To kick off the winter circuit, SBS Farms' competitors and horses made the journey from Buffalo, New York, to HITS Ocala in central Florida. The team had a successful first week and the coming weeks are likely to see numerous tricolor ribbons for this impressive group of riders.
SBS Farms Assistant Trainer Alicia Heberle has taken over the reins for Jennifer Alfano, assuming the riding duties until Alfano is back in action after an injury last season, and has been doing a fantastic job. During the HITS Ocala January Festival II, Heberle and Kathy Chiaf's Silver Lining had a fantastic first outing as a pair and claimed the reserve championship in the 3'3" Performance Working Hunter section.
"Silver Lining is all-in-all a very solid horse—he's really brave," Heberle said. "He will do the First Year Green section next week and then his owner will show him a bit later in the season."
Heberle also found success with Jennifer Alfano's Kensi, placing fifth in a large 3'6" Green Hunter class.
SBS Farms' clients also had a strong start to the Florida season. Michael Williamson piloted David Steffee's Maggie May to a championship ribbon in the combined Junior Hunter section. Another pair to watch this season, Alex Trolli and her own Del Piero marked their first trip to the show ring since the 2015 National Horse Show with a second-placed finish in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section and a third-placed finish in the Adult Hunter Classic.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
SBS Farms, Inc. 2016 Wrap-Up
Kristy Herrera and Helen Lenahan's Miss Lucy made history by winning the 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.
- High Performance Working Hunter - Reserve Championship with Jennifer Alfano HITS IV* Ocala Winter Classic
- $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbv - Champion with Jennifer Alfano 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- High Performance Working Hunter - Reserve Championship with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- High Performance Working Hunter Reserve Championship with Jennifer Alfano - HITS III Ocala Premiere
- High Performance Working Hunter Reserve Championship with Jennifer Alfano - Ocala Masters
- $77,700 USHJA International Hunter Derby Second Place with Jennifer Alfano - Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic Week V
- $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Fourth Place with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- High Performance Hunter Champion with Kristy Herrera - Buffalo International Horse Show
- Regular Conformation Hunter Champion with Hunt Tosh - HITS IV* Ocala Winter Classic
- Regular Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship with Jenifer Alfano - HITS V Ocala Winter Festival
- $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Fourth Place with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- Conformation Hunter Champion with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- Circuit Championship with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship with Jenifer Alfano - Aiken Charity Horse Show
- Conformation Hunter Reserve Champion with Kristy Herrera - Vermont Summer Festival
- Conformation Hunter Championship with Kristy Herrera - HITS-on-the-Hudson VI
Other 2016 Highlights
- $1,500 Adult Jumper Division Champion - WEF Week 5
- Children's/Adult Jumper Champion - Showtime Horse Show
- Children's/Adult Jumper Champion - Brandywine Valley Summer Series
- High Adult 18-35 Jumper Champion - HITS-on-the-Hudson VI
- Children's/Adult 1.10m Champion - Buffalo International Horse Show
- Grand Jumper Champion Ford Roy Trophy - Buffalo International Horse Show
- First Year Green Hunter Champion with Jennifer Alfano - HITS III Ocala Premiere
- $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Second Place with Jennifer Alfano - 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
- Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship with Kristy Herrera - HITS-on-the-Hudson VI
- First Year Green Working Hunter Champion with Kristy Herrera - Buffalo International Horse Show
- Roses Are Red Grand Hunter Challenge Trophy with Kristy Herrera - Buffalo International Horse Show
- Short Stirrup Championship - HITS III Ocala Premiere
- Short Stirrup Equitation Championship - HITS V Ocala Winter Festival
- Reserve Short Stirrup Hunter Midway Circuit Champion - HITS V Ocala Winter Festival
- Short Stirrup Equitation Champion - Showtime Horse Show
- Short Stirrup Hunter Champion - Showtime Horse Show
- Short Stirrup Champion - 2016 Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic
- Opportunity Short Stirrup Hunter Champion - Buffalo International Horse Show
Caspian - Owned by Jessica Sciarra
- Low Children's Jumper Reserve Champion - HITS-on-the-Hudson VI
- 1.0m Low Children's/Adult Jumper Champion with Alexis Mierzwa- Buffalo International Horse Show
Zoe Schaab and Lucky Charm
- Children's Pony Hunter Champion - Showtime Horse Show
- Children's Large Pony Hunter Reserve Champion - 2016 Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic
Kathy Chiaf and Sweetwater
- Adult Amateur 36 and Over Hunter Reserve Championship - Brandywine Valley Summer Series
Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Holds Year End Awards Banquet
The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) welcomed students, staff, board members and supporters on November 21 to their annual year-end awards banquet, generously sponsored by Michael Taylor and Taylor Harris Insurance Services.
Attendees gathered for an evening of dinner, crafts, and awards to look back and commemorate a year of tremendous accomplishments for BTRC participants.
BTRC Executive Director Susie Schoellkopf was thrilled with the evening.
"It was amazing," she said. "We are so thankful to Michael Taylor, our board members and everyone involved who came together to make this a wonderful night for our BTRC participants and for those who support our programs all year long. We cannot do the great work that we do to help our participants without the generous support of so many people and we are incredibly grateful to them."
The BTRC program will resume again on May 1, 2017. In addition to the therapeutic riding program through the summer and fall, BTRC is also looking forward to a number of exciting events in 2017. The BTRC Series Shows will run in May, October and November. On September 13-17, the 71st annual Buffalo International Horse Show will take place, and George H. Morris will return during November 10-12 to conduct his 28th annual clinic at BTRC, an event that is looked forward to by many riders and auditors all year long. All clinics and events serve as fundraisers for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center including it's programs, horses, and special needs children.
The BTRC supports its programs through horse shows and donations from individuals and businesses. The entire program would not be possible without the many friends and foundations from Buffalo and across the country who make BTRC the success it is. Your tax-deductible contribution could make a world of difference to a specially challenged rider. If you would like to make a donation please click here.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Helen Lenehan Honored with Welles Family Trophy at 2016 CP National Horse Show
SBS Farms has had a long history attending and competing at the CP National Horse Show, and 2016 marked a particularly special occasion. Longtime SBS owner, Helen Lenahan, was presented with the Welles Family Trophy. The trophy is awarded to a special individual who has made an exceptional commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport and industry. Lenehan certainly meets that mark.
She's renowned for her gift of spotting nascent talent in horses, as well as riders, while supporting and developing this talent to winning results. The performances in the show ring do not lie. Lenehan has had three United States Equestrian Federation National Horse of the Year titles with Logically, Roses Are Red and Gabriel. She's the owner of this year’s 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship winner, Miss Lucy.
For the past 25 years, her partnership with Jennifer Alfano and trainer Susie Schoellkopf has produced winning results. When asked what it means to have had such an impact on the sport, Lenehan had a simple reply, “It’s tradition, and I believe in that.” Her system of identifying and bringing up young talent, and continuing to practice a correct, traditional manner, produces a string of consistent winners.
The entire SBS team was thrilled to see Lenahan honored at the 2016 CP National Horse Show.
“There will never be anyone else like her,” Schoellkopf said. “She's been so supportive of all of our decisions, and she totally believes in Jen, me and the horses. I think to honor her here at the National Horse Show is amazing.”
Alfano echoed these sentiments, “It’s such a special award for her, and she’s been amazing for not only my career but a lot of people. I owe her so much for the great horses, the unconditional support. She’s an amazing lady.”
SBS Farms had a successful week at the National Horse Show with multiple top placings. Kristy Herrera and SBS Farms Inc.'s 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, The Exchange, placed third in the First Year Green Hunter over fences class and sixth in the handy round. With Jennifer Alfano’s Candid, Herrera placed seventh in the Regular Conformation Hunter over fences and handy classes.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Wrap-Up
Emma Seving had a fantastic weekend at the 70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show. The $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby was the highlight of Saturday evening at BIHS with a large field of top competitors vying for the honors.
It was Seving and Inside Scoop who stole the spotlight by winning the two round derby event with beautiful efforts, continuing their weekend winning streak and earning the Leading Rider trophy, given in memory of Russell Frey. Lara McHale and Mine finished second in the derby, while Jennifer Gurney and Gianni rounded out the top three.
Seving, of Newtown Square Pennsylvania, not only captured the derby win, but she took the top spot in the $1,000 Up the Creek Farm Junior Hunter 3’3”/3’6” Hunter Classic. She also clinched the classic win in the Junior 3’3” Hunters aboard her own Inside Scoop, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding, capping off her successful weekend.
Hunter Highlights
Kristy Herrera claimed the First Year Green Working Hunter division championship aboard SBS Farms Inc’s The Exchange, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. The pair took home the top spots in the over fences classes as well as the under saddle and handy class.
Herrera has had a successful summer after taking over the reins for Jen Alfano, who is recovering from an injury. Marguerite Heberle and Eastwood, a 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Hallie Heggeness brought home the reserve championship. Herrera and The Exchange also brought home the Roses Are Red Grand Hunter Challenge Trophy.
With one championship already in hand, Herrera continued to capture the tricolors. In the High Performance Hunter division, she and Billie Steffee’s Maggie May, a 10-year-old Brandenberger mare, topped the class in the over fences classes and the handy round to earn a second championship. Close behind her was Alicia Heberle and Jennifer Alfano’s Miramar, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, taking home the reserve championship.
In the Low Hunter division, it was Heberle’s chance to shine. She took home both the tricolor champion ribbon with BTRC’s Crisp,a 10-year-old warmblood gelding, and she earned the reserve championship with another BTRC owned gelding, Whispering, who is 13 years old.
To finish out strong, Kristy Herrera brought home her third tricolor in the Pre-Green Hunter division aboard Helen Lenehan’s 7-year-old Holsteiner mare Girl Crush. The duo finished first in the over fences classes and the handy round. The pair has had a successful summer culminating in a fifth place finish in the 2016 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship held in Kentucky in August. Sarah T. Barge and Sydney DeGrazia’s Danturano, captured the reserve championship. Hannah Duffy took home the top prize in the $1,000 Ravenswood Groom’s Class.
Sarah T. Barge and Marvelous, owned by Christine R. Steer, topped the field in the Performance 3’3” Hunter division, winning both over fences classes as well as the handy class to clinch the division championship. Lydia M. Ulrich and her own Sansouci, earned the reserve rosette.
In the Adult Amateur, 18-35, Hunter division, Lydia M. Ulrich and Sansouci and Erika Lipke aboard Amnesty were trading out the top spot, finishing one-two to each other in both of the over fences classes. The two were also one-two in the division championship with Lipke taking home the tricolor and Ulrich the reserve. Angela M. Nealer and her own All For Scho, an 11-year-old Trakehner gleding was the champion in the Adult Amateur, 36 and Over, Hunter division while Alexis Mierzwa and Whispering were the reserve champions.
The Junior 3’6” Hunters concluded on Sunday after two days of stiff competition. Laura McHale rode her own Griffin and Mine to the Junior 3’6” Hunter championship and reserve championship, respectively. Her success did not stop there as she was also awarded the Best Junior Rider award.
In the Children’s Hunter Horse Division, Emma Walters and BTRC’s Crisp took home the championship honors. Walters and Crisp earned a blue ribbon, two second-placed ribbons and a third to round out the day.
In the Children’s Hunter Pony division, Sadie Rutkowski and her own 8-year-old Welsh Pony cross mare Mapleside Voila took home the championship. Rutkowski and Voila won all three of the division’s classes on Sunday and won the previous day’s over fences classes. The division’s reserve honors went to Zoe Schaab, who rode BTRC’s Lucky Charm. Schaab and Lucky Charm were the runners-up in each class, taking home three red ribbons and the reserve tricolor.
Andrea Bello and BTRC’s Churchill bested the field in the Pre-Adult 2’6” Hunters, where they earned two blue ribbons and a red ribbon to secure the championship. Taking home the reserve championship was Roseann Deni and her own On Island Time.
The Pre-Children’s 2’6” Hunter also concluded on Sunday, where Linnea Garrison won the championship aboard the BTRC’s Zenith. The reserve honors were awarded to Eliza Gurney and Gianni, who also captured the third place during Saturday night’s USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Jumper Highlights
Friday night saw the jumpers get their turn to take to the ring. Paige Kouimanis and her own Lexus, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, had an excellent evening. The pair placed first in the Children’s/Adult Jumper 1.10m jump-off class and second in the speed class behind Emma Seving and Sweet Oak Farm’s Mahogony, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.
Saturday evening also saw the awarding of championship prizes in the jumper divisions. In the Children’s/Adult 1.10m division it was Paige Kouimanis and her own Lexus who brought home both the tricolor ribbon and the overall Grand Jumper Champion Ford Roy Trophy. The pair also topped the class in the $2,500 S.A. Comunale NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.
During the $1,500 S.A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, Kelly Waples and her own Ever Sinful finished in the top spot. Finishing in second place was Alexis Mierzwa and Jessica Sciarra’s Caspian, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding. Mierzwa also brought home the championship in the 1.0m Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers.
BIHS is the largest fundraiser for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s students—most of whom are financially supported by this show. The generous support of donations, as well as the help of sponsors and exhibitors are only a few of the ways the BTRC raises money to fund the therapeutic riding program.
The BIHS is held each year as a benefit for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and had another fantastic week of competition thanks to the many exhibitors and all those involved. For more information regarding the 70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Laura McHale Concludes Buffalo International Horse Show Winning Best Junior Rider and Two Tricolors
The 70th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) wrapped up on Sunday with the final champions being crowned. The five-day show concluded with young talent Laura McHale stealing the spotlight and winning back-to-back rosettes. The 70th edition concluded in fine form, with the celebration of seven decades of competition culminating in an alumni event that distinguished many of the nation’s top riders, who started their careers at the historic show.
The Junior 3’6” Hunters concluded on Sunday after two days of stiff competition with Laura McHale riding her own Griffin and Mine to the championship and reserve championship, respectively. Her success didn't stop there as she was also awarded the Best Junior Rider award.
In the Children’s Hunter Horse Division, Emma Walters and Crisp took home the championship honors. Walters and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Crisp earned a blue ribbon, two second-placed ribbons and a third to round out the day.
In the Children’s Hunter Pony division, Sadie Rutkowski and her own Mapleside Voila took home the championship. Rutkowski and Voila won all three of the division’s classes on Sunday. The division’s reserve honors went to Zoe Schaab, who rode the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Lucky Charm. Schaab and Lucky Charm were the runners-up in each class, taking home three red ribbons and the reserve tricolor.
Andrea Bello and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Churchill bested the field in the Pre-Adult 2’6” Hunters, where they earned two blue ribbons and a red ribbon to secure the championship. Taking home the reserve championship was Roseann Deni and her own On Island Time.
The Pre-Children’s 2’6” Hunter also concluded on Sunday, where Linnea Garrison won the championship aboard the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Zenith. The reserve honors were awarded to Eliza Gurney and Gianni, who also captured the third place during Saturday night’s USHJA International Hunter Derby.
The weekend was dedicated to the alumni of the BIHS, and welcomed exhibitors of the past 70 years to celebrate the historic show.
“It was a great event,” Susie Shoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center said. “There were a lot of people here, and a lot of faces we haven’t seen in a long time. I think everybody had a really good time. The place was packed, so that was nice to see. We can’t thank our sponsors enough.”
Some of the most recognized equestrian professionals of North America, such as Debbie Stephens, Bill Ellis, Missy Clark, Mason Phelps, Roger Young, Jerry Jacobs, Chuckie Graham, Molly Mills, Jack Fromm, Ian Millar, Don Snellings, Jerry Baker and Michael Matz, have supported the long-standing BIHS. The show featured photos and memories of alumni leading up to the show, and created a book of memories for the alumni, which features a beautiful layout and the narratives of those alumni who participated. The BTRC also presented a slide show of the memories during the cocktail reception, held Friday evening, following the end of competition.
Sunday’s championships marked the conclusion of the 2016 Buffalo International Horse Show. The BIHS is hosted by the BTRC, a therapeutic riding program open to children of all socio-economic backgrounds. The positive, friendly and safe atmosphere enables children with special needs and disabilities to develop both physically and emotionally by forming a special bond with the horses the ride each week. The Buffalo International Horse Show raises crucial funds for the therapeutic program.
To learn more about the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center visit www.thebtrc.org.
Emma Seving Claims The $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Buffalo International Horse Show
The $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby was the highlight of the evening Saturday at the 70th annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS). Emma Seving and Inside Scoop stole the spotlight, continuing their weekend winning streak by not only taking home the top spot in the derby, but also the Leading Rider trophy, given in memory of Russell Frey.
The USHJA National Hunter Derby featured top competitors from across the nation who vied for the honors, and Seving stood out among the rest, winning the two-round derby with beautiful efforts. Lara McHale and Mine finished second, while Jennifer Gurney and Gianni rounded out the top three.
Seving, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, also took the top spot in the $1,000 Up the Creek Farm Junior Hunter 3’3”/3’6” Hunter Classic. In addition, she clinched the classic win in the Junior 3’3” Hunters aboard her own Inside Scoop, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding, capping off a successful weekend.
Saturday evening also saw the awarding of championships in the jumper divisions. In the Children’s/Adult 1.10m division, it was Paige Kouimanis and her own Lexus who took home both the tricolor ribbon and the overall Grand Jumper Champion Ford Roy Trophy. The pair also topped the class in the $2,500 S.A. Comunale NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.
During the $1,500 S.A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, Kelly Waples and her own Ever Sinful finished in the top spot. Alexis Mierzwa and Jessica Sciarra’s Caspian, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, placed second. Mierzwa also earned the championship in the 1.0m Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers.
Day three of the BIHS kicked off with the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions. In the Adult Amateur, 18-35, Hunter division, Lydia M. Ulrich and Sansouci and Erika Lipke aboard Amnesty were trading out the top spots, finishing one-two to each other in both of the over fences classes. The two were also one-two in the division championship, with Lipke taking home the tricolor and Ulrich the reserve. Angela M. Nealer and her own All For Scho, an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding, earned the championship in the Adult Amateur, 36 and Over, Hunter division while Alexis Mierzwa and Whispering were the reserve champions.
On Friday evening, following the conclusion of the day’s hunter competition, riders from the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center took to the ring for an inspiring demonstration of all that they have worked so hard on through the program. Each year, the BIHS serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the therapeutic riding program, the event's sole beneficiary. The students showcased the exercises and horses used in the program, exemplifying the hard work of the staff and volunteers throughout the year.
Friday night saw the jumpers get their turn to take to the ring. Paige Kouimanis and her own Lexus, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, had an excellent evening. The pair placed first in the Children’s/Adult Jumper 1.10m jump-off class and second in the speed class behind Emma Seving and Sweet Oak Farm’s Mahogony, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.
In the Children’s Pony Hunter division, it was Sadie F. Rutkowski, of Rochester, New York, and her own Mapleside Voila, an 8-year-old Welsh Pony Cross mare, who finished on top in both over fences classes.
In the Adult Amateur, 36 and Over, Hunter division, Alexis Mierzwa and BTRC’s Whispering took home the blue in the $500 “Shogun” Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. The pair also finished in the top spot in the Adult Amateur, 36 and Over, Hunter over fences class. Close behind Mierzwa in second place in both classes was Robin Anderson and Skidmore College’s Revealed, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding.
To learn more about the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Hat Trick for Herrera on Day Two of the Buffalo International Horse Show
The second day of competition at the 70th annual Buffalo International Horse Show kicked off Thursday with the open hunter division championships. Kristy Herrera followed up her stellar performance from the opening day with excellent rides on Thursday to bring home three division championships.
First up on Thursday morning was the First Year Green Working Hunter division. Herrera and SBS Farms Inc’s The Exchange, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, took home first place in both the over fences class, as well as the handy round, clinching the division championship. Marguerite Heberle and Eastwood, a 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Hallie Heggeness, brought home the reserve championship. Herrera and The Exchange also earned the Roses Are Red Grand Hunter Challenge Trophy.
With one championship already in hand, Herrera continued to capture the tricolors throughout the day. In the High Performance Hunter division, she and Billie Steffee’s Maggie May, a 10-year-old Brandenberger mare, topped the class in both the over fences and the handy round to earn a second championship for the day. Close behind her was Alicia Heberle and Jennifer Alfano’s Miramar, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, taking home the reserve championship.
In the Low Hunter division, it was Heberle’s chance to shine. She took home both the champion and reserve spots. Heberle and BTRC’s Crisp, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding, took home the championship. She and another BTRC-owned mount Whispering, a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding, were the reserve champions.
Sarah T. Barge and Marvelous, owned by Christine R. Steer, topped the field in the Performance 3’3” Hunter division, winning both over fences classes as well as the handy class to clinch the division championship. Lydia M. Ulrich and her own Sansouci, earned the reserve rosette.
To finish out the day, Herrera collected her third tricolor, this time in the Pre-Green Hunter division aboard Helen Lenehan’s Girl Crush, a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare. The duo finished first in both the over fences and the handy round. Sarah T. Barge and Sydney DeGrazia’s Danturano, captured the reserve championship.
Hannah Duffy took home the top prize in the $1,000 Ravenswood Groom’s Class.
The Buffalo International Horse Show is one of fewer than 20 national horse shows recognized with the USEF Heritage Status. This designation is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for 25 years or more and make contributions to the community outside of the show by maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
To learn more about the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center visit www.thebtrc.org.
Herrera and Heberle Lead Opening Day of Buffalo International Horse Show
The Buffalo International Horse Show has served as the most prominent fundraiser of the year for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) for decades. On Wednesday, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Horse Show kicked off for the 70th year, welcoming some of the United States’ top hunter riders for the first of five days of competition. Making frequent appearances on the opening day’s list of winners were professional riders Kristy Herrera and Alicia Heberle.
Herrera made a clean sweep of the First Year Green Working Hunter division aboard SBS Farms Inc’s The Exchange, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. The pair took home the top spot in both the over fences classes as well as the under saddle. Herrera has had a successful summer after taking over the reins for Jen Alfano, who is recovering from an injury, culminating in the 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship aboard Miss Lucy in August in Lexington, Kentucky.
Herrera also earned a top call in the High Performance Hunters, this time aboard Billie H. Steffee’s Maggie May, a 10-year-old Brandenberger mare. The pair placed first in both of the over fences classes and second in the under saddle behind Alicia Heberle and Jennifer Alfano’s Miramar.
In the 3’ Hunter division Alicia Heberle and BTRC’s Crisp, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding, took home the blue in the first over fences class and the red ribbon in the second class, finishing in second place to herself aboard another BTRC mount, Whispering, a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding.
In the Pre-Green Hunters, Kristy Herrera again took home the top spot in both of the over fences classes aboard Helen Lenehan’s Girl Crush, a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare. Herrera has had a successful summer with Girl Crush, finishing fifth place overall in the 2016 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship in August in Lexington, Kentucky.
Competition continues Thursday at the Buffalo International Horse Show with the conclusion of the open hunter divisions and the start of the Amateur-Owner Hunters. Thursday will also feature one of the horse show’s always popular special events, the $1,000 Ravenswood Groom’s Class.
The Buffalo International Horse Show is one of fewer than 20 national horse shows recognized with the USEF Heritage Status. This designation is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for 25 years or more and make contributions to the community outside of the show by maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
To learn more about the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center visit www.thebtrc.org.
Miss Lucy Wins 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship with SBS Farms Alumna Kristy Herrera
The relationship between Kristy (McCormack) Herrera and SBS Farms, Inc., spans decades. It was Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano who started Herrera's riding career at 9 years old, taking her to her first USEF Pony Finals as well as finding the one horse that holds a special spot in Herrera's heart, her Children's Hunter horse Sprout.
SBS Farms, Inc. is responsible for catapulting Herrera's career, and on Saturday, August 20, Herrera returned the favor tenfold, winning the 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Lexington, Kentucky, with Miss Lucy, the 14-year-old mare owned by Helen Lenahan.
In May 2016, Alfano was injured during the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, falling during a course with Miss Lucy, tearing her ACL and fracturing her knee, an injury that takes approximately six months to recuperate from. With the help of her friends, the string of hunter horses that Alfano shows consistently at the nation's foremost horse shows continued to garner top awards, but finding a catch rider for each show would prove difficult, which made Herrera the perfect person for the job.
Herrera, based in Wellington, Florida, began training with Alfano and Schoellkopf when only a child and living in New York, and SBS Farms, Inc. has always been a special memory for her. Herrera started filling Alfano's job in June, a task that Schoellkopf laughingly said, "is not an easy job to do, but she has done it brilliantly."
Alfano, the 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion with Jersey Boy, stood ringside for the first time since the championship's inaugural event in 2009. Herrera sat snugly in third place after Friday's Classic Round, and she kept her composure before heading into the ring for Saturday's Handy Round. Herrera shook off the pressure and put all of her faith in Miss Lucy to lay down a spectacular trip, earning scores of 90.5, 90.5 and 92.5 from the three judging panels to combine with her 25 handy points and all of the high options. Herrera's round brought Alfano to tears.
"I'm still in shock," Alfano said with a smile. "Everyone knows that that horse has such a special place in my heart for a lot of reasons, and so does Kristy. It was hard for me to be here and to not be the one riding, but I was in tears and had goosebumps. It was so beautiful, and to watch the two of them together was just—I mean I'm so proud of both of them. It's really amazing. It was meant to be."
Herrera finished the competition with the cumulative score of 587 points, 5 points ahead of Kelley Farmer and Kodachrome, owned by Nina Moore. Third place was awarded to defending and three-time USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion, Liza Boyd, this year aboard Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan.
"I really didn't imagine this," Alfano said. "I'm so happy. To be honest, I was a little nervous about tonight. Miss Lucy is an incredible horse, and Kristy is an incredible rider, but when you come to these handy rounds, that is when you really need to have a partnership with your horse. You have to know where all the buttons are. I think Kristy did something tonight that not a lot of people could have done."
"I still can't believe it," said Herrera as she fought back tears of joy. "This is obviously a dream come true, and, of course, I have to first thank Jen for letting me ride Miss Lucy. I can't believe it. Miss Lucy loves being in that ring, and I just steered, really. She just rose to the occasion. It's unbelievable. I was in there riding, and I knew Jen was riding from the side for me. Every jump felt unbelievable, especially the last one."
Earlier in the week, Herrera rode Lenahan's Girl Crush to the fifth place finish overall in the 2016 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship. They finished on a score of 260.25 points.
Schoellkopf said, "We can't do it without the support of the owners, and Helen [Lenahan] has been a friend and a client for more than 40 years. She has never second guessed either Jen or me, and she has believed in us since day one. She has great input as an owner, and she always believes in the young horses. Right now she has two fantastic hunters in Miss Lucy and Girl Crush."
During the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show held in conjunction with the USHJA Championships, SBS Farms continued their successful performances. In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Herrera rode Alfano's Candid to second place in the handy and also picked up third place in the model. She continued her excellent performances with Miramar in the Performance 3'6" Hunters, placing third over fences.
Herrera, Schoellkopf and Alfano all acknowledged the hard work of the team behind the scenes, Alicia Heberle, Hannah Duffy and Abby Strollmeyer, who worked to keep the horses fit and healthy day in and day out.
"I obviously haven't been on a horse, and Kristy doesn't live near us, so they have them ready to show," said Alfano. "They're fit. They're the ones that ride them every day, and they had those horses ready to perform at this show. That's hard to do when you don't have somebody home jumping and schooling them. They've done everything."
Herrera smiled, "I have to thank them as well. They made my job just to be able to focus on me and they're unbelievable."
SBS Farms, Inc., would also like to give their appreciation to Ron Danta, Hugh Kincannon, Bobby Murphy, Colleen McQuay and all of the people behind the scenes for their continued support of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive and International Hunter Derby Programs.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
SBS Farms Closes Out HITS-on-the-Hudson in Top Form
SBS Farm's professional rider Jennifer Alfano is still on the mend after a fall and subsequent injury; however, she led the team at SBS Farms, Inc., to the top of the leader boards during HITS-on-the-Hudson VI in Saugerties, New York. From Aug. 3-7, SBS Farms competed against the nation's top horse-and-rider combinations, capping off the week with three top-12 finishes in the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Kristy Herrera rode Miramar, owned by Alfano, to seventh place and also piloted Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan, to the ninth. She put in another fantastic two rounds aboard Billie Steffee's Maggie May, clinching 10th place overall.
"We want to thank Tom [Struzzieri], Brian [Morris] and the entire HITS team for a great show, and for putting on a fantastic USHJA International Hunter Derby," Susan Schoellkopf of SBS Farms, Inc. said. "We had a wonderful week, and we're so thankful to Kristy Herrera for filling in for Jen, which was a very tall order, and she handled it beautifully. Also, a major thank you to Jen for leading the group!"
Herrera continued her winning streak aboard Girl Crush, owned by Lenahan, sweeping the High Pre-Green Hunters to take home the championship. Herrera duplicated her efforts aboard Alfano's Candid, riding him to the championship rosette with a clean sweep in the Conformation Hunters. She concluded her rides with The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms, Inc., earning the reserve championship.
Jessica Sciarra and Caspian won the Low Children's Jumper Reserve Championship with first- and fourth-placed finishes in the section. Paige Koumanis and Lexus took first and second places in two classes and were champions in the High Adult, 18-35, Jumpers, then returned to take sixth in the $2,500 M&S/NAL Adult Jumper Classic.
SBS Farms' Alicia Heberle had a fantastic show with Gunsmoke RHF, jumping a clear round with the 5-year-old. The team also celebrated Joan Burke's mare, Habanera, who proved to have quite the aptitude for the show ring, even though she only faced the competition arena for the second time. Barbara Britt's Transcendent, ridden by Heberle, also finished with good results in the Pre-Green Hunters. Zoe Schaab and Lucky Charm were in the top ribbons in the Children's Pony Hunters.
The SBS Farms team now has their sights set on the Kentucky Summer Series, where they will compete during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information about the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
SBS Farms Collects Tricolors in Vermont and Ohio
With the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship in Kentucky only one month away, there's no time for the SBS Farms team to stay out of the saddle as they prepare for these prestigious events. During the Vermont Summer Festival and the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic, championship tricolors were abundant.
In Vermont, Jennifer Alfano's Candid captured the reserve championship in the Conformation Hunters with Kristy McCormack Hererra, and The Exchange took the reserve tricolor in the First Year Green Working Hunters. Hererra also rode Savannah, owned by Sharon O'Neill, to a strong finish in the Pre-Green Hunters.
The success continued for the SBS Farms team during the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic in Ohio. Zoe Schabb competed in the Children’s Pony Hunter division and won two over fences classes and placed third with Lucky Charm, owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. Her ribbons proved good enough for the Children’s Large Pony Hunter reserve championship.
Fellow barn mate Molly Gfroerer took the Short Stirrup Championship with two first-placed finishes, two thirds and a fourth aboard Top Hat, while Addison Basile and Silver Icing won very good ribbons in the Short Stirrup division. Alicia Heberle and Gunsmoke RHF, owned by Joan Burke, won in the 5-year-old Young Jumpers.
SBS Farms will continue to show throughout the summer, with the next stop being HITS Saugerties in New York.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast.
Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
Summer Streak Continues for SBS Farms, Inc. at Brandywine
The SBS Farms team is on a hot streak this summer, capturing ribbons across the East Coast. Even with professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano out of the saddle after a recent injury, SBS clients have been collecting many tri-colors.
During the first week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series in Devon, Pennsylvania, Paige Kouimanis and Lexus stole the limelight in the jumper ring winning the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. The pair also took the top spot during the $500 Children's/Adult Jumpers to clinch the championship rosette.
Kathy Chiaf and her own Sweetwater earned the Adult Amateur Hunter, 36 and Over, Reserve Championship during the second week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. With the help of Alfano, Chiaf rode to two firsts and a third over fences and earned fourth in the under saddle to seal the tricolor.
The summer continues for SBS Farms, with Alicia Heberle taking a team to the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic in Ohio. Alfano will then traverse to Vermont with several top horses and clients for the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
Peter Pletcher Takes the Reins For Jennifer Alfano at Country Heir
Jennifer Alfano is still on the mend from her injury at the Devon Horse Show, but there has been no shortage of talented team members that have been willing to help. This past week, SBS Farms traveled to Country Heir Horse Show in Kentucky, with friend, Peter Pletcher, taking the reins for Alfano.
Pletcher stepped in to assist on Alfano's top mounts and kicked off the show by winning all of the Regular Conformation classes on Candid, owned by Alfano. Pletcher also competed Girl Crush and Savannah, winning top ribbons and putting in excellent courses for the two new mares.
Alicia Heberle rode Gunsmoke RHF for Joan Kamin Burke, earning a blue ribbon in the 5-year-old Jumpers. Heberle, along with Hannah, Abby and Brenna, played a crucial role in helping the SBS Farms team while at the show. Kathy Chiaf and Still Water stole the show in the Adult Hunters, capturing top ribbons, while Paige Kouimanis and Lexus won an Adult Jumper class and returned to the ring to take the second place in the $10,000 Adult Jumper Classic.
Owner of SBS Farms, Inc., Susan Schoellkopf said, "SBS Farms would like to send a special thank you to all that have stepped in while Jennifer heals, and thanks to Lizzie for keeping the home front running smoothly while everyone was away."
Over the weekend, the SBS Farms team also showcased their talent at home with riders from the Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC) clinching wins left and right during the last show of the summer for the Buffalo Showtime I & II Horse Shows at the Fairgrounds Showplex in Hamburg, New York. Emma Walters and Serato took home the reserve championship in the Children's/Adult Jumpers, while Amanda Calistro and Cenzington had top ribbons in their jumper classes.
Chloe Karl and Fantabulous earned the championship tri-color in the Pre-Children's division, while Addison Basile and Silver Icing were the Short Stirrup Champions, with their first-ever back-to-back blue ribbons.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
SBS Farms' Jennifer Alfano Gets by With a Little Help From Her Friends
SBS Farms, one of the foremost stables in the nation, made its appearance during the second week of competition at the Devon Horse Show. The New York-based team at SBS Farms, Inc. traveled to Devon, Pennsylvania, competing with their top string of horses. In a brilliant display of talent and finesse, professional hunter rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano earned several top ribbons. Mid-competition, however, Alfano suffered a fall and was unable to complete the rest of the show, so she turned to her friends.
Alfano competed Candid in the Regular Conformation Hunter section, receiving third in the model. In the over fences classes, the pair received two second-placed ribbons. Staying consistent, Alfano rode The Exchange in the First Year Green Hunters to earn four third-placed ribbons.
Mid-competition, Alfano, unfortunately, suffered a fall off of Miss Lucy while riding in the first High Performance Hunter class of the day. Alfano was sent to the hospital, and after several tests, it was reported that she suffered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a fractured knee. While on the mend, her horses were entrusted to some of her closest friends.
Hunt Tosh was first to step in and help out, riding Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan, in place of Alfano. Tosh catch-rode the chestnut mare to nice ribbons, and even came away with sixth in the High Performance Working Hunter Stake class. Liza Boyd also competed for Alfano, earning ribbons on Maggie May, owned by Billie Steffee, in the High Performance Working Hunter and the fourth on Candid in the Regular Conformation Hunters.
Susie Schoellkopf, of SBS Farms, said, “We want to give a special thank you to Hunt [Tosh] and Liza [Boyd] for stepping in and riding for Jen. SBS Farms would also like to thank Caroline Moran for all of her support, and to Hannah and Abby [Duffy] for taking such great care of the horses. Tom Wright, another great friend to Jen, also stepped in to train and care for the horses. We cannot thank everyone enough for their kind words and support throughout the past few days.”
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Tricolors Abound for SBS Farms at Showtime Horse Show
The team at SBS Farms traveled to the Showtime I Horse Show in mid-May to compete with their students and top-notch mounts. From the jumpers to the hunters, as well as the equitation, SBS Farms dominated the show scene with Alicia Heberle at the helm of its home-base success.
In the jumper ring, Amanda Calisto and Cenzington 002 won all four of their 0.75m jumper classes, ultimately earning the championship tricolor. In the 0.85m jumpers, Emma Walters and Serato won the championship rosette with a clean and speedy sweep of the division.
Paige Kouimanis and her horse Lexus competed in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers, winning all four of their classes and earning the championship honors. Alicia Heberle and Joan Burke on Habanera RHF made their debut in the jumper ring, putting down several nice rounds for top results.
The championships did't stop with the jumper divisions. Molly Gfroerer and Top Hat nabbed the tricolor ribbons for both Short Stirrup Equitation and Short Stirrup Hunters. Zoe Schaab and Lucky Charm captured the reserve championship in the Children’s Pony Hunter division, and also won the competitive Children’s Pony Hunter Classic.
Riding Fantabulous, Chloe Karl earned top ribbons in the Pre-Children’s Hunter division. Addison Basile and her mount Silver Icing earned the reserve championship in both the Short Stirrup Hunters and the Equitation, kicking off a great start to their recent partnership.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit: www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
SBS Farms Earns Multiple Championships During Week 2 of the Aiken Charity
SBS Farms, Inc. kicked off their summer show season during the first week of the Aiken Charity Horse Show and came back strong for the second week of competition. Jennifer Alfano and her talented team of horses and riders hail from Buffalo, New York, and will return with ample prizes from their two-week stay in South Carolina.
Alfano has been a long-time supporter of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program, which was created in support of the development of younger, Pre-Green horses. The program is what brought Alfano to two of her top horses, Savannah and Girl Crush.
Girl Crush, owned by Helen Lenahan, competed with Alfano in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive stake, earning a second-placed finish amongst a field of 14 competitors. Alfano also competed Girl Crush in the Pre-Green 3'3 Hunters, earning a first, second and third. The pair ended as the reserve champions for the section.
Savannah, owned by Sharon O'Neill, has been a reliable mount for Alfano in the show ring throughout the winter and spring months. Alfano and Savannah competed in the Pre-Green 3' Hunters and received a second, third, and two fourths.
Alfano returned to the derby classes with her seasoned mounts Miss Lucy and Maggie May. Competing in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Alfano placed eighth overall with Maggie May and 12th with Miss Lucy. In the Performance Working Hunter division, Alfano rode Sweetwater to second- and third-placed finishes.
Kathy Chiaf also rode Sweetwater and competed in the Adult Amateur, 50 and over, section. Chiaf and Sweetwater received first, second, third and fourth, and finished with the championship. Another championship for the SBS Farms team came from Barbara Britt and her horse Rio Viva. Britt and Rio Viva earned first, second, third, and fourth in the Low Adult Hunters, closing out the show with the championship rosette.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit: www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
Jennifer Alfano and the SBS Farms Team Kick-Off Aiken With a Strong Opening Week
After a month of rest, the SBS Farms team was back at it, starting with the Aiken Charity Horse Show in Aiken, South Carolina. Jennifer Alfano and the talented string from Buffalo, New York, enjoyed the spotlight during the opening week, with Candid closing out the professional divisions as the Conformation Hunter Reserve Champion.
Alfano rode her own Candid to the reserve championship in the Conformation Hunter division with the win over fences, two second place finishes, as well as the third place in the handy round. The pair also earned the second place ribbon for Candid’s conformation in the Green Conformation Model.
It was the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive that originally brought Alfano to Candid, a horse that has exceeded all expectations as he journeys the hunter pipeline. It's the same program that brought Alfano to two up-and-coming Pre-Green horses, Savannah and Girl Crush.
Girl Crush, owned by Helen Lenahan, captured top ribbons in the Pre-Green 3’3 Hunters, including a first place in the over fences. Alfano then guided Girl Crush to the second place finish in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive. Alfano also rode Savannah, owned by Sharon O’Neill, to good results in the Pre-Green 3’ Hunters. Savannah was also awarded the second place for their efforts in the $10,000 Goshen Hill Farm Future Stake.
SBS Farms’ veterans, Miss Lucy and Maggie May, also returned to the show ring during the first week of competition. It was Miss Lucy, owned by Lenahan, that took the lead in the High Performance Hunters with two first place efforts. Maggie May, owned by Billie Steffee, was not too far behind, snatching up the third place in the handy.
During the First Year Green Working Hunters, The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms, Inc., took the first and second place finishes, while Alfano rode Sweetwater, owned by Kathy Chiaf to the third place finish in the Performance 3’3 Working Hunters. Alfano also rode Miramar in the Performance 3’6 Working Hunters, taking home a top finish in the over fences, as well as several good ribbons.
Barbara Britt continued the string of top placings with her own Rio Viva, riding to the first place in the Low Adult Hunters.
While Britt and Alfano picked up the ribbons in South Carolina, several of the SBS riders were busy raking in the tricolors at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Horse Show, held May 6-7. Molly Gfroerer earned great ribbons in the Beginner Rider Hunter division, while Zoe Schaab took the reserve championship in the Children’s Pony Hunter division with Lucky Charm. Chloe Karl and Fantabulous were in the top ribbons during the Low Children’s Hunter division, while Addison Basile and Silver Icing closed out the show as reserve champions in the Cross Rail Hunters.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit: www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
Alfano and Miss Lucy Top $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
The 71st Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, presented by Irish Day Farm, finished up its two-week series on Sunday, April 3. Foremost hunter rider and trainer for SBS Farms, Jennifer Alfano, continued to dominate the show ring, but it was Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan, that stole the spotlight, winning the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Valobra Master Jewelers, during Week II.
Miss Lucy, a long-time favorite of the hunter derby scene, proved her consistency during the second week of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, and why her name is commonly seen marking the top of the leaderboard. The chestnut mare clinched the top spot during the first round, and returned for the handy with nothing short of brilliance to claim the coveted victory. Alfano also rode Billie Steffee’s Maggie May to fourth overall.
Although many may have thought that Miss Lucy’s derby days were behind her when she had colic surgery in 2013, the chestnut mare refused to relinquish her passion, coming back stronger than imagined. Alfano's handy scores of 87.5 and 89 with bonus points of 4 and 8, with all four high options taken, resulted in the overall triumph with a total of 378.5 points. Their win marks their second consecutive Valobra Master Jewelers Hunter Derby title, and proves that the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood is only getting started for the 2016 season.
“It’s unbelievable. There are really no words,” said rider Jennifer Alfano. “She was just amazing in both rounds. She just jumped higher and higher. She feels as good as ever right now, and better than ever. I’m lucky to have her, and a horse like her is a once-in-a-lifetime. She’s such a special animal.”
“This win means so much,” said Alfano. “After everything that’s happened to her every ribbon she gets is special. Aside from what she does in the ring, she’s the sweetest horse on the planet. I think after all she’s been through health-wise we have a special connection. My world pretty much revolves around her.”
Alfano continued her success as she took home her second victory of the week with The Exchange. During Week One of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, Alfano and The Exchange finished in second, but during Week Two, they stepped it up, taking the first place honor. The duo led the class from start to finish, earning the highest scores overall with a 94 in Round One and a 95 during Round Two.
“He’s such a good horse. The one thing about him is you can always count on a great jump. I tried to be a little handy everywhere I could be in the second round and let him do his thing, and he was awesome,” she said.
Alfano fell just shy of first place during the opening week of competition in the USHJA National Hunter Derby, and it seemed as though roles reversed for the second week, with competitor Peter Pletcher swapping the one-two finish with Alfano. They each tied for the USHJA National Hunter Derby High-Point Bonus Award, which included a check for $1,500 and a new bridle. It was only one year ago that Alfano purchased The Exchange, and coincidentally enough, the transaction happened at Pin Oak.
The green horses also earned top honors with Alfano in the irons. In the First Year Green Working Hunters, Alfano rode The Exchange to excellent rounds, finishing the class with two blues and the second place over fences. Alfano rode Girl Crush in the High Pre-Greens, nearly sweeping the division with four firsts and a second place, as well as the third place finish in the Texas Pre-Green Super Stake and the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive. In the Low Pre-Green division, Alfano and Savannah earned the second and two thirds.
Alfano rode Candid to an excellent finish in the Regular Conformation Hunters, making her second sweep of a division for the show. The pair won four first place ribbons and the second place during week two of the division, which was good enough to seal the Circuit Championship for the two-week series.
Alicia Heberle had two fantastic rides on Stillwater, riding to the first and third place finishes in the 1.10m Training Jumpers. Kathy Chiaf rode Sweetwater in the Adult Amateur, 50 and Over Hunters, to finish with top pinnings, including the first place in the stake, the third over fences and a fourth in the under saddle. She also took the fifth place finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic, and then earned the second place in the Ariat National Adult Medal.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
A special thank you to Phelps Media Group for the press release.
SBS Farms Continues Noteworthy Performances on Winter Circuits
Jennifer Alfano and the team at SBS Farms have not slowed down since the start of the winter circuits in Florida. Riders are still garnering impressive ribbons in the show ring from Ocala to Wellington.
On the circuit in HITS Ocala, the team took the HITS VII Ocala Winter Festival by storm. Professional and seasoned competitor, Jennifer Alfano, pictured above, took command in the hunter ring, competing on The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. In the First Year Green Hunters, the pair came away with first, second, and the fifth placed ribbons to secure the division's reserve championship.
Alicia Heberle competed in the hunter and jumper divisions in Ocala, racking up the ribbons for SBS Farms. Heberle rode Gunsmoke RHF, owned by Joan Burke of Lake Forest, Illinois, in the 1.00m iEquine Jumper class, finishing with a fourth and two sixth placed awards in the competitive division. In the hunter ring, Heberle rode Transcendent, owned by Barbara Britt of High Springs, Florida, in the Pre-Green hunters, taking a third placed ribbon.
Molly Gfroerer and her Top Hat continued their success in the Short Stirrup division. Gfroerer won the third, two fifths, and the sixth in Short Stirrup Equitation, as well as the fifth and three sixths in the Short Stirrup Hunters.
Chloe Karl also had a successful week, taking second, third, and fourth placed awards aboard her Fantabulous in the Post Time Children's Hunter division. Karl and Fantabulous also won the eighth placed ribbon for their efforts in the $500 Bit O' Straw Classic.
The success didn't stop at HITS Ocala, as SBS was also represented in Wellington, competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Paige Kouimanis and Lexus topped a class in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, Jumper division. The pair's successful rounds closed out the eighth week of competition during the 12-week circuit.
Based out of Buffalo, New York, SBS Farms, Inc.'s Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the most prestigious horse shows.
SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the Northeast. Schoellkopf is also the executive director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both the Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms, Inc. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and Gothic-style architecture.
For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
Special thanks to Phelps Media Group, Inc., for the press release.