Last to enter the show arena in Lyon in the $15,000-added Equita Lyon Grand Prix Open was NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Bernard Fonck. Following a last-minute decision, the Belgian professional rode Ricostyle, a 6-year-old mare by Ricochet Rooster out of Gangsters Chrome now owned by Nuria Puig Ribas. With a 215.5 to beat, posted by French Charlene Aubreton aboard A Reminic Star owned by CJA Quarter Horse, Fonck showed the 6-year-old mare to a 216.5 for the win. “I rode this mare as a 2-year-old since she was bred by Manuel Bonzano who I worked for at the time,” said Fonck. “My assistant, Lorenzo De Simone, and Manuel both showed her and I also showed – and won – the Americana Futurity in 2017. When Manuel decided to sell her I thought she would fit Andreu [Nogue Puig] and they purchased her. She’s been doing well for Andreu and I am very happy to have showed – and won — here!”

Aubreton and her mount by Lenas Starfish out of Miss Reminic Chex settled for reserve honors after holding the lead until the last horse. “I was really happy with the way my horse went and hoped until the very end my score would hold; of course Bernard is always a threat and he proved it here,” said the French rider.

Spanish Nuig wins the Equita Lyon Grand Prix Non Pro

Andreu Nogue Puig and A Whiz N Cash

In a field of 14 riders, Andreu Nogue Puig of Spain conquered in France winning the $8,000-added Equita Lyon Grand Prix Non Pro aboard his A Whiz N Cash and a 216 score. "I'm very happy with my horse and with my mare [Ricostyle]," said Andreu about his horses. "Both of them were really 'wow' for me; they always waited for me and looked really good in the pen. This time around my trainer [Mirko Midili] could not be here, so [NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider] Bernard Fonck followed me and I have to thank him a lot for everything. He's a great horseman and of course every time I learn something more."

Puig’s 4-year-old mount is by Custom Cash Advance out of A Whiz N Wranglers. The talented gelding piloted the 17-year-old to the 2018 Italian Reining Horse Non Pro Futurity Levels 4,3,2,1 bringing home an impressive $$61,566. With Rocostyle (Ricochet Rooster x Gangsters Chrome), he tied for third place honors with German Gina Schumacher riding Snip O Lution (Einsteins Revolution x Snip O Chex) owned by CS Ranch Management SA. Both posted a 213.5.

Reserve honors went to yet another German rider, Nikolai Stiller, who reined his Hollywood Gunrunner (Gunner x Dun It For Missy) to a 214 score. 

Equita Lyon 2019: Celebrating the 25th edition!

About Equita Lyon:

Combining top-level riding competitions, a trade fair dedicated to the equestrian sector, and an original performing art show, Equita Lyon is the biggest annual equestrian show in Europe and part of the FEI World Cup circuit. 

The Trade Fair:

• • 140,000m² of exhibition space devoted to the equestrian sector.
• • 804 exhibitors and breeders, the greatest references in the equestrian market.
• • 11 arenas with non-stop events, as well as warm up pens for winding down and preparing.
• • A Health Area; a space reserved for health-care professionals devoted to raising awareness about the health of horses and riders.
• • A Breeding Area; where more than 40 breeds of horses and ponies are presented; this area contributes to raising the profile of French breeding.
• • The Hippolia by Equita Start-up; a Village that promotes new companies in the equestrian sector.
• • The Equita Western Horse Show, the largest gathering of international Western riding competitions in Europe.

By Simona Diale/International Horse Press