Person · 2019
NRHA Hall of Fame · Inducted 2019
Roberto Cuoghi
IRHA President · NRHA European Council President · Inducted 2019
Roberto Cuoghi of Vignola, Modena, Italy, is one of the most consequential figures in European reining history. For 30+ years at the helm of Cuoghi Quarter Horses, he has been an owner, breeder, IRHA President (since 2007), President of the NRHA European Council since its inception, and the bridge between European and American reining governance. His horse Master Snapper became the first Italian-bred, Italian-trained horse to win the NRHA Derby (2006), and he has partnered with Eleuterio Arcese to develop championship bloodlines on both continents.
Career Highlights
- Owner of Master Snapper — in 2006, the Italian-bred stallion won all three Open divisions at the NRHA Derby (score of 232) with Kelly Zweifel, becoming the first horse born, bred and trained in Europe to win the NRHA Open Derby
- IRHA President since 2007 · NRHA European Council President — co-founded IRHBA (Italian Reining Horse Breeders Association); hosted inaugural NRHA/RHF/IRHA Global Youth Reining Cup in Cremona
- Key diplomat between European and American reining — longstanding partner with Eleuterio Arcese (HOF 2004); built Europe's competitive reining program from the ground up
- Cuoghi Quarter Horses, Vignola (MO), Italy
Class of 2019