AMERICANA 2025 – More Finals

AMERICANA 2025 – More Finals

The finals are now underway on the fifth day of AMERICANA 2025. For visitors to the show arena, this meant top-class sport in ranch trail, ranch riding, reining and cowhorse. The afternoon continues with non-pro cutting. The second evening show of this AMERICANA will then take place in the evening. As was the case yesterday, Wednesday, with over 3,200 spectators, Thursday evening's show also broke visitor records (well over 4,000 at the time of this press release at midday). And the nearly 300 exhibitors were delighted with the strong turnout on the first day of visitor access.

Ranch Trail Non Pro Champion: Annika Viecenz & Despacito Whiz

Eleven horse-rider combinations made it to the Ranch Trail Non Pro final. The Champion title ultimately went to 23-year-old Annika Viecenz with her Despacito Whiz, who received a score of 156 for her outstanding ride. Annika and her gelding had won the Working Ranch Horse Trail Non Pro at AMERICANA in 2023. Leonie Alisa Maurer on GK Dun To Impress was reserve champion, just one point behind. Eva Lhotka (AUT) followed in third place with Silverdancin Diamond (150). Vivien Leisner, who was leading after the go round, took fourth place with KH Great Investment (149.5).

NRHA Limited Non Pro Champion: Helen Müller & Shine Yur Gun

Helen Müller won the NRHA Limited Non Pro with the 11-year-old Shine Yur Gun (Colonels Shining Gun x Lil Miss Shiney Chex) scoring a 215.5. Co-reserve champions, each with a score of 213, were Markus Schöpfer (ITA) on the 17-year-old Jokin Whiz (Who Whiz It x Jokin Peppy), with whom he had already been NRHA Intermediate Open World Champion, and Finn Nestle on SK Spacex. Finn Nestle had won the Intermediate and Limited Non Pro at the Hot Summer Show 2025 with this horse.

ERCHA Bridle Spectacular Open und Ltd. Open Champion: Vera Walliser (SUI) & CD Fortunate Son

Vera Walliser (SUI) and her 9-year-old CD Fortunate Son (Metallic Cat x CDS Lucky Gal) were already in the lead in the Ltd. Open after the Herd Work and Rein Work. Their outstanding Fence Work, which was rewarded with a score of 221, gave them a decisive lead for victory in the Open and Ltd. Open – composite score: 647. The pair had already enjoyed numerous successes (including ERCHA/NRCHA Limited Non Pro Bridle Champion 2022), 

The Reserve Championship Open and Ltd. Open went to Sophie Paucker on the 11-year-old Chics Electric Spark (Chex Electric Spark x Smart Chic Ohoney) with a composite score of 631.5. Third in the Open was Sabine Brasche on Bet Hesa Wildcat. She also impressed with excellent fencework, but unfortunately only achieved a total score of 625.5. In the Ltd. Open, Nina Henny and Tivios Prize came third with a total score of 619.

Ranch Riding Open Champion
Annika Riggenbach & AJ Dry Dunnit (after Tie with Jana Haug & One Soldier Army)

The final of the Ranch Riding Open ended in a tie for first place: Annika Riggenbach (SUI) with AJ Dry Dunnit and Jana Haug with One Soldier Army both left the arena with an outstanding score of 158. The decision on the championship title was made by tie judge Janette Dublin Steffl, who awarded first place to Annika Riggenbach. Jana Haug became reserve champion. 

Annika Riggenbach and her 17-year-old gelding by Lil Dry Peppy, owned by Bettina Galle, had already achieved the best score in the go round (159.5). The two have been a successful team for years and have already won this year's Western Show Cup at euro cheval 2025.

Jana Haug and One Soldier Army (Smart Royal Off King x Lucky's Racing Rocket), owned by Viola Haug, are currently also in the lead of the Superhorse go round. With the 8-year-old gelding bred by the Haug family, Jana has already won the EWU German Junior Western Riding and Junior Ranch Riding Championships, among others.

Third place was shared by Sonja Elmers on Banjos Smart Face RH, owned by Riccarda Hucke, and Jasmin Andersdotter on Aint Gumps Saint BB, owned by Andrea Lübben (score 157 each).