So as to determine who would wear the Level 2 crown, two combinations who had both closed their performance with a 142.5 had to run-off for the title as per Italian Championship rules: Annalisa Solbiati riding LM Kaliwood (At Ale Wood x Kaliman It) and Tobia Cesare Lonati with Sevenchextocash (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Big Chex To Cash x Lil Chic Peppy) between the reins. Once the two combos were done with their second performance, Solbiati and her red roan 11-year-old gelding were on top of the leaderboard with a 141.5 score and Lonati – also riding for Lombardy - settled for second place honors. “I don’t believe I have ever ridden in the show arena as I did today — both in the first performance and in the run-off —and I had so much fun,” said the 14-year-old who rides for Lombardy under the guidance of Elio Simonini. “This is one of his last shows as he is now 11-years-old, and I couldn’t be any happier. I am also thrilled about the fact that I now will be showing a 3-year-old who is doing very well.”
Third place with a 140 score was for Valentina Frustaci of Trentino Alto Adige and her own Bonny One Lady (One Gun x Bar Lady Bueno Flit).
In the Rookie Level 1, the highest step of the podium was for Eva Capello riding RS Wi-Fi Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena) owned by her father, Alberto Capello. The young rider from Piedmont performed to a 141 score and was thrilled with her ride. “I am so satisfied with my ride and I must admit that I was not expecting such a high score,” said the 14-year-old from Piedmont who rides under the guidance of Daniele Francescato. “I know that I could have done even better, especially considering how good my horse, who I have been riding for the past two years, was for me today and during the whole show season where he often rode me to the winner’s circle.”
The silver medal went to Anna Zucchi (Trentino Alto Adige) and Il Colle del Falco’s Roosterpeacock Pride (Rooster Nic x Umabeprideenterprise). With the 6-year-old bay under the saddle, Zucchi closed with a 140.5. It was double-bronze for Valentina Frustaci and Bonny One Lady who also claimed third place in the Level 1 division.
FISE/IRHA Italian Reining Championship action will be back on Tuesday, November 14, with Youth and Non Pro competitors vying for the titles.
Photos by Bonaga Communication
Live stream: live.andreabonaga.it
Live score: showmanager.info
For further information: www.FUTURITY.it / www.IRHA.it
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Simona Diale / International Horse Press
