The 2005 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Breeders Derby should be remembered for a long time, and not only because of the huge numbers of horses and riders. One of the two major NRHA Germany events, the Breeders Derby counted 132 horses in the Breeders Derby classes alone. Last year, there were 84 entries. Altogether, there were more than 900 starts compared to last year's 680. Reining obviously is growing more and more attractive. And it seems as if very slowly, even TV gets interested in this sport. TV magazine Pferdezeit (time for horses) was there to film the Derby. The film, which is scheduled for the end of August/beginning of September, starts at German champion Grischa Ludwig's facility and accompanies him during the Derby. Showing a lot of top sport, the film also includes a number of stories, such as ambitious youth and their families presenting Joline Nollet and Sebastian Storz. But first and foremost, the Derby will be remembered because of the excitement and quality of the two finals..
Shania Snapper Becomes Breeders Derby Open Champion
For the second time in the NRHA Breeders Derby's history, a mare won the open final. After the mare Timmy's Future won the open Derby in 1998, this time it was Shania Snapper (owner Johanna Binder) who won the prestigious title. With Morey Fisk aboard, the Snapper Cal Bar daughter (out of Bretts Tari), which was bred by Cuoghi Quarter Horses in Italy, showed a brilliant final--the mare showed tremendous heart and courage. Morey and Shania had been the third best horse-rider combination after the go round where they had scored a 217.5. In the final they received a 226.5, which meant a tie for first place with Belgian Bernard Fonck astride Trouble By Frosty (Frostys Chic Olena x Commanders Trouble, owned by Kathelyne Sterckx). This meant another go. Fonck showed a superb ride winning a 227. This could have been the winning ride, but then Fisk risked everything. And the ride of these two was literally breathtaking. Absolute perfection and finesse and in total harmony, the two showed a wonderful, fast and smooth run. The result: standing ovations from the audience and a 229.5 from the judges. So Fisk and Shania Snapper became 2005 Open Breeders Derby Champion with Fonck and Trouble by Frosty placing second, and Ricky Bordignon, of Italy, astide The Little Fighter placing third (225.5 points). Altogether, there had been 54 starters in the go round, 18 of them had made it to the final with a score of at least 212.5.
Top Success for Italy
Seventy-three competitors went for the go round in the Non Pro Breeders Derby--24 made it to the final. Claudio Risso, of Italy, and the RS Great Jac Feona (Mc Jac Flash x Feona Pine, bred by Claudio Risso) were the best competitors in the Go round, and they managed to do even better in the final. As the last competitor, they gave an unbelievable presentation with beautiful circles and speed control and marvelous spins and stops scoring 224.5 points. Tina Kunstner-Mantl, of Austria, and Heza Sure Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Im Not Blonde, bred by Brokke Dehlhoff and Milholland) placed second with only a half point less. Kunstner-Mantl also tied for third place astride Overlook Me Jack, together with Olga Hofmann and Keen Little Katie.~~~