(Simona Diale) Gold and Silver FEI medals for the young Italian reiners in Kreuth, Germany. The Juniors took the team Gold in front of Belgium and Germany and the Young Riders took team Silver, a half a point behind Germany. The Netherlands claimed team Bronze.

For Italian reining this is truly an historical milestone: it is the first time that young Italian reiners take part in the FEI European Championships. "These medals fill us with joy", commented Roberto Cuoghi, President of the FN Reining Department and IRHA President. "Our young riders were phenomenal and the fact that they were riding for the prestigious medals away from home did not affect them at all. I am really proud of them!".

Just as enthused by the win was Team Coach, Filippo Masi. "These kids were simply fantastic, the did the very best they could and showed us all what true team spirit is".

Andrea Paulgross, President of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), was quick to compliment the two teams. "These medals were conquered by our young riders at the end of an extraordinary summer for Italian equitation. The great performance of our young Reiners proves the growth of the sport of Reining in our country. Once again, as I have been been fortunate to experience recently, team spirit prevailed and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the riders and their parents, the team coach, the directors and all those that made us live an incredible emotion through these Championships".

All the team members made it to the Individual Competition which will be held on Sunday, October 11th.

First Italian Young Riders and Juniors ready to compete in Kreuth

For the first time ever, Young Riders and Juniors will represent Italy in the FEI European Reining Championships which this year will be held in Kreuth, Germany, October 8-11.

The Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE) officially designated Filippo Masi as Team Coach. “I am very honored to have been chosen as Coach for the first ever youth reining teams. The enthusiasm these young riders show is contagious and fills me with joy!”, said Masi. “The criteria with which the team members were finally chosen was that of keeping in mind the results that both the horses and riders obtained in these past years and, of course, the physical condition of the horses which was carefully evaluated by the FN veterinarian, DVM. Daniele Dall’Ora”.

Representing Italy will be:
Young Riders: Chiara Bartoletti/Doc Tivio Hancock, Manuel Cortesi/Arc Gold In Player, Guglielmo Fontana/Please Check Me, Martina Roasio/Dumpy Pride, Giovanni Pirovano/Whole Ruby Made

Juniors: Andrea Iannetta/Little Sugar Speedy, Giovanni Masi/Larksimilian, Luca Menici/Shady Catalyst, Elena Scipioni/Docs Rose Olena, Silvia Panza/Shaken

The Light The young reiners, who come from various parts of Italy, all met up at the Arcese Quarter Horse facility in Castelnuovo del Garda on Monday evening, where their horses were stabled, and then left for Kreuth along with their Coach and Cristina Serra, IRHA Office Manager. “Considering the fact that school started in the beginning of September, after our last meeting all together at the end of August, the riders carried on working with their trainers at home”, says Filippo. “I am certain that this will be a very positive experience for them and I would like to thank the parents of the riders for being so supportive and, at the end of the day, our main sponsors!”.

Team Italy rides in style
Following a layover at the Arcese Quarter Horse Facility in Castelnuovo del Garda on Monday night, Italian Young Rider & Junior Teams left for Kreuth accompanied by Team Coach, Filippo Masi and IRHA Office Manager, Cristina Serra on the XO Reining Horses and BB Spa sponsored bus (see photo). The very first Italian Reining youth teams arrived in Kreuth yesterday evening ready to wear their country colors! All the best to all competitors riding in the 2009 FEI European Reining Championships!

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