: 62nd Buffalo International Horse Show Offers Classics and Generous Prize Money for All Ages and Abilities

The Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is a historical horse show that benefits a wonderful equestrian organization. BIHS is one of the oldest horse shows in the country, heading into its 62nd year. All proceeds are donated to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. This year, the show will be held September 17-21, 2008.

BIHS is an USEF AA rated event. Unlike other high ranking equestrian events that cater to the more talented riders and prominent divisions, BIHS does not. The staff does an exceptional job making sure it is an all-encompassing event and that everyone gets an opportunity to compete for the large cash prizes. The show is caters to all riding abilities, ages and divisions.

BIHS offers six classics that total almost $15,000 in prize money over the five day competition. Classic prize money ranges from $1,000 all the way up to $5,000.

The first two classics to be offered at the show will be held on Friday. The first classic of the day will be the $1,000 Churchill Adult Hunter Classic. This classic is geared toward Amateur Owners and Adult Amateurs. Last year's winner was Charlene Graham and her horse Future Stock. The second classic, the $2,500 IBM Silver Stirrup Classic is scheduled not to start before 6:00 p.m. Set at a maximum height of 2'6", this classic has smaller jumps to allow for a variety of riding abilities. Last year's winner was Melissa Cleary and Russian Hill.

Saturday evening will host three classics that are filled with big prize money. All are scheduled not to start before 6:00 p.m. The first of three for the evening will be the largest prize money classic, the $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic. As its name suggests, this classic is for ponies and child riders. Last year, the trophy and check was awarded to Lindsay Ward and Finally Mine.

Second of three classics on Saturday will be the $2,500 GG Valentine Handy Hunter Classic. The winner from the previous year was Buffalo's own Meredith Lipke Bartolone and Churchill. The last classic of the day will be the $2,500 M & T Bank Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. This classic differs slightly from traditional hunter classics, as this specific classic is run in a jumper format rather than in scored hunter rounds. Winning last year was Kathleen Mitchell and Gator Be Careful.

On Sunday, to wrap up the final day of showing, the last classic will be held at the end of the day, the $1,000 Russian Hill Children's Hunter Classic. This children's hunter classic will be geared towards younger riders and their mounts.

The Buffalo International Horse Show does everything in its power to create a competitive yet fun atmosphere. One of their goals is to offer classes that everyone can enjoy. All the while, all money raised goes toward a wonderful program for therapeutic riding. Individuals who return year after year to compete continually comment on the variety of classes, personal attention, and hospitality exhibitors receive throughout the competition.

The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program. For more information, please visit www.ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm.

62nd ANNUAL BUFFALO INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW FAST FACTS

EVENT: 62nd Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

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 nationals finals in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. or Syracuse. The horse show offers generous prize money in every division

Sanctioned and recognized by: United States Equestrian Federation, Rated AA; Syracuse Professional Horsemen's Association; Ohio PHA; WPPHA. The show is great for equestrians to use in preparation for the fall indoor circuit and zone finals. Judges: Brian Lenehan and Philip DeVita Jr.

For 2008, the prize money continues to play a generous role in every classic, such as the $1,000 Churchill Adult Hunter and Russian Hill Children's Hunter Classics, as well as the popularly successful $1,500 Groom's Class, a $2,500 2'6" IBM Silver Stirrup classic, the $2,500 GG Valentine Handy Hunter Classic, the $2,500 M&T Bank Children's/Adult Jumper Classic, the $5,000 Up the Creek Pony Hunter Classic, and the Up the Creek Leadline class.

WHERE: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216

WHEN: September 17-21, 2008

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.

VIP SEATING: The Red Carpet Club and Box Seating are available. Red Carpet Club offers seats overlooking the ring. A table includes six seats and is $250 for the entire show. A Red Carpet Table is $150 per day for Friday night and Saturday night. A center box includes six seats for the entire show for $500, while a side box (6 seats) for the entire show is $350. There are only eight tables, so please make reservations early. Payment and order forms should be sent to: BIHS Red Carpet Club and Box Seating, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216.

VENDOR/TRADE: Champion awards are sponsored by EMO Insurance. Prizes for reserve champions are donated by The Hunting Horn of Penfield, NY, who is also the vendor for the horse show.

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. Follow 198 until the Route 384 North/Delaware Ave exit. At the stop light, turn right and immediately turn left at the next 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 Equestrian Center 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 120x90 riding arena, stables, paddocks and a newly constructed 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 six 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 Libby McNabb, an instructor registered with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA) and with Special Olympics. 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 also home to SBS Farms, Inc. which continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club and is one of the top show stables in the northeast. The horses and riders of SBS Farms travel extensively, competing at major shows throughout the country. Susan B. Schoellkopf, Director of SBS Farms, is committed to providing superior quality service to the equestrian community. Susan is involved with associations that both govern and promote the horse industry and has been associated with the Center for 35 years. She has trained some of the top hunters and equitation riders in the U.S. and Canada. Susan has served as a judge for the United States Equestrian Federation and is on the Board of the USEF. Susan serves in the USEF Hunter committees. Jennifer Alfano, who trains and rides at SBS Farms, was the 1996 and 1997 World Champion Hunter Rider.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.