Person · 2019
NRHA Hall of Fame · Inducted 2019
Claudio Risso
IRHA Past President · Roberta's Stable · NRHA Non Pro World Champion · Inducted 2019
Claudio Risso of Villafalletto, Cuneo, Italy, is a name synonymous with European reining. An NRHA member since the early 1990s, he has competed as a Non Pro, bred champions, mentored generations of trainers from his Roberta's Stable facility, and served as IRHA President. His stallion Spat Olena became the first European-based horse to earn NRHA Million Dollar Sire status — with every dollar earned in European competition. His 14th-place ranking on NRHA's Leading Owners list reflects decades of commitment to the sport.
Career Highlights
- Owner of Spat Olena — first European-based NRHA Million Dollar Sire, with every dollar earned in European competition; a milestone that demonstrated the depth of international reining
- NRHA Non Pro World Champion (2011) · Multiple IRHA and European titles — also 2002 NRHA European Championship Non Pro Champion, 3x NRHA European Non Pro Futurity Champion; career Non Pro earnings exceeding $900K as owner
- Mentored generations of European trainers — Roberta's Stable alumni include Martin Gamper, Stefano Massignan, Mike Davis, Jim Kiser, Pierluigi Chioldo, and many more international names
- Roberta's Stable, Villafalletto (CN), Italy
Class of 2019