Riders at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) are cleaning their boots with extra spit and polish and are making sure all tack is in mint condition as the famed George H. Morris will make his way to the upstate New York facility for his yearly clinic November 6-8.
As part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program, this clinic is one of the most anticipated events for equestrians looking to improve their riding techniques and broaden their knowledge of the sport taught by a true legend.
All of the farm's clinics and events serve as fundraisers for its programs aimed at providing children with special needs the chance to ride and care for horses. Past clinicians include Rodney Jenkins, Melanie Smith Taylor and Beezie Madden.
The BTRC welcomes the public to ride in or audit its many clinics.
Often referred to as the "founding father of equitation," Morris will teach in a personal setting with three groups of eight riders at varying levels -- Intermediate, Jumper and Advanced. Riders comfortable jumping 3' will be part of the intermediate group that rides from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. After that, the advanced group will jump 3'3" beginning at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The final riders in the jumper group will be taught over 3'6" to 4' fences from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The cost of the clinic, led by the former United States Chef d'Equipe, is $800 per rider for three days of instruction, and $850 for riders who are partaking in the USHJA Trainer Certification. Each rider is permitted one auditor seat for free.
For those people who have always wanted to watch world-class training and instruction by such an esteemed horseman and rider, auditing spaces are $250 per person for all three days or $90 per person each day. If an auditor would like credit for the USHJA Trainer Certification Program, it will cost $300 for three days. Information and application are available here: http://www.thebtrc.org/programs/instructional-clinics/
The George Morris Clinic is distinguished as a part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program. The program was developed to preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System though comprehensive education programs that will increase levels of certification for professional horse trainers. In order to receive and maintain certification, trainers are tested on a broad spectrum of relevant professional information, including training techniques, safety of horse and rider, horsemanship skills and business ethics. The George Morris Clinic at the BTRC is the perfect addition to the program, where professional trainers will learn from the best in the business.
Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, Susie Schoellkopf, has hosted the George Morris Clinic for more than 25 years. She admires his teachings and his demonstration of getting back to the basics. Schoellkopf strongly believes that it's his teachings that help to raise the standards of training and instruction in the United States.
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 nation's 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. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.