National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) approval is pending for a new global youth reining event to be held in conjunction with next month’s Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) Derby.
The inaugural NRHA Invitational Global Youth Reining Cup will be held May 25 in Cremona, Italy. It will be held during the IRHA Derby, which is offered in conjunction with the Salone del Cavallo Americano horse show.
The invitational competition is open to riders ages 12-18 holding an NRHA Youth membership and horses of any breed/age. Each country will be represented by one youth rider. Affiliates shall govern their system for rider qualification, and must submit the name of the youth rider representing his/her country by April 30.
Competitors from outside Europe will ride horses donated by owners. The horse draw for these outside competitors — in order to comply to the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE) rules and regulations — was to happen 10 days prior to the competition. Horses were to be available for non- European competitors to ride on May 22.
“I am thrilled to see this dream come true for so many youth riders around the world,” Joao Marcos of Cardinal Reining Horses said in a statement. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our sport, and we look forward to hosting youth from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the USA and possibly Australia, Canada, and Japan. I would like to thank Roberto Cuoghi, President of the IRHA and NRHA European Council, for his collaboration and support.”
Italy has hosted many international competitions organized by IRHA and, for Cuoghi, the Global Youth Reining Cup is yet another event that will make history.
“It is an honor to be able to host the Global Cup in Italy and I look forward to welcoming youth from around the world to Cremona,” Cuoghi said.
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