The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center - Buffalo Equestrian Center

Buffalo, NY - September 19, 2004 - The 58th Buffalo International Horse Show came to a close today when Kacey McCann of Palmyra, PA was named Best Child Rider after a morning of tough equitation classes. Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in upstate New York, this sporting event ran from September 15 to 19. The Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

Last night, after capturing the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Championship, the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Reserve Championship, and the overall Grand Junior Hunter Championship on Barbara Kearney's horses ‘Paddington' and ‘Shogun', McCann set her sights on today's equitation classes. On her own horse ‘My Way', a 16.3 hand, bay 7 year-old Warmblood gelding, McCann took the blue in the prestigious ASPCA Maclay class and the HBO Junior Medal, as well as the overall title in the Tad Coffin Saddles WIHS Medal. This gives her a head start on the 2005 show season, as these classes count for next year's points.

"This whole show was a great experience for me," quietly stated McCann. "I love being able to ride so many different horses. This sport is truly about having fun and improving your horsemanship." McCann and her horses are trained by Buffalo's Jennifer Alfano. "It has been wonderful working with Jennifer to bring ‘My Way' along. He's still a young horse and has made incredible strides to being more mature this year."

"Riding on Saturday night before a full crowd of spectators helped me prepare for the big fall finals we are attending," continued McCann. "I really got a lift jumping in front of so many people." On Monday, September 20, she leaves for the Marshall & Sterling Finals in Worcester, MA. A few weeks after that, McCann will compete in the Pessoa USEF Medal Finals in Harrisburg, PA at the venerable Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

In other equitation action, Ashton Belcher of King City, Ontario galloped to victory in the Canadian Equestrian Federation (CEF) Medal. Ashlyn Teevelyan, also of King City, Ontario, took home the blue ribbon in the Pessoa USEF Medal class. Both riders are trained by Mark Hayes.

The top spot in last night's $1,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Classic went to ‘I Got Lucky' and Amber Thompson of Williamsville, NY. The red ribbon for second place was awarded to ‘Mick O Angelo', owned by Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and piloted by Kacey McCann.

"We had a great horse show and were pleased to make the step up to an ‘AA' rating from the US Equestrian Federation," stated Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center. "Next year, we will fine-tune the prize list to respond to some customer feedback, and we'll change the time schedule a bit to ease up on the length of the day on Saturday. Other than that, we're going with the same format, as people really enjoyed the competition."

The host facility of the Buffalo International Horse Show is the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). Built in 1921, it was then named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club and served as a facility for arena polo. A nonprofit 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. The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the BTRC, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

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

Buffalo, NY - September 18, 2004 - Kacey McCann of Palmyra, PA proved her mettle today by taking the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Championship and the overall Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the 58th Buffalo International Horse Show. Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in upstate New York, this historic event runs from September 15 to 19. The Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

McCann rode Barbara Kearney's 16.1 hand, 12 year-old gelding ‘Paddington' to both Championships. Just 14, McCann trains with Buffalo's Jennifer Alfano. Not content to rest on her laurels, McCann also captured the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Reserve Championship on Kearney's ‘Shogun.'

Merideth Lipke, Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) President, took the winner's share of the purse in the $3,000 Open Handy Hunter Class with her mount ‘Once and Again.' Scott Benning jumped Kristin Wilson's ‘Valentino' to second place.

Kendra Martinfeld's ‘Bo Derek' scored a ‘10' and earned the Medium Pony Hunter Championship. The Reserve in the division went to Christine Hannon's ‘Little Rascal' ridden by Kate Haley.

"Today was a long but very thrilling day," said Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center Susan B. Schoellkopf. "I know everyone is looking forward to our final show day tomorrow which will feature many of the best junior equitation riders in the country going head to head in the ASPCA Maclay, HBO Medal, CEF Medal, and Pessoa USA Hunter Seat Medal classes. Admission is free, so I hope to see a lot of families come out and enjoy the show."

The host facility of the Buffalo International Horse Show is the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). Built in 1921, it was then named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club and 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. The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the BTRC, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

There is no charge for Sunday admission to the show. For further information about events at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295.
You can also visit and learn more online at http://ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm.

THE SHOW:
An annual event on the international horse show calendar for more than fifty years, come see top international American and Canadian equestrians jump over courses of formidable obstacles.

THE FACILITY:
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.

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 this prestigious horse show, other vital equestrian events are held throughout the year to benefit the program.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
For further information about events at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center or to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295. You can also visit and learn more online at http://ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm

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 home base 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.

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

Buffalo, NY - July 8, 2004 - On November 12 to 14, Olympic Silver Medalist and master clinician George Morris will give a clinic at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in upstate New York. This will be the seventh time that Morris, a frequent coach of the U.S. Equestrian Team, has generously shared his knowledge at the center with aspiring riders from both America and Canada.

"George is a great clinician because he is such an incredible teacher," shared Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center. "He can diagnose and correct each equestrian's faults and help provide a clear-cut answer to individual shortcomings. Plus, riding instructors can enjoy his wealth of knowledge which will help them teach their own students and bring out their full potential as riders and horsemen."

Dozens of Morris' students have gone on to national and international success. Many have followed in his footsteps and earned Olympic, as well as World Cup medals. As the author of several best-selling equestrian books, Morris has changed the way riders train and compete around the world.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization, provides vital services to differently-abled youth. 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 this clinic, ten horse shows and many other vital equestrian events are held at the facility throughout the year.

Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is also the Buffalo Equestrian Center. First built in 1921 and named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, it served as a facility for arena polo. 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. Additionally, the center is a home base for many top athletes including Jennifer Alfano, a two-time winner of the World Hunter Rider Championship.

For further information and directions to the George Morris clinic on November 12-to 14, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295. Due to the popularity of the event, only spaces for auditing are available. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway. Additional information about the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center is available online at www.ryegate.com (click on BTRC at the top of the page.)

Buffalo, NY - July 20, 2004 - The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has begun a capital campaign to fund the restoration of the historic building it occupies, and to raise additional money to continue the important work of the center. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is located on 950 Amherst Street in Buffalo, NY, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

"The building was first built in 1921," explained Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center. "Although routine maintenance and repairs have been done through the years, the time has come to undertake major renovations to preserve this historic Buffalo landmark. The center is an integral part of Buffalo's culture, and is located in the heart of the city."

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization, 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.

For over ten years, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has provided services for their clients. The program is affiliated and approved by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA). In addition to monetary donations, the center is always seeking volunteers to assist with the program. A tax-deductible donation of $100 will sponsor a deserving rider for a four-week session.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center funds many of its activities through benefit horse shows and clinics with top horsemen. One upcoming clinic is with master clinician George Morris on November 12 to 14.

Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is also the Buffalo Equestrian Center. Originally named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, it served as a facility for arena polo. 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 young riders with solid instruction in riding and horsemanship skills. Additionally, the center is a home base for many top athletes including Jennifer Alfano, a two-time winner of the World Hunter Rider Championship and recent Bayer Legend Leading Hunter rider at the 2004 HITS-On-The-Hudson Horse Show.

For further information regarding donations to the capital campaign or to volunteer your time, please call (716) 877-9295. Additional information about the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center is available online at www.ryegate.com (click on BTRC at the top of the page.)

	Kacey McCann Named Best Child Rider
	Kacey McCann and Paddington Win Grand Junior Hunter Championship
	Beth Lynn and Sooner, Adult Hunter Division and Grand Adult Hunter Champions
	Media Alert - Buffalo International Horse Show
	Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts Buffalo International Horse Show and Several Prestigious Upcoming Equestrian Events
	Olympic Silver Medalist George Morris to Share his Advice at Buffalo Equestrian Center
	The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Kicks Off Capital Campaign to Restore the Historic Facility

950 Amherst Street · Buffalo, New York 14216 (716) 877-9295 or (716) 877-4001 (FAX)

950 Amherst Street · Buffalo, New York 14216
(716) 877-9295 or (716) 877-4001 (FAX)