Buffalo, N.Y. – Sept. 13, 2017 – The 71st Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) kicked off on Wednesday with classes full of eager exhibitors. The historic show, which donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC), attracted some of the nation’s top hunter athletes for five full days of rigorous competition.
Leading in the Green 3’6″/3’9″ Hunter division after the first day was SBS Farms, Inc. head trainer Jennifer Alfano aboard Susan Kimberly’s Girl Crush. The pair claimed blue ribbons in each of their over fences rounds as well as in the under saddle class to position themselves well for Thursday’s championship.
Riding Kathy Chiaf’s Silver Lining, Alfano also sits in second place in the Green 3’6″/3’9″ Hunter division, while Sarah Barge and Sydney Degrazia’s Danturano trail in third place.
The professional hunter divisions continued on Wednesday with the Green 3’3″ Hunter division, where Alfano and Stardust, owned by SBS Farms, led after the first day of competition at the BIHS. The horse-and-rider combination claimed first place in the over fences round and the under saddle class, giving them a strong lead in the division. Barge and Guess B, owned by Emily Fearey, finished in second behind Alfano in both classes.
Santa Maspane and Kathryn Haefner LLC’s Kennedy led the Low 3′ Hunter division on Wednesday after gathering first, second and third place ribbons. Maspane also took home top placings with Endeavor, also owned by Kathryn Haefner LLC, claiming the win in the second over fences round. Meghan Kaupp and Up The Creek Farm’s Stone China followed close behind Maspane and Kennedy, winning the under saddle and third and fourth place ribbons over fences. Horse-and-rider combinations will return to the ring on Thursday to vie for the championship titles in each respective division.
Championship honors in the Baby Green 2’6″ Hunter division on Wednesday went to Alfonso Salcedo and his own Bryant, while the reserve championship went to Jaime Bates and Fivel, owned by Steve Weder.
Competition at the Buffalo International Horse Show will resume on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m.
Still to come this week, exhibitors and spectators can look forward to exciting classes such as the $1,500 USHJA 3′ and 3’3″ Green Incentive and $1,000 Phelps Media Group Grooms Class on Thursday and the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby on Saturday. Don’t miss any of the action!
The BIHS is the most prominent fundraiser of the year for the BTRC.
The BIHS is an AA rated hunter/jumper show and offers excellent preparation for horses and riders who will be competing at indoor finals this fall as the facility features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Whether you attend this year’s BIHS as preparation for the fall indoor circuit and zone finals or to cheer on your friends and family, the BTRC welcomes you to their home and wishes all exhibitors a fun and successful show!
For more information regarding the BIHS and BTRC, please click here.
