Elementa Irha/Fise Italian Championship Finals 2022: The Youth

Elementa Irha/Fise Italian Championship Finals 2022: The Youth credits Bonaga Communication

It was a youthful morning in Veronafiere where the 2022 IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Italian Futurity and Elementa IRHA/FISE Italian Championships are held. 38 Youth finalists battled their way to the podium in the 14-18 and Under 13 categories.

IRHA/FISE Youth 14-18

Claiming the gold medal with a 143.5 performance in the Youth 14-18 was Nico Falcone aboard his 10-year-old gelding GI A Classic Whiz (Remin Whiz x A Classic Dun It). “I have to admit that after all the work done with my parents, Samantha and Luciano, and after trying to qualify in my regional affiliate shows in Tuscany to make it here, winning the gold medal is a huge reward,” said Falcone. “I have a very strong bond with my horse, AKA ‘Tyson,’who we purchased in 2019. I fell in love with him and knew he had to be mine. It took a while to finally click, and since then he has truly taught me a lot and made me understand how hard one needs to work in order to reach a goal. He may not be perfect in his maneuvers but on top of having a huge heart, for me he is fantastic.”

The silver medal was for Alice Baldazzi [representing ARER] and Holly Jolly Whiz (Whiz Ruf Peppy x Smart Dolly Hickory) owned by her father Ettore Baldazzi. Alice and her 10-year-old gelding closed with a 140.5.

Elia Kompatscher and Doc Magic Brown (ARC Magic Enterprise x Doc Sugar Brown), owned by Alois Kompatscher, stepped on the third step of the podium with a 139.5 for her regional affiliate ARTA.

Irha/Fise Youth 13 & Under

Jan Gasser and his 5-year-old gelding Hug A Spark (Spark N Whiz x GR Hug A Jewel) went on to conquer the gold medal in the Youth 13 & Under with a 141 score. “This morning, before showing, I panicked because I couldn’t find my leg wraps, but in the arena my horse was fantastic. We managed to perform well and since we’ve only been together since April this year, it’s a great achievement, even though we immediately got along,” said Gasser. “I would like to thank my trainer Alois Kompatscher and all my team.”

Edoardo Milano, representing his regional affiliate APCR, rode to silver riding his 10-year-old gelding Saibler Chick (Chic Magnetic x Bonsai Sailor) owned by Massimo Milano with a 140.5.

The third step of the podium was also for APCR thanks to Carolina Vairo who rode her 12-year-old gelding Playboy Snapple (Mr Snapple x ARC Snappers Calgirl), who also closed with a 140.5.

As per FISE (Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) rules, ties are not allowed for the podium placings in the Italian Championship Finals. In order to break the tie, the ‘tie-breaker judge’rule is applied.

Irha/Fise 13 & Under

  1. Jan Gasser & Hug A Spark, 5 yo gelding (Spark N Whiz x GR Hug A Jewel) owner Jan Gasser score 141
  2. Edoardo Milano & Saibler Chick, 10 yo gelding (Chic Magnetic x Bonsai Sailor) owner Massimo Milano score 140.5
  3. Carolina Vairo & Playboy Snapple, 12 yo gelding (Mr Snapple x ARC Snappers Calgirl) owner Carolina Vairo score 140.5

Irha/Fise Youth 14-18

  1. Nico Falcone & GI A Classic Whiz, gelding (Remin Whiz x A Classic Dun It) owner Luciano Falcone score 143.5
  2. Alice Baldazzi & Holly Jolly Whiz, 10 yo gelding (Whiz Ruf Peppy x Smart Dolly Hickory) owner Ettore Baldazzi score 140.5
  3. Elia Kompatscher & Doc Magic Brown, 10 yo gelding (ARC Magic Enterprise x Doc Sugar Brown) owner Alois Kompatscher score 139.5

Held at Vieronafiere, admission is free until Friday, November 18. Tickets for Saturday, November 19, may be purchased online here.

To follow the action live, click here live.andreabonaga.it

Click here www.showmanager.info for complete results and live score.

Photos by IRHA Futurity Official Photographer Bonaga Communication.

IRHA-NRHA Futurity Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press