Buffalo, NY – July 15, 2016 – The Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is set to host its 70th annual hunter/jumper competition this fall at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). The historic show will be held from September 14 – 18, 2016, and will not only offer top tier competition, but will also act as the largest fundraiser of the year for the BTRC.
The prize list is available here:http://www.thebtrc.org/files/4714/6532/6438/2016_BIHS_Prize_List_small.pdf
The BTRC is a therapeutic riding program open to children of all socio-economic backgrounds. The positive, friendly and safe atmosphere enables children with special needs and disabilities to develop both physically and emotionally by forming a special bond with the horses the ride each week.
Each year, the BTRC hosts the Buffalo International horse show, raising crucial funds for the therapeutic program. Last year, the 69th Buffalo International Horse Show was a sell-out event, featuring some of the nation’s top professional, junior and amateur-owner riders.
In 2013, the BIHS received USEF Heritage Status from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for 25 years or more, and make contributions to the community outside of the show by maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition. The BIHS is one of less than 20 national horse shows that are honored with this prestigious status.
The show is known for having great prize money and promising competition, and will kick off on Wednesday, September 14, with a number of professional hunter divisions. The second day of competition includes the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions, as well as the always-popular $1,000 Ravenswood Grooms’ Class and the USHJA Robert James Pre-Green Incentive.
Keep an eye out for the $1,000 “The Full Monty” 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic and the $1,000 Up the Creek 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic on Friday, as well as the ASPCA Maclay and WIHS Equitation Jumper Phase.
Following the end of competition that day, the BTRC will put on a demonstration at 5:45 p.m. Watching these students connect with their horses and show what they’ve learned is certain to be an unforgettable evening. The demonstration is sponsored by Up the Creek Farm, a long-standing supporter of the BTRC and the BIHS.
On Saturday, September 17, the $500 “Shogun” Adult Amateur Hunter Classic, $1,000 “Scribbles” Pony Hunter Classic and $1,000 Up The Creek 3’6” Junior Hunter Classic and $1,000 Up the Creek 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic precede the much-anticipated $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby, one of the most prestigious classes in the competition. The class will award eight overall ribbons, with a special award going to the highest placed Junior or Amateur rider. Shortly after the National Hunter Derby, the $2,500 Stephen A. Comunale NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic and $1,500 Stephen A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic will commence.
The show concludes on Sunday, September 18, with a number of Junior Hunter and Children’s Pony divisions. The NCEA 3’3” Junior Medal, Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Medal, $500 Children’s Hunter Pony Classic, THIS Children’s Medal and $500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic will highlight the final day. The show finishes with the $500 Johnson Horse Transportation Silver Stirrup Classic, a two-round competition to be judged on the performance of the horse or pony.
The 70th edition of the Buffalo International Horse Show celebrates the alumni who continually support the historic show. Some of the most recognized equestrian professionals such as Debbie Stephens, Bill Ellis, Missy Clark, Mason Phelps and Michael Matz have supported the long-standing BIHS. There is a page on Facebook <<- https://www.facebook.com/Buffalo-International-Horse-Show-Alumni-641921512617710/>> that acts as a community for BIHS Alumni riders. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center will post pictures and memories of alumni as we lead up to the show in September. The Buffalo International Horse Show will celebrate its 70th Anniversary with an alumni reunion, bringing everyone together.
The BIHS would like to thank their returning sponsors: Penelope Ayers and Ravens Wood Farm, Johnson Horse Transportation, Stephen A. Comunale, Caroline Moran and Goshen Hill Farm, Up the Creek Farm, Mr. and Mrs. James Bokor, EMO Insurance, The Hunting Horn and M&T Bank. Without their kindness and generosity, the BIHS would not be where it is today, as one of the top horse shows in the nation.
If you are interested in sponsoring the 70th edition of the Buffalo International Horse Show, please contact the BTRC at 716-877-9295 or e-mailbecandbtrc@aol.com.
For more information regarding the 70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, please visit www.thebtrc.org or call (716) 877-9295. Entries may be faxed to (716) 877-4001.
70th ANNUAL BUFFALO INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW FAST FACTS:
EVENT: 70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. The show will run from September 14-18, 2016.
WHAT: Buffalo’s most prestigious horse show. The ‘AA’ rated show is one of the best ways for exhibitors to prepare themselves and their horses for the fall indoor circuit of finals. BIHS offers a large indoor arena for competition that gives horses and riders a chance to compete indoors before showing at the national finals in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. or Kentucky. The horse show offers generous prize money in every division.
Sanctioned and recognized by: United States Equestrian Federation, Rated ‘AA’ Hunter and 2* Jumper; Syracuse Professional Horsemen’s Association; Ohio PHA; WPPHA.
WHERE: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216
WHEN: September 14-18, 2016
PRIZE LIST:http://www.thebtrc.org/files/4714/6532/6438/2016_BIHS_Prize_List_small.pdf
ALUMNI: – https://www.facebook.com/Buffalo-International-Horse-Show-Alumni-641921512617710/
HIGHLIGHTS:
$1,000 “Scribbles” Pony Hunter Classic
$500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic
$1,000 “The Fully Monty” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic
$1,000 Grooms Class sponsored by Penelope Ayers and Ravens Wood Farm
$5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby
$1,500 S.A. Comunale Low High Child/Adult Jumper Classic
$2,500 S.A. Comunale High Child/Adult Jumper Classic
$1,000 Up the Creek 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic
$1,000 Up the Creek Farm Junior Hunter Division
$1,000 Mr. and Mrs. James Bokor Pre-Green Division
$1,500 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive
$1,000 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division
Sponsors:
EMO Insurance – Championship Awards
The Hunting Horn – Reserve Champion Awards
M&T Bank Charitable Foundation Ribbon Sponsor
Media Sponsors:
The Buffalo News
WGRZ- Channel 2
Phelps Media Group
ADMISSION: Free for spectators, except for Friday and Saturday night events, where admission is $5 for adults, and children 10 and under are free.
PARKING: Free on Amherst Street, on the grass on Great Arrow street, or in the school parking lot on Great Arrow.
DIRECTIONS: From NY Thruway/I-90, it is only 10 minutes to the horse show facility. From I-90, take Rt. 33 West. Follow to NY-198 East/Scajaquada Expressway West. Continue on the 198 then take the Route 384 North/Delaware Ave exit. At the stop sign, turn right and immediately turn left at the first light, which puts you on Delaware Ave. Follow Delaware Ave. until Amherst Street. Turn left on Amherst Street, travel less 200 feet, and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is on the right.
THE FACILITY: The Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club was built in 1921 as an indoor polo arena. Today it is known as the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BEC) and features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Located at 950 Amherst Street, in the heart of metropolitan Buffalo, it is now the home of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Inc., the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. The five-acre site includes the indoor sand 120x 90 riding arena, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding ring. The spectacular barn offers permanent stalls for all horse show participants.
The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for over twenty years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16. Programs are designed and taught by Jenna Zografos, an instructor certified with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). The BTRC is the only therapeutic riding facility in Western New York with four PATH certified instructors. Volunteers are always needed and are an invaluable part of the program. They can assist with horse care and handling or can serve as a friend and side walker. For more information, please call (716) 877-9295.
The Buffalo Equestrian Center is part of The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. They continue the tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club, giving lessons to kids starting at age six through adult ages. The BEC holds clinics with Jennifer Alfano, a summer camp, and is now a member of the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association). Lessons are given all year Tuesday through Sunday.
SBS Farms is also based out of the BTRC, with owner Susan Schoellkopf. Schoellkopf serves on the Pre-Green Hunter Task Force and Junior Hunter Task Force, as well as the D&M committee. Schoellkopf is also an “R” rated hunter judge and was recently inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Jennifer Alfano is the trainer for SBS Farms. She is a two-time World Champion Professional Hunter Rider, and won the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in 2012 aboard Jersey Boy. Jennifer also has ridden numerous USEF Horse of the Year awardees. Jennifer has trained top amateur, junior and pony riders.
CONTACT:
Buffalo International Horse Show
950 Amherst St.
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-877-9295 (phone)
716-877-4001 (fax)