In the sport of reining, Saturday, March 28, 2009, should be considered monumental. The first National Reining Horse Association European Futurity brought the world together to a spectacular $251,000 added event at Ostbayernhalle in Kreuth-Rieden, Germany.

By the end of the show, riders from 16 countries brought more than 320 horses, drew online visitors from more than 30 countries and a crowd of approximately 10,000 filled nearly every seat in the stands for the Saturday night finals.

Second-to-last in the go, Sail On Top Whizard and Bernard Fonck blistered the competition with a 228.5 to win both Level 4 open and Level 3 intermediate open divisions (right, above). When the duo finished their pattern, the crowd couldn’t control their appreciation.

Fonck’s wife, Ann, who placed among the top 5 in both divisions, watched on with pride during the awards ceremony in the arena. After his ride, Fonck talked about the great partnership he and his wife share in preparing horses to show. He said it helped Danny and Deluc Cerato’s stallion take home the winner’s purse of more than $55,000.

Spark N Whiz, owned by Luga QH of Italy, and Duane Latimer marked a 220.5 as draw No. 12 and took Level 4 open reserve. The stallion showed at the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City and was shipped to Germany to compete this week. The horse developed some respiratory problems before the show, and the Foncks helped Latimer get him healthy and ready to compete.

Italy’s Claudio Risso showed his RS Linkwood Jac to an impressive win in the Level 4 non-pro division with a 216.5 (right, below). During his “Celebration of Champions” victory lap, he waved his hat at the cheering crowd while he piloted his homebred mare to bridleless slides and spins.

The NRHA European Futurity is "open to the world," showcasing 4-year-old reining horses competing for close to $300,000 in prize money. More information is available on the official Web site of the NRHA European Futurity at www.nrha-european-futurity.com or on the online reiner blog at www.reiner.nrha.com.