2026 ERCHA/NRCHA CLAYLAND RANCH SPRING STAKES AND HORSE SHOW #1

Travagliato (BS), Italy — The 2026 ERCHA Spring Stakes came to a successful close at the Travagliato Palacittà, bringing together some of the most promising young horses and talented riders in the European reined cow horse community. The event once again confirmed its importance as a key early-season competition on the European calendar.

Open to three- and four-year-old horses, the ERCHA Spring Stakes offered an exciting showcase of young equine talent. Horses were presented in a snaffle bit and ridden two-handed, highlighting the quality of their training and the harmony between horse and rider. The competition provided an excellent stage for emerging athletes to demonstrate their ability and potential in the discipline.

ERCHA/NRCHA Clayland Ranch Spring Stakes

Italian professional rider Giovanni Campanaro claimed the championship title in the Open division riding Rey Smart Tuff, owned by Carlo Mulatero. The duo delivered a strong and well-balanced performance across all three phases to secure the win with a total score of 219.

Their winning run included a 71.5 in the herd work, an impressive 76.5 in the cow work, and a 71 in the rein work, demonstrating consistency and control throughout the competition. Rey Smart Tuff is sired by Bet Command Rey and out of CR Lenas Top Tuff.

Taking the Reserve Championship was Pietro Tuberga aboard MA Whiz Cat Rocket, owned by Aldo Cretella. The pair finished with a 215.5 composite score, after earning 70.5 in the herd work, 75 in the cow work, and 70 in the rein work. MA Whiz Cat Rocket is by Scerpo Cat out of Star Oly Whiz. Thanks to the 215.5 score Pietro and his stallion brings home also Clayland Ranch Spring Stakes Limited Open Championship title.

The Reserve Championship Limited Open was shared in a tie between two horses ridden by Andrea Favaretto for owner Silvia Viaggi, both finishing with a 214.5 composite score. Favaretto first entered the arena with Sdp Browser (by High Brow CD out of What A Rey), posting scores of 71 in the herd work, 71.5 in the rein work, and 72 in the cow work. He then matched the score aboard Foxxy Cat (by Metallic Cat out of Maliblu Barbie), earning 62 in the herd work, 67.5 in the rein work, and a big 75 in the cow work.

Andrea Favaretto delivered an outstanding performance, securing both the Champion and Reserve Champion titles in the class with two horses owned by Silvia Viaggi. The winning title went to Foxxy Cat with the highest cow work score of 75.

The NRCHA Clayland Ranch Spring Stakes Non Pro featured strong performances from talented non-professional riders competing across the three phases of reined cow horse. Taking the Championship in the Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro was Italian rider Giorgia Girardello aboard Metallic Equalizer, owned by Ranch Del Sole Soc. Agr. Semplice. The pair delivered a solid and balanced run to secure the title with a total score of 210, earning 72 in the herd work, 67 in the rein work, and 71 in the cow work. Metallic Equalizer is sired by Meteles Cat and out of Showgirl All Dun.

The Reserve Championship went to Giorgia Giacone riding Tomuchfloweredpepto. The duo finished with a 209 composite score, after posting 70 in the herd work, 69.5 in the rein work, and 69.5 in the cow work. Tomuchfloweredpepto is by Oaks Lone Pepto out of To Much Powered.

Italian rider Sara Sottile claimed the Clayland Ranch Spring Stakes Non Pro Boxing Championship aboard Top Tuff Rey, owned by Carlo Mulatero, with a total score of 208. Their performance included 71 in the herd work, 65.5 in the rein work, and 71.5 in the cow work, demonstrating control, timing, and a strong partnership. Top Tuff Rey is sired by Bet Command Rey out of CR Lenas Top Tuff.

The Reserve Championship went another time to Giorgia Giacone riding her Tomuchfloweredpepto, who finished with a total score of 207.5 after scoring 70 in the herd work, 69.5 in the rein work, and 68 in the cow work.

Bridle Spectacular

High-level competition and standout performances defined the Open Bridle Spectacular, where top professionals went head-to-head in the demanding three phases of reined cow horse. Claiming the Championship was Italy’s Giovanni Campanaro, who delivered a polished and authoritative run aboard Hot As Wasabi, owned by Sarah Destefanis. The duo set the bar high with a composite score of 216.5, highlighted by a 72 in the herd work, a 71.5 in the rein work, and a 73 in the cow work, showcasing consistency and control throughout.

Close behind, Samuele Poli Barberis secured the Reserve Championship riding DG Reypep Quixote for owner Fiammetta Maria Campana. The pair remained in strong contention from start to finish, ultimately posting a 214 total score, with marks of 68 in the rein work and matching 73s in both the herd and cow work phases.

Taking top honors in the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular was Germany’s Klaus Paucker aboard Silver Catfish, a horse he also owns. The pair delivered a consistent performance to secure the Championship with a composite score of 194.5, earning a 61 in the herd work, 66.5 in the rein work, and 67 in the cow work. Silver Catfish is sired by Rainboon Man and out of Vans Lil Pepidot.

The Reserve Championship went to fellow German rider Thomas Hofacker riding Cowboys Great Finlay, also owner of the horse. The duo posted a final score of 189.5, with marks of 63 in the herd work, 61.5 in the rein work, and 65 in the cow work. Cowboys Great Finlay is sired by Dun Its Cowboy and out of Hollywood Glamour.

Two Rein Spectacular

The first-ever edition of the Open Two Rein Spectacular marked a significant moment for the event. Making history as the inaugural champions were Italy’s Giovanni Campanaro and Spiderman Of Time, owned by Elena Ferrari. The pair put together a confident and well-balanced run to top the leaderboard with a composite score of 214.5, earning a 71 in the herd work, a 69.5 in the rein work, and an impressive 74 in the cow work. Spiderman Of Time is sired by Woody Time and out of Spiderman By Night.

Finishing close behind, Samuele Poli Barberis claimed the Reserve Championship aboard Lil Gunna R Great for owner Ingrid Novasconi. The duo maintained consistent scores across all phases to secure a 212.5 total, with a 70 in the herd work, 71 in the rein work, and 71.5 in the cow work. Lil Gunna R Great is by ARC Gunna Sparkya and out of Lil Ruffles R Great.

The inaugural Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular added another exciting chapter to the event, offering non-professional riders the opportunity to shine in a highly competitive setting.

Italy’s Claudio Agosti claimed the Championship aboard Smart Dun So Good, owned by Martina Morando, with a solid and well-managed performance across all three phases. The pair closed with a composite score of 204, marked by consistent runs of 67 in the herd work, 68.5 in the rein work, and 68.5 in the cow work. Smart Dun So Good is sired by Smart EasyDeal and out of Wrangler Dun So Good.

Germany’s Klaus Paucker returned to the podium to secure the Reserve Championship with Silver Catfish, a horse he also owns. The duo posted a total score of 199, earning a 62 in the herd work, 67.5 in the rein work, and 69.5 in the cow work. Silver Catfish is sired by Rainboon Man and out of Vans Lil Pepidot.

Youth Cow Work

Young talent stepped into the spotlight during the Youth Cow Work, where Poland’s Julia Tomkiewicz claimed the top position aboard AsSmartAsAstonLight, a horse she also owns. The pair delivered a confident performance to secure the win with a total score of 131.5, earning a 68.5 in the rein work and a 63 in the cow work. AsSmartAsAstonLight is sired by Sugars Smartest Lena and out of Blue Eyed Starlight.

Filippo Masi Novice Riders

In the Filippo Masi Novice Riders, Frida Lomelina of Italy took top honors riding SA Ret Hickory N San, owned by Rodolfo Lomelina. The duo put together a solid run to finish with a winning score of 136.5, marked by a 67 in the rein work and a good 69.5 in the boxing. SA Ret Hickory N San is sired by Ret Great N San and out of Hickory Sanote.

Germany’s Thomas Hofacker secured the Reserve position aboard Cowboys Great Finlay, a horse he also owns. The pair closed with a total of 134.5, scoring 66.5 in the rein work and 68 in the boxing. Cowboys Great Finlay is sired by Dun Its Cowboy and out of Hollywood Glamour.

Level 1 Open Bridle

In the Level 1 Open Bridle, Austria’s Tomas Barta claimed the top spot aboard Purrsuasion, owned by Ingo Linke. The pair delivered a balanced performance to secure the win with a total score of 126, earning a 64 in the rein work and 62 in the cow work. Purrsuasion is sired by Meteles Cat and out of Spooks Twilight.

Novice Horse

The Novice Horse Open saw Italy’s Andrea Sanfelici take the Championship riding Shiner Spot for owner Gaia Rasori. The duo posted the highest score of the class, a 138.5, with a 67.5 in the rein work and an nice 71 in the cow work. Shiner Spot is by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Shiner Whiz Olena.

The Reserve position went to Roberto Marchi aboard OW Metallic Lenas, owned by Carlotta Zigiotti. They closed with a 135 total, scoring 64 in the rein work and 71 in the cow work. OW Metallic Lenas is sired by Oh Cay Mc and out of MV Lenas Revenge.

In the Novice Horse Non Pro, Germany’s Thomas Hofacker added another result to his show, taking the win with Cowboys Great Finlay, a horse he also owns. The pair marked a 129.5, with 67.5 in the rein work and 62 in the cow work. Cowboys Great Finlay is by Dun Its Cowboy and out of Hollywood Glamour.

Limited Non Pro Boxing

The Limited Non Pro Boxing delivered strong performances, led by Italy’s Ginevra Gallo aboard More Mucho Mas, owned by Rodolfo Uberti. The duo topped the class with a 139.5 composite score, earning a 68.5 in the rein work and 71 in the boxing. More Mucho Mas is sired by More Than Stylish and out of Dazzeling Joy.

Close behind, Martina Marconi secured the Reserve position with ZR Dual In Time for owner Marco Baroldi, finishing on a 138.5 total with scores of 66.5 and 72. ZR Dual In Time is by Oaks Lone Pepto and out of Bar Dualina Tari.

Open Hackamore

In the Open Hackamore, Markus Schopfer, competing for Italy, took the win aboard Ohcay Jokin Chic, owned by Pietro Pennacchio. The pair posted a 132 total, with a 67 in the rein work and 65 in the cow work. Ohcay Jokin Chic is sired by Oh Cay Mc and out of Jokin Chic.

Youth Boxing

Poland’s Julia Tomkiewicz returned to the top of the standings with AsSmartAsAstonLight, a horse she also owns. The pair closed with a 130.5, earning a 63.5 in the rein work and 67 in the boxing. AsSmartAsAstonLight is by Sugars Smartest Lena and out of Blue Eyed Starlight.

Herdwork All Ages

The Herdwork All Ages Open class further emphasized precision and control in the herd, with Italy’s Roberto Marchi taking the top spot aboard OW Metallic Lenas, owned by Carlotta Zigiotti. The pair delivered a confident performance to secure the win with a score of 71. OW Metallic Lenas is sired by Oh Cay Mc and out of MV Lenas Revenge.

Finishing in second place was Mattia Maurizi riding Smoking Espresso, a horse he also owns. The duo posted a 69, demonstrating good feel. Smoking Espresso is by Spooks Smokin Cat and out of Sweetend Espresso.

In the Herdwork All Ages Non Pro, Alessandro Simeoni claimed the win aboard Lena Star Cat, owned by Michela Mazzoni. The pair earned a 63, showcasing a clean and controlled run. Lena Star Cat is sired by Lenas Starfish and out of FM Sympatycat.

Martina Marconi secured second place with MA CD Lightmifillena, a horse she also owns, closing with a score of 61. MA CD Lightmifillena is by DG CD Dualote Light and out of Miss Mifi Boggies W.