Jody Fonck excels in NRHA-G Open Breeders Futurity

17/10/2023 – Manuel Cortesi was not the only rider making history by marking a magic 233,0 in the L4 finals of the NRHA Germany Open Breeders Futurity for 4-year-old horses concluded Saturday in the Ostbayernhalle in Rieden-Kreuth (GER). In the € 20.020 added L2 final, counting 17 entries, and the € 9.240 added L1 final counting 15 entries it was Jody Fonck (BEL) writing history.
By marking a 218,0 with Iam A Voodoo Dr [Shiners Voodoo Dr] owned by Jacqueline Seger between the reins, the 17-year-old Youth- and Non Pro rider claimed both the L2- and L1 final Futurity Champion title. Marking a 217,5, the L2 Reserve Champion title went to Captain Chex Sparrow [Smooth Move Chex] owned by Heidi Wallner and ridden by door Franziska Wallner (GER). Third place, marking a 216,0, was for ND Special Pop[Special Nite] owned by Pia Pickhardt and ridden by Kim Obenhaus (GER). Marking a 215,0 with JJ Pale Faced Spook [Pale Face Dunnit] owned by Annelies and Hermann Meinert Jody also claimed the L1 Reserve Champion title. Third place, marking a 213,5, was for Be The Bees Knees [Colonels Shining Gun] owned by Emma Villa and ridden by Stefano Ladetto (ITA). Besides the fact that Jody did an excellent job in riding these horses, there is another fact that makes it a special achievement. Not many are aware of the fact that a Youth (Non Pro) rider is allowed to enter horses owned by a third party in the Open competition. A couple of years ago NRHA introduced a new rule with the intention to facilitate youth riders in making a choice at a later age. Any youth rider 18 years of age or younger who is a current member of NRHA is eligible to reside and/or work for any NRHA Professional in good standing. Renumeration can include housing and food. The Youth rider would be allowed to have their personal horse or horses with the trainer and details of board and training would be decided between those parties. The Youth rider would be allowed to ride any horses both at home and at horse shows while working for the trainer. The Youth rider would be allowed to compete in the Youth and Non Pro based on current NRHA rules.
This is the first time in history that we see this rule applied on European soil and in addition on a prestigious international event. This year is the last year Jody is eligible to enter the Youth competition. For next year she will make a choice to either become an Open rider or maintain the Non Pro status.

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Photo: Jody Fonck and Iam A Voodoo Dr. Photo: Art&Light Fotography, GER