The 131st National Horse Show welcomed the top hunter riders in the nation to the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Kicking off the week, the professional hunters vied for the prestigious honors, with SBS Farms and Jennifer Alfano leaving their mark. Candid topped a field of competitors during the Green Conformation Hunters, earning the reserve championship rosette.
It was only two years ago that Alfano purchased a young horse for the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program. She saw a horse with the capacity to climb the ranks and become one of the industry’s best. Together, they dominated the Pre-Green Hunters throughout 2013, and fresh off the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Grand Hunter Championship, they showcased their talents at the National Horse Show.
Alfano rode the gelding to second place over fences, as well as third place in the handy on the opening day of the show. They were also awarded second place for Candid’s conformation during the Green Conformation Hunter model. On the second day of competition, Candid surpassed competitors to take second place in the stake and also captured the red ribbon during the under saddle.
“It's always really special to win on Candid because he's my horse and one that I've been able to bring up through the ranks,” Alfano said. “He was so consistent this week, and it was really fun to compete at the National Horse Show. It's such a prestigious event, and it has a very historic feel.”
Alfano also earned good ribbons with Billie Steffee’s Maggie May. Steffee was onsite to see the bay Brandenberg mare put forth consistent rounds during the Second Year Green Hunters. The SBS Farms team will now have a rest before the start of the winter circuit.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc., continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
Press release courtesy of Phelps Media Group International.