When it comes to events in the city of Buffalo, the Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) might be the unsung hero. Buffalo’s stellar equestrian history is relatively unknown, especially when considering the riding talents that have passed through The Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club – today known as the Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC).
Not only has the BEC groomed spectacular riders, whose collective place in equestrian lore is legendary, the center continues to hold rank in the annals of international jumping shows. In fact, “the BIHS is one of only 14 USEF Heritage Status shows in the nation.”
Along with a number of equestrian missions and goals (including a summer camp, riding lessons and home to an Interscholastic Equestrian Association), the riding center is an accredited member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). Each year, children with special needs are enrolled in programs which help them to adjust and overcome a number of issues that they face.
“In the 10-plus years that we’ve offered our therapeutic riding program, we are honored to have served hundreds of children,” stated Susan Schoellkopf, director of the BTRC as well as the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. “There is a definite bond between horses and people but we find that bond is more significant when it comes to children with disabilities.”
From September 9 to 13, the Buffalo International Horse Show will be held at the historic grounds of the Buffalo Therapeutic Rising Center (Buffalo Equestrian Center) – the region’s the largest indoor riding ring, which was originally built in 1922 as a polo arena. Chances are that you have passed by this five-acre training center, with barn, paddocks and new outdoor riding ring countless times, never knowing the tremendous history and status that the equestrian complex holds.
The community is invited to attend The 2015 Buffalo International Horse Show, which is recognized as a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competition – a distinction that comes with 25+ years of showmanship and selfless community involvement.
Show highlights: “Hundreds of entries over five days, including the $5,000 USHJA 3’ National Hunter Derby Classic event on Saturday evening.”
The 2015 Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) | September 9-13 | Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center | 950 Amherst Street | Buffalo NY
Admission is free with the exception of the Friday and Saturday evening championship events; tickets for those events may be purchased at the gate for $5/person. In addition to scheduled events, a vendor fair of high quality gifts, leather goods and horse accessories will be held during show hours. Parking is available on both Great Arrow and Amherst Street. On Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday, there is additional parking at Tapestry Charter School’s lot on Great Arrow.
Photo: Alyssa Bokor of Clarence