Buffalo, N.Y. – Sept. 13, 2019 – The 73rd Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) kicked off Wednesday, Sept. 13 with a roster of some of the nation’s top hunter competitors competing in the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) indoor riding facility uniquely located in the heart of the city of Buffalo. One-hundred percent of the BIHS’ proceeds is donated to the BTRC’s therapeutic riding program.
In the Green 3’6″/3’9″ Hunter division, Jamie Bates and Samantha Dispenza’s Lacoste are leading the way. Bates and Lacoste took home a pair of second place ribbons and a win in the under saddle class towards the championship. Finello, owned by Elizabeth Jacobs and also ridden by Bates, sit in the reserve position with their first and third place finish in the over fences and second place in the under saddle.
Leslie Miller rode Larissa Loss’ Lancaster to two blue ribbons in both of the over fences classes of the Green 3′ Hunter division. Lancaster placed third in the under saddle to take the lead in the division. Bates also rode Roseann Deni’s Gateway to three red ribbons in all three classes, putting them in contention for the reserve championship.
The Low 3′ Hunter division proved to be a popular class as always, but Elizabeth Jacobs’ Selina, piloted by Bates, swept all three classes of the division for a clear shot at the championship ribbon. Bates sits in the reserve champion position with Kerry Marble’s Event Mint To Be with three second place finishes in all three classes.
The champion of the Baby Green 2’6″ Hunter division was crowned today after the divisions two over fences rounds and an under saddle. Bates once again rode into the winner’s circle aboard Mary Kate O’Connor’s Hutchinson. The pair placed first and second over fences and second in the under saddle for a total of 22 points while Bates rode Susan Grupp’s Good Golly Miss Molly to second and first in the over fences and third in the under saddle for 20 points.
The BIHS will continue on Thursday, Sept. 14 with the continuation of the Green Hunter divisions, as well as the USHJA 3’6″/3’9″ Green Incentive Stake. The day will conclude with the $1,000 Grooms Class provided by Penelope Ayers.
The BIHS is designated a ‘Heritage’ competition by US Equestrian (USEF), 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.
For more information regarding the BIHS and BTRC, please click here .
