is on the Futurity Final. I’m grateful to my family for giving me the opportunity to show such a talented horse.”
Open Two Rein Spectacular
The Open Two Rein Spectacular came down to the narrowest of margins, with Samuele Poli Barberis and 6-year-old Lil Gunna R Great edging the competition by a single point to secure the championship on a score of 435. The mare, by ARC Gunna Sparkya out of Lil Ruffles R Great, delivered a consistent three-event performance, posting a 142 in the herd work, a 144 in the rein work and an outstanding 149 in the fence work.
Reserve honors went to Markus Schopfer aboard Oh Cay EasterCat. Sired by Oh Cay MC and out of Snapper Victoria, the 6-year-old stallion remained in contention throughout the competition thanks to scores of 145 in the herd work, 144.5 in the rein work and 144.5 in the fence work, finishing on a composite score of 434.
Italy’s Giovannino Trulli and Mia Masterskeeto added another headline result to their show record by capturing the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular championship with a composite score of 410.5. The daughter of Skeets Dun and Sonitas Jazzy Smokin displayed consistency throughout all three phases, posting scores of 136 in the herd work, 138 in the rein work and 136.5 in the fence work.
Germany’s Klaus Paucker partnered Silver Catfish to reserve honors on a final score of 408. By Rainboon Man out of Vans Lil Pepidot, the 6-year-old gelding recorded a 139 in the herd work, a class-leading 142 in the rein work and a 127 in the fence work.
Open Bridle Spectacular
Austria’s Tomas Barta and CR Tuff Calie Rey claimed top honors in the Open Bridle Spectacular, edging the field with a composite score of 417.5. The 8-year-old mare owned by Karl Simon, by Woody Be Tuff out of Calie Del Rey, put together a consistent three-event performance, earning marks of 139 in the herd work, 140.5 in the rein work and 138 in the fence work.
Reserve honors went to France’s Solene Monet aboard QF Iron Gunns. Sired by Gunns On The River and out of DL Genuine Miss Jenny, the 7-year-old stallion owned by Christel and Hubert Quaillet remained within striking distance throughout the competition, posting a class-leading 140 in the herd work, a 142 in the rein work and a 134.5 in the fence work for a final score of 416.5.
Separated by just a single point, the Open Bridle Spectacular delivered another thrilling finish. While Monet and QF Iron Gunns topped both the herd work and rein work portions of the contest, Barta and CR Tuff Calie Rey relied on consistency across all three phases to secure the championship and deny the French combination by the narrowest of margins.
Non Pro Bridle Spectacular
Italy’s Sarah Destefanis and Hot As Wasabi put together a winning performance to capture the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular championship with a composite score of 426. The 12-year-old mare, by Little Dulces Rey and out of Whirlacat, excelled throughout the three phases, recording a 147 in the herd work, a 134.5 in the rein work and an impressive 144.5 in the fence work.
Switzerland’s Shirley Schalcher and DG Little Rey Merada finished as reserve champions on a score of 424.5. The 12-year-old stallion son of Roany Rey and Lenas Smart Merada remained in contention from start to finish, posting a 138 in the herd work, 143.5 in the rein work and 143 in the fence work.
Youth Boxing
In the NRCHA Youth Boxing class, Anna Lozkova rode her own horse Silver Okie MC (sired by OH Cay MC out of Blue Duck Daisy) to a well-earned first-place finish. Lozkova and Silver Okie MC posted a winning total score of 246, comprising 126 in Rein Work and 120 in the Boxing.
Novice Horses
In the Novice Horse Open, Italy’s Sofia Invernizzi piloted DB Lion Rey to the championship with a composite score of 266.5. Sired by Bet Command Rey and out of DB Return Catalyst, the 5-year-old gelding put together a 135 in the rein work and a 131.5 in the fence work.
Claiming the reserve title was Mattia Maurizi aboard Smokin Espresso, a 9-year-old mare by Spooks Smokin Cat out of Sweetend Espresso. The pair closed the class with 255.5 points, backed by a 120 rein work score and a 135.5 in the fence work.
Italy’s Sara Crisci and Smart Theodore captured the Novice Horse Non Pro title after topping the standings with a good composite score of 284. The 8-year-old gelding, by SLJ Smart Doc out of Sparks Rosellina, excelled in both phases of the competition, posting a 139.5 in the rein work before adding a class-leading 144.5 in the fence work.
Germany’s Sabine Lamberts settled for reserve honours aboard Tequila Boon Cat, a 6-year-old gelding by Boogie Boon and out of Carmelita Cat. The pair remained within striking distance throughout the contest, earning scores of 141.5 and 139 for a final total of 280.5.
Limited Non Pro Boxing
The young Czech Republic’s Anna Lozkova and Silver Okie MC emerged victorious in the Limited Non Pro Boxing, closing the class with a winning composite score of 272. The 6-year-old gelding, sired by OH Cay MC and out of Blue Duck Daisy, gained ground through a strong boxing performance worth 141.5 points after marking a 130.5 in the rein work.
Germany’s Ronald Fiedler secured the reserve championship aboard The Big Lebowski, by Jac O Rima out of Joes Prescription. The pair accumulated 267.5 points thanks to scores of 132.5 and 135 across the two phases.
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
Germany’s Thomas Hofacker claimed top honors in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle aboard Cowboys Great Finlay, compiling a winning score of 258. The 14-year-old gelding, by Dun Its Cowboy out of Hollywood Glamour, paired a 133-point rein work with a 125 in the fence work to secure the championship.
Switzerland’s Shirley Schalcher and DG Little Rey Merada, a 12-year-old stallion by Roany Rey and out of Lenas Smart Merada, finished second with 142 points. A strong 142 in the rein work placed the pair in contention, but a 0 in the fence work score left them unable to challenge for the top position.
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
Germany’s Christian Conrad piloted One Smart Sultan to victory in the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle, finishing atop the standings with a composite score of 267.5. The 10-year-old gelding, by Two Play To and out of Avril Smart Play, delivered a balanced performance across both phases, earning a 136.5 in the rein work and a 131 in the fence work.
Reserve honors went to fellow German competitor Thomas Hofacker aboard Cowboys Great Finlay. By Dun Its Cowboy out of Hollywood Glamour, the gelding added another strong result to his show record, combining a 133 rein work score with a 125 in the fence work for a final tally of 258.
Level 1 Open Bridle
Germany’s Simone Fiedler and Ruf Kid Dont Spook stood uncontested at the top of the Level 1 Open Bridle standings, capturing the championship with a 280.5 composite score. The 9-year-old son of Spooks Dox and Sailinspark Playgirl turned in a balanced performance, earning a 138.5 in the rein work before adding a strong 142 in the fence work.
Filippo Masi Novice Riders
Italy’s Sara Crisci continued her successful show aboard Smart Theodore, capturing the Novice Riders championship with a composite score of 280.5. The son of SLJ Smart Doc and Sparks Rosellina delivered a balanced effort in both phases, earning a 140.5 in the rein work and a 140 in the fence work.
Reserve honors went to Rebecca Palandri and Pokemon Time, by Hickory Holly Time out of Mates Sprat Brat. The pair remained close throughout the class, compiling a final score of 274.5 thanks to marks of 133 and 141.5.
Italy’s Bruna Franchi and Dual Ogrady claimed the Novice Riders Regional Final championship after posting a winning composite score of 267.5. The horse, by Dual On Command out of Lena Ogrady, delivered a steady performance across both phases, recording a 133.5 in the rein work and a 134 in the fence work.
Finishing in reserve was Alessio Splendori aboard ANT Aristocrat MR. Sired by Tassa Aristocrat and out of SJ Little ANT, the gelding accumulated 260.5 points through scores of 133 and 127.5 respectively.
Youth Cow Work
Poland’s Julia Tomkiewicz guided the 4-year-old Paint Horse gelding AsSmartAsAstonLight to the top of the standings in the Youth Cow Work, earning a composite score of 259.5. The pair recorded a 138 in the rein work before adding a 121.5 in the fence work to secure the championship.
Non Pro Two Rein Regional Final
Italy’s Giovannino Trulli and Mia Masterskeeto rose to the top of the Non Pro Two Rein Regional Final, earning the championship with a composite score of 270. The mare, by Skeets Dun out of Sonitas Jazzy Smokin, paired a strong 141 in the rein work with a 129 in the fence work to secure the title.
Reserve honors went to Andrea Ambrogiani aboard Top Star All Dun. The daughter of Billy All Dun and Tops O Lena Star posted a 139 in the fence work, but a 0 in the rein work score left the pair unable to challenge for the championship.
Non Pro Boxing
Spain’s Raimundo Segura and Ans Mokie Vaquero topped the Non Pro Boxing standings with a winning composite score of 269. The stallion, by Ans Mokie Cat out of Junes Little CD, delivered a solid all-around performance, earning a 132.5 in the rein work and a 136.5 in the fence work.
Reserve honors went to young Czech competitor Anna Lozkova aboard Silver Okie MC. The son of OH Cay MC and Blue Duck Daisy posted scores of 123 and 130.5 for a final tally of 253.5.
Open Hackamore
Italian professional Markus Schopfer and Ohcay Jokin Chic dominated the Open Hackamore, posting an outstanding composite score of 286.5. The 5-year-old mare, by Oh Cay MC out of Jokin Chic owned by Pietro Pennacchio, excelled in both phases of the competition, earning a 141.5 in the rein work and a class-high 145 in the fence work.
Box Drive
From France Emilie De Tessieres and DG Vincent Rey Wee edged out the competition in the Box Drive, claiming the championship with a composite score of 273.5. The horse, by Roany Rey out of Wee Magnolia Gal, combined a 138.5 rein work score with a 135 in the boxing to secure the top spot.
Germany’s Ronald Fiedler and The Big Lebowski finished close behind in second place on 270.5 points. Sired by Jac O Rima and out of Joes Prescription, the gelding recorded a 132.5 in the rein work before earning a 138 in the fence work, the highest fence work mark among the leading contenders.
Herdwork All Ages Open
Italy’s Andrea Favaretto and 3-year-old mare The Boosmal Starfish delivered the winning performance in the Herd Work All Ages Open, topping the leaderboard with a score of 148 points after receiving matching 74-point marks from both judges. Favaretto guided The Boosmal Starfish to a confident and accurate run, securing a clear victory in the Open division and finishing eight points ahead of the rest of the field.
Germany’s Simone Fiedler and Ruf Kid Dont Spook, a 9-year-old gelding by Spooks Dox out of Sailinspark Playgirl, claimed reserve honors on 140 points, following scores of 69 and 71 from the judging panel.
Herdwork All Ages Non Pro
The Herd Work All Ages Non Pro title went to Germany’s Sabine Lamberts and Tequila Boon Cat, a 6-year-old gelding son of Boogie Boon and Carmelita Cat, after the pair accumulated 140 points. Consistency was key to their success, with both judges awarding identical scores of 70.
Just behind them, Italy’s Sara Crisci guided 8-year-old gelding Smart Theodore, by SLJ Smart Doc out of Sparks Rosellina, to reserve honours on a final score of 138.
Herdwork All Ages Non Pro Regional final
A 137 point performance earned Italy’s Bruna Franchi and 11-year-old stallion Dual Ogrady (Dual On Command × Lena Ogrady) the Herd Work All Ages Non Pro Regional Final championship. Consistent scoring across both judging cards allowed the pair to take command of the class and secure the win.
Finishing second was Denise Luciano aboard 5-year-old mare Quick Maze Too (Quick Kid Roan × Smartin Jac Too), whose final tally of 123 points secured the reserve position in the standings.
Provided by: © L. Ruffino
Photo credits: © 8 Photo Agency
