Chrome Cash champions bring color & class to the NRHA European Affiliate Championship

The flashy colors and standout performances of American Paint Horses turned heads and collected checks at the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championship July 16-19 outside of Paris, France. With riders from across Europe taking part in APHA’s Chrome Cash program, the competition proved not only tough, but also inspiring. Designed to reward exhibitors competing on registered Paint Horses, Chrome Cash continues to grow in popularity on the international stage. At this year’s EAC, the program paid out $2,000 in added money and gave Paint competitors an extra reason to shine in the reining pen.

Congratulations to our Chrome Cash winners at the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championship

Chrome Cash Rookie Level 1

Melanie Aebi and her own RR Branding Star, a 2016 sorrel solid gelding by RR Star and out of As I Want (QH), scored a 210 in the EAC Rookie class to take the win and $351 in the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Rookie Level 1.

“My horse is amazing. He really shines like a star,” said the young rider of Switzerland, who rides under the guidance of NRHA Professional Morey Fisk. “I have a great team at home led by Morey and also mental coach Nadia Lattmann. This is my second year competing in the Chrome Cash incentive, and I really appreciate it. It is a nice bonus for us when we enter the classes and earn something more for our Paints.”

Chrome Cash Limited Non-Pro/Non-Pro

Belgian rider Siebe van Bekhoven and his talented Paint stallion WS Check My Pedigree (pictured at top), a 2015 sorrel overo by GP Wimpys Smoking Gun and out of Footworks Finetiming (QH), claimed the win in the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Limited Non-Pro/Non-Pro and $378 with a powerful score of 217.5. This stylish pair stood out among tough competition, placing third overall in the $5,000 NRHA EAC Non-Pro class.

“This win feels amazing. This is a great event in general, and there are a lot of good Paint Horses showing, so to stand out in this class, it feels pretty special,” Siebe said; he repeated his victory from last year. “I always say that my horse is the best, but he is also the best Paint, and he proved that again today. He has a big heart in his little body, but he did everything he could and I am absolutely overjoyed with him.”

Chrome Cash Rookie Pro/Intermediate Open

It was a win for German rider Patryk Peszke and the talented Spooks Gotta Whey, a 2019 bay solid stallion by NRHA $11 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Whizzing A Whey (QH), owned by Bernice Engel of Germany. The duo scored a 216.5 to take the top spot in the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Rookie Pro/Intermediate Open and tied for third place in the $4,500 NRHA EAC Fautras Intermediate Open.

“He’s a 6-year-old stallion and truly an amazing horse,” Patryk said after his winning ride, earning them $340 in Chrome Cash. “I’m really happy we took the win in our Chrome Cash class—this program is a fantastic opportunity for horses that are nominated. We gave it our best in the arena today and had a solid run.”

Patryk added that future plans are already underway.

“We’ll definitely aim for the NRHA European Derby,” he said. “Bernice bought him two years ago in Italy, and I’m very grateful to her for the opportunity to ride such a talented horse.”

Owner Bernice Engel echoed that excitement and appreciation for the program.

“I really appreciate the Chrome Cash program and fully support it—it’s a great initiative,” she said. “We entered three horses here in the program, and we plan to do the same in Lyon.”

Chrome Cash Limited Open/Open

With a run scored 217.5, Christelle Graffeuil of France and her own flashy mare Face Like A Crome, a 2018 palomino overo mare by NRHA $4 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Like A Custom Crome, won the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Limited Open/Open and a check for $359. The duo were also co-champions in the $500 NRHA EAC Limited Open, wrapping up the week of electrifying competition.

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.