Austrian Rudi Kronsteiner rides new European Score Record
Only half a point below world record score

(by Ramona Billing) New milestone for Europe: the Austrian reiner Rudi Kronsteiner who trains in Germany won the Italian Derby for the second time. Astride the American Quarter Horse stallion Star Spangled Whiz (by Topsail Whiz) he scored a 236 which means a new European record score. In fact, this score is only half a point away from the world record Andrea Fappani set last year at the NRBC. Star Spangled Whiz came to Rudi Kronsteiner last winter, when his owner Orel Pavel just wanted to spend a month riding with Rudi. “The horse appealed to me immediately,” says Rudi. „He’s got a lot of talent and expression. So I asked Orel whether he would let me ride the stallion. And he did. Star Spangled Whiz was simply wonderful.” And wonderful he was indeed: The 6-year-old stallion won both the go round and the final scoring 80 – 79 – 79.5. The stallion was sold to Italy right after the Derby and will stay with Rudi Kronsteiner for training. Rudi Kronsteiner also placed second astride Dun It On The QH (owner Katja Jungfer) scoring a 232.5.

Kronsteiner, who was born in Steyr near Linz, started his western riding career at the Glis Ranch (AUT) in 1987. From 1990 to 1992 he rode with Randy Paul, becoming a professional trainer in 1992. Due to his former girl friend, Rudi moved to Germany in 1997 where he first trained at Ebi Simon’s facility and later moved to the Hill Top Ranch north of Munich. There he stayed until last year. Rudi Kronsteiner lives and trains at Freystadt close to Nuremberg now.

Rudi Kronsteiner has won numerous NRHA Bronze Trophies. He was several times AQHA European Champion, NRHA Breeders Futurity Champion and World Reining Trophy Reserve Champion. Representing Austria, he competed in the European CRIO, in both World Equestrian Games and in all the FEI World Reining Masters so far. Twice he was NRHA World Champion Open. Last year, Rudi was the first non-American rider to win the FEI World Reining Masters Open. The 2008 season started well enough for him as well. Besides the Italian Derby, he already won the Lawson Bronze Trophy in Bremen and the Austrian CRI and is now on his way to the first World Championship Reining.