How it all began

First of all, there is a long premise to make, and tell you what were the reasons that led a person close to the world of REINING sport, to consider something different for a small market like Europe.

A positively restless person, and inclined to consider novelties, against all the opinions that gave the feasibility of the discipline in Europe as impossible, she thought that something was missing that gave a sense of belonging and camaraderie, as well as very high values ​​of quality, spectacularity and above all professionalism, that the discipline of REINED COW HORSE gave as a history matured developed over time followed by professionals of the highest level, not that, Horsemen of all respect.

The REINED COW HORSE, Cornerstone, what unites everyone in this discipline and maintains a healthy competitiveness is the unique variant due to the work on Calves (Cow’s), a variable that exists for everyone, for horses and riders. Regardless of everything, this introduces the unexpected that occurs randomly, putting everyone on an equal footing, facilitating, as far as possible, camaraderie between riders and a healthy enthusiasm in competitions.

All this is possible for the respect of the horse and the characteristics of the Reined Cow Horse discipline that has its roots in the tradition of the Californian Vaqueros, combining classical taming skills with the functionality required in working with cattle.

This training method is based on a progressive path that gradually develops the sensitivity, reactivity and lightness of the horse, leading it to become a complete horse, capable of working with cattle with minimal interference from the rider.

The training is divided into four distinct phases, each characterized by a specific type of bit and well-defined objectives:

This first phase represents the foundation of training, where the horse learns the fundamentals of responding to aids and develops balance and body control. A snaffle bit is used, which allows direct communication with the horse’s mouth without leverage. Work focuses on flexibility, lateral movements, stopping, rolling back and collecting. During this phase, the rider uses both hands on the reins, teaching the horse to yield to pressure in a natural and progressive way.

After developing the basics with the snaffle bit, the horse moves on to the hackamore (or bosal), a bitless bridle made of braided leather that acts on the nose. This tool refines the horse’s sensitivity and encourages lightness, teaching him to respond to the rider’s body movements without the need for direct pressure on the mouth. The transition to the hackamore helps improve balance and naturalness in movement, preparing the horse to work with one hand on the reins.

This phase marks the transition between the hackamore and the full bit (spade bit). Both the bosal and the long-bar bit are used, allowing the horse to gradually become accustomed to the new bit. The rider uses two sets of reins: one connected to the bosal and the other to the bit, gently alternating the signals to ensure that the horse maintains the lightness acquired in the hackamore while beginning to respond to the aids of the bridle. This phase is crucial to developing finesse and precision in movement.

The final stage is the most advanced and represents the highest expression of Reined Cow Horse training. The horse now works exclusively with the spade bit, a long-lever bit that requires extreme sensitivity and precision. At this level, the rider uses only one hand on the reins, communicating through minimal movements and perfectly balancing the horse with his own seat. A true Bridle Horse is a finely trained horse, capable of working with cattle and responding to aids with lightness and elegance.

This progressive, fundamental method, traditionally developed in 4 phases, not only develops the physical and mental abilities of the horse, but also builds a relationship of trust and respect with the rider. By following the four phases, the horse evolves from an initial state of learning to become a highly refined and sensitive partner, ready to excel in Reined Cow Horse competitions or in daily work with cattle.

The success, and health of the horse is not guaranteed by modifying the method or shortening the training phases and is not part of the true horseman of this equestrian discipline, that is why true horsemen stick to the historical experience and honor the discipline of Reined Cow Horse with respect for the Horse.

1998 Maurizio Di Simone with an idea in his head in the United States, visited the NRHA REINING FUTURITY event, and got in touch with the NRCHA (National Reined Cow Horse Association), which was present with its commercial stand, with the intention of collecting as much information as possible with the intention of realizing the idea of ​​founding the EUROPEAN REINED COW HORSE association. Here he meets Mauro Taccia and it is here that they start seriously to think about a European future of the REINED COW HORSE.

In 1999, in Germany (later moved to Italy), the REINED COW HORSE association was founded and registered for the first time together with Ludwig Grischa, Maurizio Di Simone, Silvia Maile and Oliver Palko. In this year, Maurizio, with the support of Janina Tolle, organized the first European Cow Horse FUTURITY in Nümbrecht at Lutz Leckebusch’s Ranch in Germany, with the support of Leonardo Arcese, where Kay Wienrich won the OPEN Bridel class, and XXXXXX the OPEN Futurity. Since then, always with the collaboration of Leonardo Arcese, Grisha Ludwig and other passionate professionals, the path of ERCHA has been traced.

In 2000 the interest in the sport expanded on the European territory involving more Nations, during this crucial year in agreement with Ludwig Grischia the ERCHA (European Reined Cow Horse Association) was registered and officially founded in Italy, it was August 6, 2000, Founders as per statute Leonardo Arcese, Maurizio Di Simone, Cristina Serra. Then, thanks to the action of some great Trainers and professional riders, such as Markus Schopfer, Ricky Nicolazzi and Mauro Taccia, the energy of the association and the discipline began to attract many more people, who contributed to increasing the number of members and enthusiasts of the reined cow horse. Not to forget the first training course of the Reined Cow Horse, strongly desired by Markus Schopfer, held by Grisha Ludwig at the ARCESE breeding farm in Peschiera del Garda.

In the early years in Europe, ERCHA promoted Reined Cow Horse and the philosophy of training Reined Cow Horse horses. In addition to organizing 2-3 competitions per year, ERCHA was committed to organizing Reined Cow Horse training courses, spreading the traditional training method of the discipline, inviting American professionals such as Teddy Robinson, Ken World, Sandy Collier and Russel Dilday to Europe.

It was necessary to spread the philosophy of Reined Cow Horse training to make people understand that it was not an improvised sport, but a discipline that required knowledge of the method, well-defined rules and a structured path to guarantee safety for the horse and the rider and respect for tradition.

Also in the year 2000, the group of enthusiastic and operational founders, thanks to the experience accumulated over many years in the European Western riding industry, and in compliance with the mission of the European level association, began a collaboration with the first and only event dedicated to Western riding in Europe, AMERICANA® which took place in Augsburg, Germany.

It is here that in the year 2000 at AMERICANA®, the second, that is, the first official ERCHA Futurity Open was held, won by Eugenio Latorre with the Quarter Horse stallion “Dutch Peppy Flash”.

With AMERICANA® begins a mutual collaboration that has brought the REINED COW HORSE in its essence, in front of the great European public, the seriousness and enthusiasm and respect for the rules and the image of ERCHA has contributed to the purpose of spreading the sport. The image of AMERICANA® Marketing itself for more than a decade has promoted the image of the REINED COW HORSE, inserting the primary competitions, the finals of the most spectacular classes, within shows with a paying public with over 5,000 attendees for each evening.

In these initial years that have characterized our history, many illustrious names such as Eugenio Latorre, Markus Schopfer, Grischa Ludwig, Mauro Taccia, Ricky Nicolazzi, Kay Wienrich, Philip Martin Haug, Otto De Fazio, Ricky Bordignon, Francesca Baron, Andrea Fasani, Stefano Chiari, Toni Cancellieri, Cristoph Sailer, Laura Ruffino and others who have contributed to the growth of the Reined Cow Horse in Europe.

Laura Ruffino at the beginning of 2016 had the idea of ​​introducing a competition in “Bridle” with a team format, precisely because she had noticed that the horses that had completed the REINED COW HORSE training path did not have competitions dedicated to them. This innovative initiative represented a significant step in the competition panorama, offering riders from all over Europe the opportunity to showcase the skills of their horses by representing their nation in teams, in a collaborative and stimulating context. The NATION CUP, this is the name given to this event, in this way further enhances the purpose of training the REINED COW HORSE horse, the final goal of a noble and tradition-filled training.

The NATION CUP is not only a competition but also a message to promote the sport and introduce into the Western riding industry the excellence of horses trained with a unique style and respecting the Vaquera tradition.

Teams from different nations, made up of riders of different levels and experience with exceptional horses with high performances, were able to exchange techniques and strategies, creating an atmosphere of sharing and learning.

This new format attracted a growing number of participants and the public, contributing to further increase the interest in Reined Cow Horse in Europe and to consolidate the reputation of the discipline as one of the most fascinating and challenging in the equestrian panorama, this is how the European Reined Cow Horse NATION CUP was born, which to this day has become a mantra and is held every year.

Conclusion

The evolution of Reined Cow Horse in Europe has been possible thanks to the commitment of associations such as ERCHA, which have worked to spread the discipline through competitions, training courses and collaboration with internationally renowned professionals. The training path structured in four phases has demonstrated the importance of progressive and methodical preparation, aimed at developing balanced, sensitive horses that are perfectly in tune with the rider.

Today, Reined Cow Horse is not just a sport, but a true art that encompasses tradition, technique, and respect for the horse. Thanks to the dedication of breeders, trainers and enthusiasts, the discipline continues to grow, keeping the vaquero roots alive, and ensuring a solid future for the culture of the working horse.