30th FEQHA European Championship of American Quarter Horses
All photos courtesy of Luxcompany GmbH.
By: Silvia Panza – ECQH Press Office
#WeAreFEQHA was the motto of the 30th FEQHA European Championship of American Quarter Horses. The show took place August 9th- 18th in Kreuth, Rieden. The idyllic German country panorama was the background for the chermesse dedicated to all Quarter Horse lovers.
Love, passion, talent, dedication, and more was the European Championship. Two hearts beating together, teamwork, and the friendship between human and horse… this was the real essence of the ECQH. Horses and riders from all over Europe came to Kreuth to compete and to share their passion.
The 30th edition of the ECQH saw some new interesting additions. A Young Horse Cup was sponsored by Kumlegaard Quarter Horses. For the first time, a European Cup dedicated to yearlings, 2-year-olds, and 3-year-old horses was offered at the show. Yearlings could start in Showmanship and Trail In Hand, while 2 and 3-year-old horses could take part in Showmanship, Trail In Hand, and Longe Line. 3-year-old horses who were shown in the cup couldn’t be shown under saddle. The cup was a great opportunity for new, promising prospects to demonstrate their talent.
VRH Circuit
The last show weekend was dedicated to Reining and the VRH Circuit. The Versatility Ranch Horse Circuit, Open and Amateur, consisted of four classes: Ranch Riding, Ranch Reining, Ranch Trail, and Ranch Conformation. It was a great chance for Ranch horses!
FN Reining German Championship
The very last day of the show, during the afternoon, the FN German Championship was on stage. The show was divided in three classes: Junior Riders (born in 2001 or younger), Young Riders (aged between 19 and 21 years old) and Senior Riders (older than 21 years old). All the horses who took part in the FN German Championship had to pass a vet check before competing. The prize money for the event was 17.000 Euros.
The ribbon lottery
Every rider who had a ribbon that he or she didn’t want to bring home could bring it back and have the chance to take part in the lottery! There were some wonderful prizes offered by our sponsors. First place could win a snaffle bit sponsored by Moll Creek Ranch from Luxembourg. Second place got a pair of front leg protection offered by Lami-Cell. Third and fourth places were awarded with a thermo mug decorated with the logo of the 30th European Championship of American Quarter Horses, sponsored by FEQHA.
The “Ride the Pattern” clinics were purposed again, and they were a success, as in previous years. AQHA and DQHA Professional Horsewomen went through the patterns of the show explaining tips and tricks for the perfect performance. Demo riders could volunteer and had the possibility to get a lesson. The clinics were for free and open to everybody! The Professional Horsewomen who offered their time for the clinic were Andrea Schmid (Trail), Stefanie Bubenzer (Showmanship), Jadasa Jablonowski (Hunt Seat Equitation), Marina Schwank (Horsemanship) and Lucy Adams (Ranch Riding).
ECQH is… Fun!
On Saturday, there was the traditional “Welcome to the Show” party at the Arena Bar. Riders, visitors, and equine enthusiasts could enjoy drinks and food specialties and were surrounded by great disco music. The Ostbayernhalle was also the paradise for every shopping queen. In the commercial area, you could find everything related to Western Riding and fashion. On August 16th, there was an evening dedicated to all Reining enthusiasts with a public viewing of the “Run For A Million” at the arena bar.
The European Championship is not only a competition, but it is a place for all horse lovers. Thanks to entertainment activities, it’s the ideal place for families and visitors.
The 31st edition of the FEQHA European Championship will take place next year from the August 7th-16th, 2020. We look forward to meet all of you there.
