Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts Buffalo International Horse Show and Several Prestigious Upcoming Equestrian Events

Buffalo, NY - September 2, 2004 - The nationally acclaimed Buffalo International Horse Show will take at Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center from September 15 to 19. The Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway. Well-known North American horseman Frank Willard will judge at the show. Willard, of High Point, NC, has officiated at many of the top horse shows across North America.

"We're pleased to host this important equestrian event," stated Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center. "This event is rated 'AA' by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the governing body of equestrian sports in our country. This is the highest rating possible for a horse show, and it assures the competitors and spectators of a quality experience. We're glad we can provide American and Canadian riders with tough international competition here in Buffalo, as the area offers numerous amenities for competitors."

Leading up to the Buffalo International, the facility will also host several smaller horse shows starting on September 11 and 12. Although these shows are not nationally recognized, the events will still offer great competition and wonderful prizes. Fran Dotoli of South Hero, VT, the former co-manager of Oxridge Hunt Club in Darien, CT, will judge the September 11 and 12 show.

A second unrecognized show is scheduled for October 24 to 25. Joe Darby of Southern Pines, NC will preside in center ring at this event. Darby has judged throughout the country at such important equestrian events as the Ocala Masters, Arizona Desert Finals, Camden Spectacular, Fairfield Country Hunt Club, Kentucky Summer Classic, and the Vermont Summer Festival.

The third and final unrecognized show of the Fall takes place on November 20 and 21. Another fine judge, Scott Williamson of Wellington, FL, will officiate. Williamson, a consummate horseman, had the ultimate honor of judging the incomparable 2003 National Horse Show.

"Although three of our Fall horse shows are unrecognized, we still utilize the best judges and officials in North American," Schoellkopf continued. "This allows up and coming local riders the opportunity to be evaluated by the top horsemen and women in the industry. And these events help us fund our therapeutic riding program which gives many children an opportunity to ride....children who might not normally have the chance to interact with horses."

In addition to the horse shows, the world famous and foremost American expert on the art of hunter seat riding George Morris will give a clinic at the facility from November 12 to 14. A 1960 Olympic team silver medalist himself, Morris recently coached the American show jumping team to a silver medal finish at the 2004 Athens Olympic. As the author of several best-selling equestrian books, Morris has changed the way riders train and compete around the world. This will be the seventh time Morris has generously shared his knowledge at the center with aspiring equestrians from across North America.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) was built in 1921. Named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, it served as a facility for arena polo. A non-profit organization, the BTRC provides vital services to differently-abled youth riders. The use of horses has long been proven as an excellent therapeutic method of assisting people with both physical and mental challenges to improve the quality of their lives. Some of the benefits of therapeutic riding include increased physical strength and stamina, a greater range of motion combined with the development of balance and posture, improvement of communication and social skills along with an increased attention span, and most importantly of all, an overall boost to confidence and self-esteem. Along with these Fall horse shows and George Morris clinic, several other horse shows and vital equestrian events are held throughout the year to benefit the program.

Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is also the Buffalo Equestrian Center, a fine endeavor dedicated to teaching adults and children the finer points of horse showing. Encompassing an indoor riding arena, club room and viewing area, stables, paddocks, and state of the art outdoor riding ring, the center offers hunter seat lessons for beginner through expert riders of all ages. Each summer, a very special camp provides youth riders with solid instruction in riding and horsemanship skills. The center is homebase for many top athletes including Jennifer Alfano, a two-time winner of the World Hunter Rider Championship.

For further information about events at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295. You can also visit and learn more online at http://ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm .

Fall Schedule at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center:

September 11 and 12 - Unrecognized show - Judge: Fran Dotoli
September 15 to 19 - USEF 'AA' Show - Judge: Frank Willard
October 24 and 25 - Unrecognized show - Judge: Joe Darby
November 12 to 14 - Clinic with George Morris
November 20 and 21 - Unrecognized show - Judge: Scott Williamson