62nd Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Fast Facts
RELEASE: August 27, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Phelps Media Group
The Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS), which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, is 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 national-level finals in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., or Syracuse. The horse show offers generous prize money in every division.
The show is sanctioned and recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), rated AA; Syracuse Professional Horsemen's Association; Ohio PHA; WPPHA. Judges include 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 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 (six 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 six 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 a