Did you catch the Paints in Paris during July? No, not at the Olympics (we wish!). Instead, they starred at the NRHA European Affiliate Championships, which took place just outside of Paris July 17-21. The Paints in Paris chased titles, trophies and Chrome Cash.
Among them was Siebe van Bekhoven, who came from Belgium with WS Check My Pedigree to compete in the Non-Pro division with the goal of winning some Chrome Cash. Mission accomplished when the flashy duo proudly accepted the $500-added APHA Chrome Cash title and check in the EAC Limited Non-Pro/EAC Non Pro division.
“This was my first time winning a Chrome Cash incentive class, although I have been close in second place a few times, making it that much nicer to win!” Siebe said. “I have entered several of these classes across Europe, most recently during the NRHA Euro Derby in Lyon. I never hesitate to enter these classes whenever they are available. I like the program a lot. It is a great way to include APHA in NRHA events.
“I think it’s very fun to have a separate section during the award ceremony with pretty Paint Horses! I hope that more people become aware of this program. Many people show Paints but are not aware of this program yet, and I believe with classes at great events like last week’s EAC, popularity will increase.”
Paints in Paris
In the past year, APHA’s innovative incentive program has paid out more than $800,000 in added money to APHA members and Paint Horses around the world. Congratulations to our 2024 NRHA European Affiliate Champions:
- Honey First Gunny & Arnaud Girinon: $500-added APHA Chrome Cash EAC Open Champion
Chrome Cash winners in the past, Arnaud Girinon and Honey First Gunny came back for more adding the $500-added APHA Chrome Cash Open title and earnings to their long list of achievements. The dynamic duo marked a blazing 225 for owner and breeder Societa Agricola Le Fattorie Di Matilde of Scandiano (RE), Italy, also making them co-champions of the $10,000-added EAC Open class. Honey First Gunny is a 2015 sorrel solid stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Arc Honey Chick (QH). - TR Voodoo Doll & Anne Grether: $500-added APHA Chrome Cash EAC Rookie Pro/EAC Intermediate Open Champion
Dutch rider Anne Grether was in it to win the $500-added APHA Chrome Cash Intermediate Open/Rookie Pro title and check, laying down a 217.5 with TR Voodoo Doll, owned by RS Reininghorses BV of Groesbeek, the Netherlands. The duo also finished third in the $4,500 NRHA EAC Intermediate Open division. By Shiners Voodoo Dr (QH) and out of Wallawhizagun, the 2018 sorrel overo mare was bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC of Alvarado, Texas.
- WS Check My Pedigree & Siebe van Bekhoven: $500-added APHA Chrome Cash EAC Limited Non Pro/EAC Non Pro Champion
Siebe van Bekhoven of Brasschaat, Belgium, had the winner’s check in his sights as he deftly guided his loud stallion WS Check My Pedigree to take the $500-added APHA Chrome Cash EAC Limited Non-Pro/EAC Non Pro title with a score of 215.5. The 2015 sorrel overo by GP Wimpys Smoking Gun and out of Footworks Finetiming (QH) was bred by Wessel Veld of Doldersum, the Netherlands. - AC Gunna Be A Shin & Eric Leseur: $500-added APHA Chrome Cash Rookie 1 Champion
French rider Eric Leseur made his Chrome Cash debut in style, taking the $500-added APHA Chrome Cash Rookie 1 title and winner’s check aboard AC Gunna Be A Shin with a score of 205. Owned by CJA Quarter Horses of Les Echelles (73), France, the 2015 chestnut overo mare by Colonels Shining Gun and out of Smart Looking Whizzard (QH) was bred by Eric Tambon of Saint-Martin-en-Haut (69), France.
The NRHA European Affiliate Championship attracted 200 horses and 150 qualified riders from 13 European countries to the Paris area just days before the launch of the 2024 Summer Olympics. For complete results, visit showmanager.info.
And don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to compete for Chrome Cash in Europe:
- the 2024 NRHA European Derby (October 30-November 1 in Lyon, France)
- the 2025 NRHA European Futurity (Cremona, Italy)
- the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championship (Le Pen, France)
Contact us today to register your horse or update ownership with APHA!
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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.