68th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Announced
Hundreds of Entries from United States & Canada
Unique opportunity to watch Hunter/Jumper Horses in the City
All proceeds benefit Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center
The 2014 Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) will be held September 10-14, 2014 on the historic grounds of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, 950 Amherst Street, in Buffalo. The region’s largest indoor riding ring, and the only equestrian barn in operation in the City of Buffalo, will host hundreds of entries over five days, including the $5,000 USHJA 3’ National Hunter Derby Classic event on Saturday evening.
The BIHS is the largest fundraiser for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC), a non-profit organization that serves children with special needs through participation in a proven equestrian program that benefits hundreds of Western New York children. An accredited member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), the BTRC provides lessons for children to enhance their physical strength, balance and self-esteem and to meet their overall need to experience a wide variety of activities.
“It’s been 10 years since we first offered our therapeutic riding program and, in that time, we’re honored to have served hundreds of children,” stated Susan Schoellkopf, director of the BTRC as well as the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. “There is a definite bond between horses and people but we find that bond is more significant when it comes to children with disabilities.”
In 2013, the BIHS earned the designation of a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competition. This distinction is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for more than 25 years, have promoted and grown the sport, and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining, and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition. The BIHS is one of only 14 USEF Heritage Status shows in the nation.
The public is welcome to attend the BIHS. Admission is free with the exception of the Friday and Saturday evening championship events; tickets for those events may be purchased at the gate for $5/person. In addition to scheduled events, a vendor fair of high quality gifts, leather goods and horse accessories will be held during show hours. Parking is available on both Great Arrow and Amherst Street. On Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday, there is additional parking at Tapestry Charter School’s lot on Great Arrow.
http://www.thebtrc.org/programs/bihs-2013/
Note: Media can arrange to ride a show horse with a trainer when schedule permits- please contact Marta Hiczewski at 716/655-9010 to schedule in advance.
A Therapeutic Riding Demonstration will be held at the BTRC
Friday, September 12 at 5:45 p.m. immediately prior to the Hunter Derby Classic.
