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

Offering Riding Instructions and Programs For All Ages

The Facility

The Buffalo Saddle and Bride 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 Buffalo, it is now the home of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and SBS Farms, Inc.  The five acre site includes the indoor riding arena, a large club room and viewing area, stables, paddocks and a newly constructed outdoor riding ring.  Additional stalls are available for horse shows.

The Center provides for the education of both horses and riders at all levels and creates opportunities to improve horsemanship skills.

The Staff

We select experienced individuals to serve on the staff.  Each staff member has been chosen for his or her knowledge of horses, ability to deal with people, and awareness of equine safety.  They are all extremely capable of providing assistance to riders at all levels of experience.

The Horses

Good lesson horses are the key to any successful riding program. Ours have been carefully selected for their manners and suitability. The facility stables more than twenty lesson horses.  Some are used for beginners and others are used by more experienced riders for showing and jumping.

Lessons

Both private and group lessons are taught Tuesday through Sunday all year.  Instruction is provided for all levels of riding from beginner walk-trot, intermediate and advanced jumping. Lessons for adults are also available. Lessons are taught Tuesday through Sunday, all year round. Adult lessons are also available.  Students are encouraged to participate in the care and preparation of their horse and will be instructed in the uses of tack and equipment.  All students must be members of the Buffalo Equestrian Center.

School Groups

Twice a week, during the Fall, lessons are taught to school groups. These lessons are arranged through individual schools and are structured to correspond to the level of experience of each group.  Schools wishing to participate should call 877-9295 to schedule classes.

Summer Camp and Instructional Clinics

The Center offers a Summer Day Camp program and also conducts instructional Clinics dealing with a variety of subjects, including bandaging, braiding, horse care, barn and stable management and course design and set-up.

The Mentally & Physically Challenged Riding Program

Each Monday, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center hosts a riding program which serves mentally, physically and emotionally challenged children and adults. Volunteers are always welcome; for more information call 877-9295.

Horse Shows

The BTRC offers a number of horse shows scheduled throughout the year to meet the needs of all our members. These shows include the Members Only shows, as well as USEF recognized and unrecognized shows, which include other area stables.

The Buffalo Equestrian Center also sponsors the Buffalo International Horse Show, which takes place at the Center. This well-known exhibition has been held in Buffalo annually for more than 53 years and attracts some of the world’s finest riders. Held each September over a five day period, this show is A-rated by the USEF.

SBS Farms

The Buffalo Equestrian Center is also home to SBS Farms which continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club and is one of the top show stables in the northeast. These horses and riders 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 hunter and equitation rider in the U.S. and Canada. Susan has served as a judge for the USEF.  She is chairman of the Junior Hunter Committee, and the licensed officials committee.  Jennifer Alfano, who trains and rides at SBS Farms, was the 1996 and 1997 World Championship Hunter Rider.

Boarding

Members who own horses may board them at SBS Farms. Boarded horses receive full care and owners may use the entire facility. Stall rental and availability information may be requested at the Center.

Membership

All students and boarders, with the exception of those participating in the school group programs, must be members of the Buffalo Equestrian Center. There are three basic annual Membership Levels:

All rates include 8% New York State Sales Tax. 

No billing for lessons.  All lessons must be paid by check or cash the day of the lesson.

All students must be members of the Buffalo Equestrian Center, Inc.

All students are required to wear a properly fitted standard riding helmet with safety chinstrap and paddock or tall riding boots.

If you cannot make your scheduled lesson, you must notify the office by 9:00 AM the morning of the lesson.  The student or their parent must talk to the office directly.  You will be billed for the lesson if you fail to notify us.

All students must allow enough time to groom their horses before and after the lesson unless prior arrangements are made with your instructor.

Please direct any questions and email to The Buffalo Equestrian Center.