Bonus Wins For SBS Farms at the Buffalo International

The annual Buffalo International Horse Show is always a highlight of the show season for SBS Farms, and this year was no exception. SBS riders and horses racked up tons of tricolor and blue ribbons, along with other special awards from September 13-17 in Buffalo, New York.

Early in the week, Liberty Road topped the field in the 3’3” Performance Hunters with Emma Walters in the irons and then returned with Alexandra Smith to capture the 3’3” Junior Hunter championship. Alexandra was also named the Best Junior Rider for her top performances.

Emma Walters and Liberty Road

Sir Pepper showed off his talents and carried Phoenix Oppenheimer to the Low Children’s Hunter championship, and the pair placed fifth in the $1,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Mini Hunter Derby. Sir Pepper wasn’t done yet, however. He also earned the Adult Amateur Hunter championship with Stephanie Brennan aboard.

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple continued their domination in the Children’s Hunters with championship honors, and they also placed second in the combined Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic with great rounds.

Braveheart was all heart and clinched the tricolor in the Children’s Pony Hunters with Natalie Grillo and was seventh in the Mini Hunter Derby for a super show.

Captain MZ earned the 3’3” Junior Hunter reserve championship with Molly Gfrofeder, and Molly won the Dover/USEF Medal and the NEHC Medal aboard the versatile gelding. The pair also had super rounds in the Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers and were fourth in the Classic.

The beautiful Crisp continued his winning ways, taking top honors in the $1,000 Mini Hunter Derby with Olivia Grillo. Olivia also rode Conquistador to second place for a top-two sweep!

Stardust and partner Christine Ruh were class winners in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, and the gray also placed fifth in the $15,000 Johnson Horse Transportation National Hunter Derby with Emma in the irons. Christine also piloted Mastermind to wins in the Syracuse PHA Medal and the Ariat Adult Medal, and they galloped to third place in the $15,000 JHT National Hunter Derby together.

Motion Picture won the Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic with Jackie Szczupakowski and collected a win and top ribbons in the Adult Hunters for a successful weekend.

Qualen’s Bally Wyck had great rounds and ribbons with Reagan Perry in the combined Low Children’s Hunters.

Ben Hoban rode Jackson to excellent ribbons in the Adult Amateur Hunters, placed third in the Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic and was 11th in the horse’s first derby, the $15,000 JHT National Hunter Derby.

Double Date earned double blues in the 1.0m Training Jumpers with Jennifer Thomas aboard, for a super show. Jennifer also received the well-deserved Peach Taylor Sportsmanship Award.

In the highly contested Groom’s Class, the SBS team shined: Allen Chatt was first, Emma Najdzionek placed third and Jen Thomas picked up seventh.

Please enjoy this beautiful gallery of our horses and riders! Special thanks to Johnson Horse Transportation for your support and title sponsorship!

It's A Blue Time at Saratoga

The Saratoga Summer Special was indeed special for SBS Farms. The team earned five championships and two reserve championships after winning 32 classes at the show held August 10-13 in Saratoga, New York.

Liberty Road and Alexandra Smith starred in the Juniors. Alexandra was named Best Junior Rider on a Horse after winning the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and having a clean sweep and earning the tricolor in the Junior Hunters. Trainer Emma Walters also guided Liberty Road to another clean sweep in the 3’3” Performance Hunters, so the talented bay won every single class he entered!

Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero

Del Piero and Stephanie Brennan earned championship honors in the Children’s/Adult Hunters with three class wins. They also captured the combined NAL/WIHS/M&S Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic. LuLu Semple and Cakewalk took the reserve championship for SBS with a win over fences and other top ribbons.

Qualen’s Bally Wyck and Reagan Perry also made a clean sweep on Saturday in the Low Children’s Pony Hunters, taking the top call in their classes with cheers all around.

Qualen’s Bally Wyck and Reagan Perry

Sir Pepper and Phoenix Oppenheimer won two blues on the way to the reserve championship in the Low Children’s Hunter Horse division. Phoenix also earned excellent ribbons in the Novice Equitation division for a great show. Emma also guided Sir Pepper to the championship in the 2’6 USHJA Hunters to add more blues to the SBS banner.

Stardust and Christine Ruh won a class in the Amateur-Owner Hunters and took other great ribbons in addition to claiming eighth in the USHJA National Hunter Derby. Christine also rode Mastermind to victory in the NHS Adult Medal and in the Adult Equitation over fences.

Mastermind also partnered with Alexandra for top calls in the Modified Junior/Amateur Hunter division, and the pair placed second in the THIS National Children’s Medal and the NEHC Children’s Adult Medal.

Emma piloted Jackson to two wins in the Low Hunters with two great rounds.

SBS Shines at HITS NY Horse & Pony Show

The SBS Farms team traveled to Saugerties, New York, for the NY Horse & Pony Show, August 2-6 and returned home with armfuls of ribbons and tricolors.

Reagan Perry was champion in the Saugerties Children’s Hunters on her own Qualen’s Bally Wyck with top ribbons over fences and the victory in the under saddle.

Phoenix Oppenheimer rode Sir Pepper to the championship in the Low Children’s Hunters with great ribbons, including a first and second over fences and second under saddle.

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road won the competitive combined 3’3”/3’6” Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic and earned great ribbons in the 3’3” Junior Hunters, with three seconds over fences and under saddle.

Stephanie Brennan led the PINK team in the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge with the highest classic score to sixth overall! Steph and Del Piero also had great rounds in the Adult Amateur. 18-35, section for a fantastic show.

Lake Placid 2 Much Fun

The SBS Farms team spent another great week in Lake Placid, New York, during the I Love New York Horse Show, July 4-10. Even a bit of rain couldn’t dampen the fun and enthusiasm we had showing at this wonderful venue with our great horses and ponies!

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple won the Children’s Hunter, 15-17 under saddle and an over fences class and earned other top ribbons on their way to claiming the reserve championship.

Braveheart and Natalie Grillo won an over fences class in the Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunters and picked up other great ribbons in a competitive section.

Jackie Szczupakowski and Motion Picture

Motion Picture and Jackie Szczupakowski continued the under saddle momentum with the blue ribbon in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section.

Stardust and Christine Ruh earned ribbons in every Amateur-Owner, 18-35, class in the division, including a second over fences.

Captain MZ and Molly Gfroferer continued their excellent performances in the equitation and hunters, earning 12th in the 3’3” Hamel/NHS Medal and multiple ribbons in the competitive 3’3” Large Junior Hunters.

Napajiri 5 and Olivia Grillo started their new partnership and had great rounds in the Low Children’s Hunters.

The SBS Farms team!

Summer Fun in Lake Placid and Traverse City

The SBS Farms team divided and conquered during the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships - East in Traverse City, Michigan, and the first week of the Lake Placid Horse Shows in New York, June 30-July 2.

Jen Thomas took a group to Lake Placid, where Molly Gfroerer showed Captain MZ for the first time to multiple ribbons in the equitation, including fourth places in the NEHC Medal and the 14 & Under Equitation. LuLu Semple won top ribbons in the Children’s Hunters with Cakewalk, including a second place over fences. Thank you to JET Show Stable for the help!

Molly Gfroerer and Captain MZ at Lake Placid

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road went to Traverse City with trainer Emma Walters for the 3’3” Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, finals and had two great rounds over fences in a very competitive group. They then placed 11th in the under saddle out of 87 for a well-earned ribbon.

Congratulations to our riders and owners, and thank you to our staff and supporters for a great week of showing!

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road

Saratoga Spring III is Super for SBS Farms

The SBS Farms team traveled to Saratoga, New York, for the Saratoga Spring III Horse Show, May 18-21, and brought home tons of awards and accolades after fantastic performances.

Motion Picture and Jackie Szczupakowski moved up to the Adult Hunters and were champions their first time out with four blue ribbons. They won three of the four over fences classes and picked up the blue in the under saddle.

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple were champions in the Children’s Hunters with an impressive three class wins. 

Stardust was reserve champion in the Amateur-Owner Hunters with Christine Ruh aboard. They won a class over fences and the under saddle in addition to picking up other top ribbons.

Liberty Road and Alexandra Smith continued their winning streak in the Junior Hunters. They captured the reserve championship with top ribbons over fences and went on to place fifth in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Trainer Emma Walters added many ribbons to the SBS Farms banner, including the reserve championship in the Performance Hunters with Stardust after winning the Handy class.

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple

BTRC May Series is Super

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s show series resumed May 5-7, with lots of great riding and new achievements as riders showed off the skills they honed over the winter.

Liz Schaab and Crisp earned championship honors in the Pleasure division, and Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero won the BTRC Non-Pro Hunter Derby and were champions in the Modified Amateur Hunters.

Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystoke’s Jamaican Vacation continued their winning streak and were champions in the Low Children’s Hunters with a clean sweep!

Reagan Perry and Qualen’s Bally Wyck captured the championship their first time out at 2’3” in the Intermediate Hunters for a well-earned tricolor.

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road added to their ribbon collection with the championship in the Modified Junior Hunters, and Alexandra picked up the blue in the BTRC Medal.

LuLu Semple and Cakewalk were reserve champions in the Modified Junior Hunter, right behind Alexandra and Liberty Road.

Olivia Grillo and Napa had successful rounds in the Low Children’s Hunters and the BTRC Medal for a great show. Sister Natalie Grillo and Braveheart won great ribbons in their Beginner Hunter debut, too!

Kate Stahl and Somekindawonderful were reserve champions in the Beginner Hunter section with excellent performances.

Over in the jumpers, Jackie Szczupakowski and Motion Picture tried their hand in the Puddle Jumpers and won the first class of the division, while Jen Thomas and Double Date had great rounds and lots of ribbons in the Training Jumpers.

Reagan Perry

Olivia Grillo

Alex Smith, LuLu Semple, Stephanie Brennan

Liz Schaab

Natalie Grillo, Reagan Perry, Kate Stahl

Jen Thomas and Emma Walters

Kate Stahl

Stephanie Brennan

Kate Stahl and Natalie Grillo

Champions Crowned in Buffalo Horsemanship Challenge

The Buffalo Horsemanship Challenge showcased complete horsemen and horsewomen at the Buffalo Equestrian Center on May 6-7. We’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who attended and made it a great event.

“Along with that, we’d like to congratulate all of our participants! Everyone had such amazing scores consistently throughout the entire event, showing your knowledge and skills far beyond riding and truly demonstrating exceptional horsemanship!” said trainer Susie Schoellkopf.

The competition included a written exam, practical, riding, sportsmanship, best turned out and overall winners. 

In addition, we’d like to thank all of our amazing sponsors who helped us make this weekend possible and provided top-tier prizes for our competitors.

Buffalo Horsemanship Challenge Results

Alexandra Smith - BHC Overall Champion, BHC Practical Phase Champion, BHC Riding Phase Champion

LuLu Semple - Fourth Overall BHC, Third BHC Riding Phase

Phoenix Oppenheimer - BHC Riding Phase Reserve Champion

Kate Stahl - BHC Written Phase Champion, BHC Best Turned Out Award

Olivia Grillo - scored a 98 on her BHC Practical Phase

Reagan Perry - scored a 90 on her Practical Phase, and was second in the over fences BHC Riding Phase

Natalie Grillo - scored a 95 on her BHC Practical Phase

The Buffalo Horsemanship Challenge Top 6

Best Turned Out

Riding Top 3

Practical Top 3

Written Test Top 3

Winter Fun and Success at WEC Ohio

The SBS Farms team spent time at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio in February, where showing is a pleasure even in the winter months in the expansive indoor facility! The highlights were many, as everyone made great strides during the three weeks of competition during WEC Weeks 9, 10 and 11.

During Week 9, Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero started out strongly by winning three of the five classes in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section to earn the reserve championship. They kept the momentum going and also secured second in the combined Adult Amateur Hunter Classic.

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road won two classes in the 3’3” Large Junior Hunters and placed second in the combined Junior Hunter Classic with impressive scores.

Liberty Road and Alexandra Smith

Crisp and Emma Walters jumped to the reserve championship in the USHJA 3’ Hunters, and Emma and Liberty Road topped the 3’3” Performance Handy out of 18 entries.

With the rest of the clients and horses joining the fun during Week 10, more tricolor ribbons adorned the SBS Farms banner.

After earning top ribbons in every class, Crisp and Christine Ruh took the reserve championship in the Adult Amateur Hunters and then went on to place third in the Classic.

Liberty Road and Alexandra improved upon their stellar first week by taking championship honors in the 3’3” Junior Hunters in a field of 18. They won two over fences classes and the under saddle on the way to the title.

Motion Picture and Jackie Szczupakowski captured the reserve championship in the Low Adults Hunters with two wins over fences and other top placings.

After earning the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 15-17, section, Cakewalk and LuLu Semple continued the momentum with the blue ribbon in the Classic to culminate a great week.

Del Piero and Stephanie collected more ribbons during Week 10, with multiple top-three finishes in the Adult Amateurs, and they placed fifth in the combined Classic.

Greystoke’s Jamaican Vacation and Phoenix Oppenheimer placed third in their Classic out of 18 entries and earned great ribbons in the Children’s Pony Hunters.

Liz Schaab’s Bellamy Brother had great rounds and ribbons in the USHJA Hunters with Emma in the irons out of competitive field of 30+ horses. Emma also piloted Jackson to the reserve championship in the USHJA 2’9” section, with a win and multiple second-placed ribbons.

Lola and Jen Thomas

Elizabeth Johnson’s Lola was clear and the blue-ribbon winner in all of her classes with Jen Thomas in the irons.

During Week 11, it was a repeat of great rounds and rides.

Del Piero and Stephanie picked up another tricolor, this time reserve champions and class winners in the Adult Amateur Hunters.

Liberty Road and Alexandra finished their WEC with their second consecutive championship in the 3’3” Junior Hunters and placed fourth in the Classic. By virtue of their consistency and beautiful rounds, the pair earned the WEC Ocala Year-End Championship!

Once again, Crisp and Christine were class winners in the Adult Amateurs and also placed third in the Ariat Adult Medal class.

Cakewalk and LuLu had more great ribbons in the Children’s Hunters and another top-10 performance in the Classic. Greystoke’s Jamaican Vacation and Phoenix had two blue ribbons in the Children’s Ponies and were 10th in their Classic.

Bellamy Brother had another good week in the USHJA Hunters with Emma, ending up fifth out of 20+ horses. Motion Picture and Emma earned tricolor honors with the championship in their USHJA Hunter section.

Lola didn’t put a hoof wrong for the second consecutive week and was clear again in all of her classes with Jen riding.

It was a great three weeks, and we thank the entire SBS Farms team and all of the clients for such a wonderful time!

SBS Farms' WEC Ohio Finale

The SBS Farms team finished up their fun and successful 2022 show season with a trip to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio.

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple earned the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section in their first time in the division. In addition, they placed eighth in the combined Children’s Hunter Classic for an impressive debut.

Bellamy Brother and Liz Schaab

Del Piero and Stephanie Brennan had great rounds in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section, including two red-ribbon rounds and fourth under saddle. They were also ninth in the combined Adult Amateur Hunter Classic.

Bellamy Brother and Liz Schaab were great in a huge group of Low Adult Hunters and picked up an eighth over fences and a sixth in the under saddle.

SBS Farms thanks all of our riders, owners, parents, families and staff for a great 2022! We are already looking forward to another great year in 2023!

Del Piero and Stephanie Brennan

BTRC Series Finale Showcases A Season of Hard Work

The BTRC Series Finale finished up with great success for the SBS Farms team at home in Buffalo, New York.

Reagan Perry was the champion for the series and the reserve champion at the show in the Beginner Hunter with Qualens Bally Wyck.

Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystokes Jamaican Vacation captured the Low Children’s Hunter championship for the show and the series. They also won the $500 BTRC Non-Pro Hunter Derby and were third in the BTRC Medal Finals with impressive performances in both disciplines.

Jackie Szczupakowski and Motion Picture were champions of the series and the show in the Low Adult Hunters with a clean sweep of the division. Jackie was also second in the BTRC Medal Finals.

Liz Schaab and her own Bellamy Brother were reserve champions of the series in the Puddle Jumpers and the Thoroughbred Hunters and reserve champions of the day in the Thoroughbred Hunters. Jen Thomas and Double Date picked up the series champions in the Puddle Jumpers.

Alexandra Smith topped the BTRC Medal Finals and was champion of the series and show in the Modified Junior Hunters with Optimist. Alexandra also took the reserve champion of the series and the show in the Modified Juniors with Crisp and was fourth in the Derby.

LuLu Semple and Cakewalk had great rounds in the Modified Junior Hunters and finished third in the BTRC Non-Pro Derby.

Lola and Emma Walters won the BTRC Jumper Classic and finished first and second in the Training Jumpers.

Fantastic Fall Finals for SBS Farms

The SBS Farms team traveled to the Pennsylvania National, the New England Equitation Finals and attended the BTRC Show in October and collected a variety of great ribbons along the way.

In Harrisburg, Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road qualified in the 3’3” Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section and had good rounds in a competitive group. The pair strutted around the Farm Show Arena and ended up sixth in the under saddle.

Stephanie Brennan qualified for the New England Equitation Championships and had a great time. She ended up in the top 20 of the 28-45 Medal Finals!

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road at Harrisburg

Stephanie Brennan at the New England Equitation Championships

Reagan Perry and Qualens Bally Wyck

Reagan Perry and Qualens Bally Wyck were champions their first time out in the 2’ Beginner Hunters back home at the BTRC Show, while Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystokes Jamaican Vacation earned championship honors in the Low Children’s Hunters.

Lulu Semple and Cakewalk

Liz Schaab’s Bellamy Brother earned the championship in the Thoroughbred Hunters, and Optimist and Alexandra Smith captured tricolor honors in the Modified Junior Hunters. Lulu Semple and Cakewalk earned the reserve championship in the Modified Junior Hunters and won the BTRC Medal and the NonPro Derby for a fantastic show.

Crisp and Alexandra Smith placed second in the BTRC Derby and had good rounds in the Modified Junior Hunters.

Liz Schaub’s Bellamy Brother

A Bountiful Buffalo International Horse Show

The Buffalo International Horse Show didn’t disappoint for the SBS Farms team. This year was particularly special as the show celebrated its 75th Anniversary and the historic facility is celebrating 100 years! The show, held September 15-18, benefits the facility and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. The BIHS is one of only 19 horse shows in the country that has the prestigious designation of a U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition.

The SBS Farms team rose to the special occasion with many wins, championships and personal bests for riders and horses alike.

BTRC’s Crisp was one of the biggest stars of the show. With professional Emma Walters aboard, the bay gelding won the featured $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby, and with Ben Hoban riding, Crisp earned the Adult Amateur Hunter Championship with two class wins and was third in the Classic.

Alexandra Smith, Emma Walters and Liberty Road

BTRC’s Liberty Road and Emma made it a clean sweep in the 3’3” Performance Hunters for the Championship and Grand Hunter Championship. Then, partnered with Alexandra Smith, Liberty Road earned tricolor honors in the Large Junior Hunters, and Alexandra was named Best Child Rider. Alexandra also received the Peach Taylor Sportsmanship Award and was 10th in the National Hunter Derby with Liberty Road.

Fidele De La Cour and Alexandra earned the reserve championship in the Large Junior Hunters and had no jumping faults in the Training Jumpers for a super successful show.

Del Piero and Stephanie Brennan continued their consistent performances and placed second in the $500 Shogun/Say Hey NAL Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Classic and were class winners in the competitive Adult Amateur Hunters.

In the Low Adult Hunters, it was BTRC’s Motion Picture and Jackie Szczupakowski who captured the championship, and they placed fourth in the $500 Johnson Horse Transportation Mini Hunter Derby. BTRC’s Copyright and Amanda Calistro were reserve champions in the Low Adult Hunters and came back to win the Mini Hunter Derby!

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple

BTRC’s Cakewalk and LuLu Semple picked up the championship in the Low Children’s Hunters and took second in the Mini Hunter Derby. Greystoke’s Jamaican Vacation and Phoenix Oppenheimer earned the championship in the Children’s Pony Hunter section and placed seventh in the Mini Hunter Derby.

Bellamy Brother and Liz Schaab tied for reserve champions in the 2’6” Thoroughbred Hunters and won the under saddle on their way to the tricolor.

In the Short Stirrup Hunters and Equitation, Qualen’s Bally Wyck and Reagan Perry picked up top-three placings in every Short Stirrup class with wonderful performances.

SBS Farms’ Jackson and Emma topped the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Stake and strutted to the win in the under saddle class for a very successful show.

Lola, owned by Elizabeth Johnson and ridden by Emma, jumped clear in the Training Jumpers

And Michelle Gauchat joined us from Madison Hills with Very Much In Love. The pair were reserve champions in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers and placed second in the Classic!

Jen Thomas and Allen Chatt

As a grand finale, Jen Thomas won the groom’s class and Allen Chatt was third. Congratulations to a great team and thank you for going the extra mile!

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road Lead the Way in Final Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at Vermont Summer Festival

As the 2022 Vermont Summer Festival comes to a close, hunter riders had one more opportunity to compete in the HITS Platinum Performance Hunter Series that culminates with the $50,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final being held during the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

On Saturday, August 14, dozens of top hunter riders vied for the winning title in the $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. After two rounds of competition, Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road led the lap of honor with smooth and flowing performances.

The duo is back to winning ways following their success at Junior Hunter Finals a few weeks ago. “He just came off being third overall in the Junior Hunter Finals 3’3” Older section and already qualified for next year while we have been up here,” said Smith. “We are just working on staying consistent and qualifying for as much as we can the rest of this year and next year.”

The Platinum Performance Hunter Prix featured two rounds for riders to demonstrate classic hunter style. After the first round of competition, the top 12 riders returned in reverse order for round two, the handy. Following the handy round, it was the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Liberty Road, piloted by Alexandra Smith, that captured the judges the most with their classic hunter jump and beautiful style.

“I thought this was a really fun course today,” said Smith. “He has been super all weekend – he can be a little looky at things sometimes, but today he was game for everything, which was really nice. In the second round, I really tried not to get in my head and not blow it – I just made sure that I got him in front of my leg to the first jump, and he performed really well.”

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road. Photo by: Jess Windhurst

Going early on in the original order, Smith and Liberty Road came out like seasoned veterans and laid down a classic hunter performance, garnering a score of 86. During the handy, the duo took advantage of coming back late in the order. After galloping right to the first jump, they swiftly made their way around the course seamlessly and impressed yet again to earn a round two score of 88 and a two-round total of 174 points that would top the leaderboard.

“Vermont is so beautiful – I think everything is so fun up here and it’s a lovely horse show. I especially love how all the photos turn out with the mountains in the background. This is our second year here, and we have been here for two weeks, so it’s nice to end on a high note,” said Smith.

Riders competing in the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix classes across the country are aiming for the $50,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship during HITS-On-The-Hudson this September. Riders who compete in five qualifying classes will have the opportunity to ride two horses in the final.

A Very Rewarding Vermont Summer Circuit

The SBS Farms team had a wonderful two weeks in the mountains of Vermont, attending the Manchester & the Mountains and Vermont Celebration IV horse shows in East Dorset.

Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero had great rounds throughout the two weeks and earned a reserve championship in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section. The pair also topped the Adult Hunter Classic and qualified for the New England Adult Medal Final to be held at the New England Equitation Championships this fall.

Ben Hoban with Crisp and Stephanie Brennan with Del Piero

Ben Hoban and BTRC’s Crisp were Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, champions, winning all of their classes the second week. The first week, they were second in the Adult Hunter Classic and earned good ribbons in the Adults. Ben also rode his horse Estella in the 3’ Green Hunters and the Adults both weeks, taking many ribbons including wins over fences in both sections.

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road

Alexandra Smith rode Liberty Road to lead the victory gallop in the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix during Week 2, and the pair finished as the reserve champions in the Junior Hunters.

Reagan Perry and Qualen’s Ballywyck collected a ton of tricolors! The pair were champions in the Crossrails and the Outreach and claimed many top ribbons in the Short Stirrup during Week 1. This week, they were reserve champions in the Crossrails, reserve in the Short Stirrup equitation and champions in the Short Stirrup Hunters. Way to go!

Reagan Perry and Qualen’s Ballywyck

Trainer Emma Walters and SBS Farms’ Jackson were in the ribbons both weeks in the 3’ Greens, and Emma and Stardust jumped to sixth in the USHJA National Hunter Derby during Week 2.

Plenty of Great Performances in Lake Placid

The Lake Placid Horse Show in New York is always an SBS Farms favorite, and this year was especially fun and rewarding for the team, July 5-10.

Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystokes Jamaican Vacation earned the Children’s Large Pony Hunter championship and were the Grand Champion Children’s Pony with a clean sweep of the division!

Christine Ruh and Crisp

Christine Ruh had great results on both Crisp and Stardust in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section, and Crisp finished up as champion with a first, second and fourth.

Stephanie Brennan had fabulous rounds in the Adult Amateur Hunters on her Del Piero during their first time back in the show ring since spring.

LuLu Semple and Cakewalk picked up the reserve championship in the Modified Children’s Hunters with one wonderful class win and other ribbons.

LuLu Semple and Cakewalk

Jackson, owned by SBS Farms, earned a good ribbon out of a very competitive group of 3’ Green Hunters with trainer Emma Walters in the irons.

Congratulations to all on a great show!

Liberty Road Paves the Way to Success at the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship - East

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road were unstoppable in the 3’3” Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section during the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships - East. The pair won ribbons in every class, with scores in the mid to high 80s in every phase during the competition, held June 28-July 2 at the Traverse City Horse Shows in Williamsburg, Michigan.

Trainer Emma Walters with Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road

With fifth-placed ribbons in the Classic Round and the Handy Round and sixth in the under saddle, they finished third overall out of 61 entries.

“I’m really happy with the way Alexandra kept calm and performed like an old pro,” said trainer Emma Walters. “This is her first finals and also my first finals coaching. I couldn’t be more excited for her and what is next for Alexandra and Liberty Road!”

“Emma was the trainer for SBS Farms! This was a major accomplishment for her and Alexandra and me. I’m so proud!” said Susie Schoellkopf, SBS Farms owner/head trainer.

Established in 2001, the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship showcases the best junior hunters in the nation. In 2014, the 3’3” Junior Hunter section was added to the Championship and has quickly gained popularity. Each year, more than 2,000 eligible hunters qualify to compete in the prestigious final, which is held on each coast and is comprised of three phases: handy hunter (40 percent), classic (40 percent) and under saddle phase (20 percent). The overall score from the weighted sections determines the ultimate winner.

SBS Shines at HITS Saugerties

SBS Farms’ tricolor honors continued during the HITS Saugerties Spring 3 show, held June 8-12 in Saugerties, New York.

LuLu Semple and Cakewalk earned championship honors in the Pre-Children’s Hunters with an impressive three class wins!

Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystokes Jamaican Vacation made their Childrens Hunter Pony debut and won a class and were second under saddle for a great start.

Christine Ruh had a wonderful weekend on Crisp and Stardust in the Adult Amateur Hunters, with good results, including sixth in the Classic with Crisp.

Phoenix Oppenheimer and Greystokes Jamaican Vacation

More WEC Winning For SBS Farms

SBS Farms continued their success at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, during Week 9, March 2-6.

Cakewalk and LuLu Semple were champions again in the Intermediate Children’s Hunters and seventh in the Classic.

Liberty Road and Alexandra Smith earned championship honors in the 3’3” older Junior Hunters and placed fourth in the Classic.

Crisp and Ben Hoban captured the reserve championship in the Adult Equitation and won an Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, class with a score of 88! They were also second in their Classic.

Liberty Road and Alexandra smith

And we also want to congratulate Kate Stahl on her Mini Stirrup Championship aboard Braveheart. Special thanks to Barbara snd Brian Feigus and Nevergreen Farm.

SBS Farms Secures More Championships at WEC Ocala

The SBS Farms team traveled south from Buffalo to enjoy great weather and competition at WEC Ocala in Florida for Weeks 7 and 8, February 15-27.

During Week 6, Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero had great ribbons, including a second over fences in the Adult Amateur Hunters.

Alexandra Smith and BTRC’s Liberty Road earned championship honors once again in the 3’3” Junior Hunters with two class wins, including over fences and under saddle.

Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero

Lulu Semple and BTRC’s Cakewalk had top rounds and ribbons out of a huge group of Intermediate Children’s Hunters.

SBS Farms’ Stardust was first and second in the 3’ NSBA Hunters with Emma Walters in a huge division with a California split.

During Week 8, Lulu Semple and Cakewalk improved upon their performances from the previous week and were champions in the Intermediate Children’s Hunters with two class wins and second in the Classic.

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road

Alexandra Smith and Liberty Road added to their blue ribbon collection and won the under saddle and were second over fences in the 3’3” Junior Hunters.

Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero had great rounds in the Adults, including third and fourth, and third in the Classic to continue their consistent placings over the two weeks.