Saturday at the 72nd Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) was packed full of exciting competition for all ages. Numerous classes led up to the day's highlight event, the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Hunter derby competition kicked off Saturday evening with Emma Walters piloting the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center's own Crisp to claim the victory. Walters also received the Frey Family Trophy as well as the rider bonus for her strong finish in the class. Second place was awarded to Jaime Bates riding Steve Weder's SWS Clarino, while Justin Meyers and Cool Heart, owned by Elizabeth Louisell, rounded out the top three.
Emma Walters and Crisp
Earlier in the day, the junior hunter riders took to the ring to compete in the $1,000 Up The Creek Farm's Junior 3'3"/3'6" Hunter Classic, where Walters and Crisp jumped to another win. Walters concluded the afternoon receiving the Peach Taylor Sportsmanship Award along with Sarah Rodwin. Taking second place in the $1,000 Up The Creek Farm's Junior 3'3"/3'6" Hunter Classic was Annie Walsh riding her own Erosmith, while Caroline Kahn and her own mount Mango finished in third.
In the competitive Junior 3'3" Hunter division, Walsh took the lead with Erosmith after earning first and second place ribbons over fences. Following close behind them was Walters with Crisp with a first and third place ribbon. The two will compete for the championship tricolor on Sunday afternoon.
In the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, Hannah Tuckner earned the blue riding Queen Vienna. Riding to second place was Charlene Graham aboard Knee Deep, with Angela Nealer and Essential taking home third.
Other championships crowned Saturday afternoon included the Adult Amateur, 18-35, Hunter division with Christine Ruh and Gracious emerging victorious to claim the tricolor. The reserve champion in the division was awarded to Maeve Foley riding Skidmore College's Crosby. The Adult Amateur, 36 and Over, Hunter champion was Julia Barnes and Simply Cool, with Maya Schneider and Aurelius earning the reserve championship.
Christine Ruh and Gracious
Christine Steer rode to the Amateur-Owner 3'3"/3'6" Working Hunter championship on Saturday afternoon aboard Marvelous. Reserve honors were awarded to Michelle Gauchat aboard Le Diplomate. Steer and Marvelous also received the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter championship award to finish off the afternoon.
Christine Steer and Marvelous
The BIHS is held each year as a benefit for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and is designated a Heritage competition by US Equestrian (USEF), reserved for horse shows in existence for 25 years or more. The BIHS is fortunate to be one of less than 30 horse shows nationwide that holds this illustrious status.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group Marketing for the press release.