The 74th Buffalo International Horse Show kicked off September 16 with a roster of some of the nation’s top hunter competitors competing in the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center indoor riding facility, uniquely located in the heart of the city of Buffalo. With 100 percent of the proceeds going to the BTRC’s therapeutic riding program, this is a very special show.
The champion of the Baby Green Hunters was crowned Wednesday after the division’s two over fences rounds and an under saddle. Emma Walters rode into the winner’s circle aboard SBS Farms’ Jackson. The pair won both of the over fences classes and placed second in the under saddle.
Katie Grandelli
SBS concluded the day with a great win by Katie Grandelli in the $1,000 Grooms Class, sponsored by Penelope Ayers.
On Thursday, BTRC’s Fidele De La Cour and Alexandra Smith won the NAL Low Children’s/Adult Jumper class, and they went on to place fifth in the Classic.
Equine Coutures Stainless and Amanda Calistro earned great ribbons and were clear in the NAL Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers to add more colors to the SBS Farms’ banner.
On Saturday, Christine Ruh and SBS Farms’ Stardust topped the Adult Amateur Hunter division, earning a pair of blue ribbons to clinch the championships. In addition, Christine won top ribbons with Liberty Road, including the top call in the under saddle.
Christine Ruh and Stardust
The $500 Say Hey NAL Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Classic concluded the first part of the day, with Stephanie Brennan capturing the win aboard Del Piero. Christine placed second riding Stardust and third aboard BTRC’s Liberty Road.
Highlighting the day on Sunday was Alexandra Smith, who rode Cakewalk to the Children’s Hunter Horse championship title after two days of competition.
Alexandra and Cakewalk, owned by the BTRC, had a dominating performance throughout the weekend, winning all four over fences classes as well as placing second in the under saddle to claim the title.
The winner of the first Low Adult Hunter over fences class was Jackie Szczupakowski and the BTRC’s Motion Picture. They also placed second in the under saddle and second over fences for the reserve championship award and placed third in the Classic.
Lulu Semple had great rounds with both BTRC’s Hey Sailor and Zenith in the Low Children’s Hunters, with Zenith strutting to the blue in the under saddle.
Caroline Garcia and new partner Hobcaw Creek enjoyed some great rounds in the Low Children’s Hunters and were third under saddle.
Stephanie Brennan and Del Piero
Lauren Rogers trained the Buffalo Equestrian Center riders to excellent results during the show. Katie Lamb and BTRC’s Churchill were reserve champions in the Short Stirrup Hunters, while Izzy Hillstead and BTRC’s Copyright were reserve champions in the Low Children’s Hunters after winning an over fences class and also picking up two second place ribbons in the division. They were also fifth in the Classic.
Phoenix Oppenheimer was also successful in the Short Stirrup division, including the win under saddle with Greystoke’s Jamaican Vacation.
Reagan Perry and Qualen’s Bally Wyck were reserve champions in the Crossrail Hunters with a blue ribbon over fences.
The $7,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby was the featured class on Saturday night. All four SBS Farms entries finished in the ribbons: Stardust and Emma Walters placed second; Cakewalk and Alexandra Smith were sixth; Liberty Road and Emma Walters earned seventh; and Del Piero and Stephanie Brennan were 11th.
The BIHS is designated a Heritage competition by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, reserved for horse shows in existence for 25 years or more that have promoted and grown equestrian sport and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition. The BIHS is fortunate to be one of less than 30 horse shows nationwide that holds this illustrious status.
