Reining
20 COUNTRIES EXPECTED FOR 2008 FEI WORLD REINING CHAMPIONSHIP
By
Jul 24, 2008, 14:24

The newest addition to the international reining scene, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Reining Championships, is showing a world of support, literally. Twenty countries from four continents are entered to compete in the September 11 -14, 2008 competition in Manerbio, Italy.

Teams and individuals from these countries are to compete in the inaugural World Championships, a brand new event hosted by the FEI. In the past, a World Reining Championship only has been offered during the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) which is held every four years, two years prior to the Olympic games. This year, international reiners will compete for the prestigious World Championship gold, silver and bronze FEI medals outside of the WEG at their stand-alone reining event. Organizers anticipate 20,000 horse enthusiasts to be in attendance to see history in the making.

The countries with FEI National Federations that are anticipated to compete include:

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

France

Germany

Great Britain

Italy

Poland

Spain

Switzerland

The Netherlands

U.S.A.

Those countries that are in the process of having their riders qualified for the competition are:

Czech Republic

Norway

Santo Domingo

South Africa

Slovakia

Sweden

The FEI is the international body governing equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, Reining and Para-Equestrian.

Reining has gained significant ground in its move to being the next equestrian sport added to the Olympic Games. FEI-approved reining competitions started in 2001 making the Sport the only western discipline of riding approved by the organization. For the first time ever in the history of equestrian sports, the FEI welcomed Team and Individual Reining Competition to the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games.



For further information on international reining, visit FEI at www.horsesport.org. For more information on the 2008 FEI World Reining Championship, visit www.itrha.com.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit www.NRHA.com.

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