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.

Jennifer Alfano, right, with Havens Schatt and Liza Boyd enjoying Aiken

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.

Addison Basile and Silver Icing

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.

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy

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.

Jennifer Alfano and Peter Pletcher tied for the Leading USHJA National Hunter Derby Rider Award

“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.

Jennifer Alfano and The Exchange

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.

SBS Riders Continue to Clinch Top Honors in Florida

The winter circuit has reached the halfway point, and the ribbons are piling up for the competitive riders of SBS Farms, Inc. Professional hunter rider and trainer, Jennifer Alfano, stole the show at HITS Ocala in Florida, with students following suit there and on the nearby Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

Molly Gfroerer and Top Hat

After one week out of the tack, Alfano took the reins during the HITS V Ocala Winter Festival. She piloted her own Candid to the Regular Conformation Hunter Reserve Championship, clinching the solid finish with three second-placed ribbons and two blues. Candid, or “Sheldon” as he's more affectionately called, has stayed consistent throughout the winter circuit, earning weekly tricolors to take back to his home base in Buffalo, New York.

Alfano also collected two third-placed ribbons with The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. She rode to two fantastic rounds over fences, finishing out the fifth week of the First Year Green Hunters in top form.

Molly Gfroerer and her pony Top Hat showed in the Short Stirrup Hunter and Short Stirrup Equitation divisions during the fifth week and earned good ribbons. She brought home a first, third, sixth and two fourths in the Short Stirrup Hunter division, and then made a clean sweep of the Short Stirrup Equitation, coming away with the championship title. In addition, Gfroerer was the reserve Short Stirrup Hunter midway circuit champion.

Chloe Karl and Fantabulous

Another rider representing SBS Farms in Ocala was Chloe Karl, riding her horse Fantablulous. Karl had successful rides with Fantabulous, earning two fourth-placed ribbons and a third in the Modified Children's Hunter division. Karl also won the championship title in the Post Time Children’s Hunters with Fantabulous and took the win in the Bit O’ Straw Classic.

Alicia Heberle showed Julie Harrington’s Caribou. Heberle had nice rides and pinned second and third in the HITS Hunter 2 division. Also successful during the fifth week of competition was Barbara Britt riding Rio Via, taking home the reserve championship in the Post Time Adult Hunters.

The success didn't stop there for SBS Farms, as riders represented their home base during Week 6 at the WEF in Wellington, Florida, with Paige Kouimanis and Jessica Sciarra competing. Both riders had great rides, with Kouimanis and her Lexus securing the 10th place in the $1,500 1.10m Adult 18-35 Jumper division.

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 and to Lauren Smith Gfroerer, Jennifer Basile and Christina Marie for the photographs.

SBS Farms Kicks Off 2016 Winter Circuit at WEF and HITS Ocala

SBS Farms competitors and horses made the long haul from Buffalo, New York to the Sunshine State to kick off the 2016 winter circuit at both HITS Ocala and the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The coming weeks will likely see numerous tricolor ribbons for this tenacious group of riders.

Paige Kouimanis, of South Clarence, New York, and her mount Lexus are already making waves in Wellington, Florida at WEF. Kouimanis placed second in the Week 3 $10,000 Adult 18-35 Jumper Classic, sponsored by Rosenbaum Mollengarden, PLLC out of a competitive field of 54.

Another jumper duo that is making a strong impression at WEF is that of Jessica Sciarra and Caspian. Sciarra consistently placed at the top of the leaderboards in the Children’s Jumper classes during Week 3.

While Kouimanis and Sciarra represented SBS Farms in Wellington, Alicia Heberle and short stirrup competitor Addison Basile took home ribbons during the second week of HITS Ocala.

Heberle rode Transcendent to strong placings in the Pre-Green Hunters, while Basile placed in the top four in all of her Short Stirrup Hunter and Equitation classes aboard her mount, Muffin Man. Fellow SBS Farms student, Molly Gfroerer, will join Basile in the Short Stirrup divisions during the HITS Ocala Premiere, to be held February 2-7. Chloe Karl will be descending upon HITS Ocala that same week to compete in the Modified Children’s Hunter Division.

Seasoned veteran competitor and professional rider Jennifer Alfano is expected to join their team in Florida in February. Upon her arrival, she'll be a force to be reckoned with in the professional hunter divisions.

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.

Jennifer Alfano Hits $1 Million in Lifetime Hunter Earnings

Jennifer Alfano celebrated 25 years of partnership with SBS Farms, Inc., and Susie Schoellkopf at this year's CP National Horse Show in November. Now, the celebration continues as Alfano recently hit the prestigious milestone of earning $1 million throughout her professional hunter career as tracked by the United States Hunter Jumper Association.

Alfano began her riding career at the age of 3 at her parents' home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Since then, she's gone on to claim numerous championships and leading rider titles from the country's most esteemed horse shows.
The two-time USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Champion and National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductee has earned victories at hunter derbies across the nation, including the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby in 2012, the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival and, most recently, the inaugural $50,000 Duchossois Cup at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in September - to name a few.

Under Alfano's talented ride, SBS Farms, Inc., has also produced three USEF National First Year Green Hunter champions including Kansas, Big Bad Wolf and GG Valentine.

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy

In addition, with her famous partner, Jersey Boy, Alfano has dominated the USHJA International Hunter Derby Program winning three series titles, the 2012 championship and the reserve championship in 2014 and 2009. Jersey Boy firmly stands atop the derby lifetime money-won leaderboard as well.

Yet even with all of these career accomplishments under her belt, Alfano was still shocked when she received the email from USHJA notifying her of her most recent achievement

"I had no idea because I never really kept track of it," said Alfano. "I was shocked, and it came as a complete surprise! It was never a long-term goal of mine; it really wasn't something I ever thought about before, but I think it's really cool. It's great that a hunter rider can do that."

Due to the growing popularity of hunter derbies in recent years, the USHJA has continued to meet the demand with an increase in shows and prize money. In addition, the launch of the Pre-Green Incentive Program in 2012 helped continue to raise interest in the sport and encourage the development of Pre-Green horses by creating higher purses and offering more opportunities for young horses to build their hunter careers.

"I think any of the hunter riders that hit a million dollars is quite an accomplishment," said SBS Farms, Inc. owner Susie Schoellkopf. "I think the derby series and the Pre-Green Incentive Program have really helped that. Jen's ridden a lot of top hunters and made up a lot of top hunters, which I don't think many professionals have done."

Kelley Farmer was the first rider to claim $1 million in lifetime hunter earnings in 2013, but with the introduction of new programs and more competitive opportunities created by the USHJA, four others have since joined the USHJA Elite $1 Million Club as of 2015. Those riders are: Peter Pletcher, Scott Stewart, John French and Alfano.

"It's fantastic that Jen has reached this mark in her career," said Schoellkopf. "I don't think anybody 25 years ago thought that any hunter rider could win a million dollars."

Now, at the end of the 2015 season, following a tremendous indoor circuit at The Pennsylvania National and National horse shows, and celebrating a quarter of a century partnership with Alfano, this most recent accomplishment is just icing on the cake for the SBS Farms, Inc. team

"It's cool that it all happened around the same time," said Alfano. "We had the party [at the CP National Horse Show] and then I got this email, and it just sort of tied the whole thing together. It's really special for me," she said.

With all of their remarkable success in 2015, the SBS Farms, Inc. team looks forward to what the 2016 season will bring. "We have a whole new group of horses and quite a few new customers, so it's exciting and fun," said Schoellkopf. "Every year is a little bit different. Adding Alicia Heberle to our group of trainers has really, in the last three years with what she's done, been fabulous. She's really fit in. It all came together this year. We're very excited about 2016 and really happy and very lucky to have such a great group."

"I'm so lucky," added Alfano. "I have a great group of horses and a great group of owners. I just want to keep going like I'm going."

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy

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 SBS Farms, please visit www.sbsfarms.com. For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release.

Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Celebrates 26 Years of Clinics with George Morris

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) welcomed exhibitors and auditors to its upstate New York facility on Nov. 6-8 for the 26th annual George H. Morris clinic.

This year, Morris taught in a personal setting with three groups of eight riders at varying levels-- intermediate, advanced and jumper. The intermediate group was first to go each day and included riders who were comfortable jumping at the 3' level. The advanced group followed with riders jumping at the 3'3" level. The final group were the jumper riders, who Morris schooled over 3'6" to 4' fences.

The clinic is custom to the BTRC's yearly schedule and is an event that many people ride in and audit each year.

"The clinic has become a tradition," said BTRC Executive Director Susie Schoellkopf. "We've done it for 26 years now. It raises the standard of riding for the area for sure; my barn included. And we get to see a lot of new and old friends that come from all over. It's a great way of getting people together and sharing George's knowledge.

"George gives such a great review of the basics," continued Schoellkopf. "This year we had a lot of area professionals participate, and I think that made it a really good clinic. George is amazing, and it's such a positive event. He has such a great system of teaching for three days."

The former United States chef d'équipe and "founding father of equitation" has taught many clinics over the years including the yearly BTRC clinic, but still aims to teach at the highest standard possible in every clinic he gives. He was especially pleased with this years' BTRC clinic and participating group of riders.

"Susie is an expert at organizing things, and this clinic she's done for years," said Morris. "The clinic was totally full with lots of auditors. Every clinic I give, I don't lower my game. I don't change. Every clinic I give, I give it my all. It was a great clinic and the standard of each level between all of the riders was excellent."

The clinic is also distinguished as part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program. The program was developed to preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System through comprehensive education programs that will increase levels of certification for professional horse trainers. In order to receive and maintain certification, trainers are tested on a broad spectrum of relevant professional information including training techniques, safety of horse and rider, horsemanship skills and business ethics.

The George Morris clinic at the BTRC, as an addition to the program, offers professional trainers the chance to learn from the best in the business.

"It's a clinic that people who are applying for their trainer certification have to attend all three days of and it's a good stepping stone for their certification," said Schoellkopf. "George is one of the few that can cover all aspects of everything in one clinic."

In addition, all of the BTRC's clinics and events serve as fundraisers for its programs aimed at providing children with special needs the chance to ride and care for horses. Other previous clinicians include: Rodney Jenkins, Melanie Smith Taylor, Beezie Madden and Buck Brannaman.

Schoellkopf and the rest of the BTRC team thanks everyone for their continued support each year of the George Morris clinic and is thrilled to have another successful clinic in the books.
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 SBS Farms, please visit www.sbsfarms.com. For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
 

SBS Farms, Inc. Celebrates Championships and Partnerships at CP National Horse Show

The 132nd CP National Horse Show welcomed the top horses and riders in the nation to the Alltech Arena on October 28–November 1 in Lexington, Kentucky. SBS Farms, Inc., closed out another successful year with top honors in the professional and junior hunter divisions with riders Jennifer Alfano and Alex Trolli.

The professional hunter divisions kicked off the week’s competition on Tuesday and Wednesday with Alfano and her horse, Candid, topping a field of competitors to claim the champion rosette in the Oare & Adikes-Hill $15,000 Second Year Green Working Hunter division, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare and Ms. Patricia Adikes-Hill.

Three years ago Alfano purchased Candid for the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program. She saw a horse with the capacity to climb the ranks and become one of the industry’s best. Together, the pair dominated the Pre-Green Hunters throughout 2013 and are now continuing to showcase their talents as they’ve moved up to the Second Year Green Working Hunter division.

“He’s such a fun horse,” said Alfano. “He’s easy; he’s so fun to ride. He always gives you a great jump no matter what. He’s shy with people he doesn’t know, but he’s really sweet.”

Alfano rode the gelding to first place over fences, as well as third place in the handy on the opening day of the show. On the second day of competition, Candid surpassed competitors to take first place in the stake—sealing their division win.

“He has been awesome,” said Alfano. “Every time in the ring he has just been perfect. I am so excited, and it’s fun that I own him. I always get so nervous. I usually mess up on my own horse because I get so nervous, but he was awesome.”

“They are a great team; it’s so nice,” said SBS Farms, Inc. owner Susie Schoellkopf. “Jen has done all the work on him and brought him along from Pre-Green to now. I don’t think there are many professionals who have done that, so it’s a feather in her cap.”

Alfano also earned good ribbons aboard Billie Steffee’s Maggie May and Helen Lenahan’s Miss Lucy in the $15,000 High Performance Hunter division. She earned a fourth place in both the handy and stake classes with Maggie May and a first place in the handy, while also winning the “Edyth B. Linder” Challenge Trophy, with Miss Lucy.

This year, junior rider, Alex Trolli, made her competitive debut at the CP National Show and left her mark in Lexington by taking the championship in the $10,000 Junior Hunter 3’3” division aboard Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Hey Sailor.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Trolli of winning the CP National Horse Show championship in her first attempt. “It’s against all the top riders so it feels like an accomplishment; it’s very tough competition.”

Alex Trolli and Hey Sailor were champions in the Junior Hunter 3'3" division at the CP National Horse Show

The 18-year-old from Clarence, New York, rode Hey Sailor to a third place in the first over fences round and a first place in the handy on Thursday. The pair returned on Friday and claimed another third place in the under saddle for their championship title.

“Yesterday, everything was on and perfect,” said Trolli, speaking of her third place and winning rounds on Thursday. “I love [this horse show]. There’s lots of shopping, there are great prizes, there’s top competition and the courses are hard but manageable. It’s been fun.”

Trolli has trained out of Buffalo, New York, with SBS Farms, Inc. for many years, and she credited their knowledge and expertise with helping her achieve major accomplishments, including the CP National Horse Show championship.

“I train with Alicia Heberle, Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano,” said Trolli. “They all give me really good advice, and it is kind of like a family.”

In addition to a wonderful week of competition at the CP National Horse Show, Alfano celebrated 25 years of partnership with SBS Farms, Inc. Susie Schoellkopf along with clients Billie Steffee, Sharon O’Neill and Helen Lenahan pulled off the surprise of the century with a party on Wednesday evening at Billie Steffee's After Hours Farm that included Jennifer’s family and friends.

From left to right: Helen Lenahan, Billie Steffee, Susie Schoellkopf and Sharon O'Neill celebrate Jennifer Alfano's 25-year partnership with SBS Farms, Inc.

With the CP National Horse Show wrapped up, SBS Farms, Inc. now looks forward to the George H. Morris clinic to be held at their facility in Buffalo, New York, on November 6–8.

As for Candid, his star performance at this year’s CP National Horse Show has earned him some much deserved time off before his next competition.

Jennifer Alfano with her father Ralph Alfano

“We rarely jump at home. We just do a lot of flatwork to keep him fit,” said Alfano. “He doesn’t really have to practice jumping so much. He goes home and gets his blankets and his shoes pulled off and he’s just a horse for a couple of months until we go to Ocala.”

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, Emily Riden and Kendall Bierer for the press release and photos.

Jen Alfano Celebrates 25 Years at SBS Farms

Professional rider and trainer Jen Alfano celebrated 25 years with SBS Farms during the CP National Horse Show in October. SBS Farms owner Susie Schoellkopf along with clients Billie Steffee, Sharon O'Neill and Helen Lenahan pulled off the surprise of the century with a party that included Jen's family and friends.

Special thanks to Billie for hosting the party and for all of those who joined SBS Farms for the celebration!

We hope you enjoy this gallery of photos of the joyous occasion! 

George Morris Gearing Up to Give 26th Annual Clinic at Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

Riders at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) are cleaning their boots with extra spit and polish and are making sure all tack is in mint condition as the famed George H. Morris will make his way to the upstate New York facility for his yearly clinic November 6-8.
 
As part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program, this clinic is one of the most anticipated events for equestrians looking to improve their riding techniques and broaden their knowledge of the sport taught by a true legend.
 
All of the farm's clinics and events serve as fundraisers for its programs aimed at providing children with special needs the chance to ride and care for horses. Past clinicians include Rodney Jenkins, Melanie Smith Taylor and Beezie Madden.

The BTRC welcomes the public to ride in or audit its many clinics.
Often referred to as the "founding father of equitation," Morris will teach in a personal setting with three groups of eight riders at varying levels -- Intermediate, Jumper and Advanced. Riders comfortable jumping 3' will be part of the intermediate group that rides from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. After that, the advanced group will jump 3'3" beginning at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The final riders in the jumper group will be taught over 3'6" to 4' fences from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
The cost of the clinic, led by the former United States Chef d'Equipe, is $800 per rider for three days of instruction, and $850 for riders who are partaking in the USHJA Trainer Certification. Each rider is permitted one auditor seat for free.
 
For those people who have always wanted to watch world-class training and instruction by such an esteemed horseman and rider, auditing spaces are $250 per person for all three days or $90 per person each day. If an auditor would like credit for the USHJA Trainer Certification Program, it will cost $300 for three days. Information and application are available here: http://www.thebtrc.org/programs/instructional-clinics/
 
The George Morris Clinic is distinguished as a part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program. The program was developed to preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System though comprehensive education programs that will increase levels of certification for professional horse trainers. In order to receive and maintain certification, trainers are tested on a broad spectrum of relevant professional information, including training techniques, safety of horse and rider, horsemanship skills and business ethics. The George Morris Clinic at the BTRC is the perfect addition to the program, where professional trainers will learn from the best in the business.
 
Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, Susie Schoellkopf, has hosted the George Morris Clinic for more than 25 years. She admires his teachings and his demonstration of getting back to the basics. Schoellkopf strongly believes that it's his teachings that help to raise the standards of training and instruction in the United States.
 
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.
 

Alex Trolli and Hey Sailor Capture Junior 3’3” Hunter Championship During the Pennsylvania National

With the fall Indoor Finals Horse Shows well underway, SBS Farms, Inc., is once again showing off its winning ways. The Pennsylvania National Horse Show’s Junior Weekend kicked off on Thursday, October 8, with Alex Trolli and Hey Sailor dominating the opening day with the high-scoring hunter round and top ribbons. Their success continued into the second day of competition, securing the championship rosette in the 3'3" Junior Hunter section.

Hey Sailor is known for showing off in the competition ring, and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show was no exception, especially with Trolli in the irons.

During the opening round of the Junior 3’3” Hunters, Trolli bested a field of 15 to earn the blue ribbon with a score of 85 points. She returned aboard the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center-owned mare for the Handy round, where she ranked second. Trolli returned on the second day of competition to ride to the score of 83 points, securing the championship title.

Trolli rode to the top of the standings at the USHJA Zone 2 Hunter Finals to capture the Children’s Hunter Horse, 15-17, Reserve Championship with Hey Sailor in 2014, and their partnership has only continued to grow.

Alex Trolli and her parents Joe and Michele celebrating Hey Sailor's championship,

SBS trainer Alicia Heberle was on the road with Trolli throughout the summer, helping her collect points at top shows across the nation. Trolli consistently took championships at numerous shows throughout the summer, as well as finishing as the HITS Ocala Circuit Champion for the Junior 3’3” Hunters with Hey Sailor last winter. The duo will compete next at the CP National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, at the end of October.

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.

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy Claim Inaugural $50,000 Duchossois Cup at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show

The hunters made their Rolex Central Park Horse Show debut on Saturday September 26 with SBS Farms’ Jennifer Alfano and Helen Lenahan’s Miss Lucy making history by claiming the inaugural $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman family and held in memory of Bruce Duchossois.

The horse show posed an unusual city setting for the hunters with fences painted in graffiti and decorated to represent elaborate New York City skylines and subway signs. Bobby Murphy was the course designer for the two-round jumping competition held in the Wollman Rink with Jimmy Torano alongside Ralph Caristo on the judge’s panel.

Alfano and Miss Lucy took a fearless early lead in the first round with a score of 88, and the pair maintained their lead after the second round with a score of 90 and an overall score of 178 to seal their victory and be the first to have their names carved on the Duchossois Cup.

“It is so exciting to be a part of this, just to be here in this atmosphere with the crowd,” Alfano said. “A really special thank you to Becky [Gochman] and Mark [Bellissimo] for putting this on. What a great day!”

Scott Stewart and Empire turned in a first-round score of 85 added to a second round effort of 87 for an overall 172 to finish in second behind Alfano, while Maggie Jayne and All Wrapped Up posted scores of 86 and 83 to close out the top three with 169.

“I think Bobby always makes a beautiful course,” Alfano said. “It’s beautiful for the spectators, and I thought it was a really nice course to ride.”

Torano added, “To bring the hunters to New York has been tremendous. I think the horses adapted really well. I think Bobby did an amazing job of using the space that he had here. What a boost for the hunters to come to New York City.”

Many riders were worried about how their horses would react to the big-city atmosphere but Alfano was always confident in Lucy.

“I knew that Lucy is fearless,” Alfano said. “She thrives in places like this, and she walked down, looked around, and went, ‘Cool, these people came to see me!’ I knew she would be great. I can jump her in any ring. She is a really special horse, and I knew this wouldn’t bother her.”

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, please visit www.sbsfarms.com. For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org/.

Candid Captures Grand Hunter Championship at Buffalo International Horse Show

Buffalo, NY – September 10, 2015 – Candid is no stranger to the impressive indoor arena at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). The 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding, owned and ridden by Jennifer Alfano, resides there at SBS Farms, and this week at the Buffalo International Horse Show, he showed that he was every bit at home in the ring.

Jennifer Alfano and Candid

The 69th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show kicked off on Wednesday with Candid taking the blue ribbon in all four of the day’s Conformation Hunter division classes. Alfano and Candid then returned on Thursday to continue their domination of the division, ultimately claiming the championship. While Candid was uncatchable in the point tally toward the division championship award this week, Alfano also finished in the reserve championship position with another top Conformation Hunter, Helen Lenahan’s Me Again.

With the first championship under her belt, Alfano kept right on winning throughout the day. She next picked up the High Performance Hunter champion title riding Billie Steffee’s Maggie May and the Pre-Green Hunter championship on The Exchange, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by SBS Farms Inc. Alfano and The Exchange’s beautiful rounds throughout the day also earned him the win in the Pre-Green Incentive and the designation of the Equus Foundation’s Best Performance. 

The reserve championships in the High Performance Hunters and the Pre-Green Hunters went respectively to Gianni, owned and ridden by Jennifer Dahlman, and to Castle, owned by Sharon O’Neill and ridden by Alfano.

In the Performance Hunter division, the championship went home to Alfano’s fellow SBS Farms rider, Alicia Heberle. Heberle rode to the top honor on Kinder Scout, a 10-year-old Wurtemberger gelding owned by Emily Cherney. The reserve championship in the Performance Hunters was back to Alfano, this time aboard Barbara Britt’s Rio Viva.

In the Low Hunters, the championship went to Lilly Ulrich and her own Montenegro. The reserve championship was awarded to Sarah Barge riding Sydney DeGrazia’s Reveille Z. 

Rounding out the day on Thursday was the presentation of the Buffalo International Horse Show’s special $1,000 Groom’s Class, sponsored by Penelope Ayers and Ravens Wood Farm. This year’s top groom honor went to Shauna Pingrey of Hasty Hills.

Competition at the Buffalo International Horse Show continues on Friday with the $1,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter division, the $1,000 “Full Monty” 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, the $1,000 Up the Creek 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic and much more. In the evening, spectators and exhibitors alike can enjoy a demonstration from the riders of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, the horse show’s beneficiary.

To learn more about the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center visit www.thebtrc.org.

Heberle and Alfano Lead Opening Day of Buffalo International Horse Show

Buffalo, NY – September 9, 2015 – For decades, the Buffalo International Horse Show has served as the most prominent fundraiser of the year for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). On Wednesday, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Horse Show kicked off for the 69th 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 Jennifer Alfano, Jennifer Dahlman, Alicia Heberle and David Wilbur. 

In the heart of Buffalo at the BRTC, Alfano led the way early in the day with a clean sweep of the Conformation Hunter division. She and her own 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Candid, earned the top call in all four of the morning’s classes, including the model, the under saddle and two over fences rounds. Alfano continued her domination of the division by also finishing second in all four classes aboard Me Again, a 6-year-old gray Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Helen Lenahan. 

Alfano also earned a top call in the next division of the day, the High Performance Hunters, this time aboard Billie H. Steffee’s Maggie May. Alfano has seen great success in both the High Performance division and in the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby program with the talented 9-year-old Brandenberger mare, and on Wednesday they picked up another first-place finish over fences.

Taking the victory in the second High Performance Hunter over fences class as well as in the division’s under saddle class were Jennifer Dahlman and her own Gianni. Residing just a few hours away in Cazenovia, New York, Dahlman is a frequent competitor at and supporter of the Buffalo International Horse Show where she earned last year’s Amateur-Owner Hunter division championship, also with Gianni. As the High Performance Hunters continue on Thursday, she will shoot to add another Buffalo International Horse Show tricolor to her collection.

In the Pre-Green Hunters, the fight for the division championship will come down to David Wilbur on Charismo and Alfano on Castle. Wilbur kicked off the division on Wednesday with back-to-back victories over fences on the 8-year-old KWPN gelding, owned by Wilbur Show Stables. Alfano and Castle, owned by Sharon G. O’Neill, claimed the top honor under saddle as well as a second- and a third-place finish over fences.

Alicia Heberle and The Poet.

Riding away with the first championship of the week was Alicia Heberle aboard The Poet. Heberle and the young gelding, owned by Up The Creek Farm, earned two blue ribbons in the 2’6” Baby Green Hunters before claiming their championship tricolor. Heberle also rode to a win in the 2’6” Schooling Hunters aboard Chloe Karl’s Sweet Carolina.

Competition continues Thursday at the Buffalo International Horse Show with the conclusion of the professional 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 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.

The Nation's Top Hunters to Compete in Inaugural U.S. Open at Central Park Horse Show

New York, NY - Hunter riders will compete in the heart of New York City during the second-annual 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show on Sept. 26. The hunter competitions will feature a $1,000 Small/Medium Pony Hunter Class, $2,500 Junior/Amateur Class, presented by Meralex, and the $50,000 U.S. Open Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family.

Celebrating significant growth in 2015, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show has expanded with a more robust show schedule, growing sponsorships, and an impressive list of top equestrians ready to attend. The event generated more than 640 million media impressions in 2014.

A talented cast of the nation's top Professional Hunter riders will compete against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The Professional Class will include 10 riders for a two-round competition. The 10 riders for the $50,000 U.S. Open Duchossois Cup will be Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher, Jennifer Alfano, Kelley Farmer, Amanda Steege, Liza Towell Boyd, Scott Stewart, Maggie Jayne, Peter Wylde and John French.

Becky Gochman commented, "I attended the Rolex Central Park Horse Show last year and believed it was important to include the Hunter disciplines. This venue offers a great opportunity to showcase these great riders, horses and the hunter discipline. Our family is thrilled to support this competition and believe it will only grow in stature over the next few years."

Scott Stewart added, "Having competed at Madison Square Garden many years ago, it is great to be able to return to compete in the heart of New York City. I am honored to be included in the Inaugural U.S. Open and am inspired to be the first winner of The Duchossois Cup. I am grateful to the Gochman Family for their support and sponsorship of the Hunter discipline."

After the 2014 debut of the sold-out Rolex Central Park Horse Show, Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group, LLC (IEG), is proud to welcome varying disciplines to this year's event.

"Seeing the reach of this very special event extend to Hunters is exciting for the Rolex Central Park Horse Show," he said. "We are very proud to present the best in horse sport across so many disciplines in an iconic U.S. location."

Competitors interested in the Junior/Amateur and the Small/Medium Pony Hunter divisions should send inquiries to Pbellissimo@coth.com.

Rolex Central Park Horse Show Hunter Schedule:

Saturday, September 26th

• 10:00 AM - Matinee Performance
• 1:30 PM - U.S. Open Hunters Duchossois Cup
• $1,000 Small/Medium Pony Hunter Class
• $2,500 Junior/Amateur Class presented by Meralex
• $50,000 Professional's U.S. Open Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family

The second-annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport. The schedule will include the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers, and Arabians. For a complete schedule go to: www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

Tickets are now on sale for all events at the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show.  Tickets can now be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.

Jennifer Alfano Closes out 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship with Top Four Finish Aboard Maggie May

Lexington, KY - August 16, 2015 - Jennifer Alfano and SBS Farms defeated all odds during the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, rising to the top of the crop as the only rider with three horses returning in the top 10, and finishing with two mounts in the top 12, and Alfano did it all with broken ribs and a bruised leg.
 
On Friday morning, SBS Farms was off to a great start with Maggie May as the first of four qualified mounts for the Classic round of the championship event. The duo kicked off the event with a bang, bringing in the scores of 90, 89 and 89.5. They opted for all four high options, boosting their first-round score to 276.50.
 
"We are thrilled, absolutely thrilled. This is her four-year anniversary at this horse show," Steffee said with a smile. "Four years ago, she had just come over from Europe, and I think Jen has done a superb job, as has her rider and trainer."

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy

Alfano attempted to duplicate her first ride aboard the 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood Miramar; however, a trip upon landing from the opening fence took both horse and rider down, with Alfano breaking several ribs, as well as bruising her leg and hip. For a moment, it looked as though the Derby Championships would be at an end for the 2012 Champion.
 
Alfano would let nothing deter her from the competition at hand.
 
She returned on Miss Lucy, who, after almost two years, has made resurgence in the hunter Derby world. She rode through the pain to rack up scores of 88, 88 and 89, plus all four high option fences for a total of 277. With one horse left in the hunt, Alfano knew she had to keep it together for 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion, Jersey Boy, the same quirky Hanoverian who came in second to Liza Boyd and Brunello last year. They finished the round with a total score of 274 points, guaranteeing Alfano three horses for the Handy phase.
 
The following day, the SBS Farms team, as well as friends and supporters worked diligently to help Alfano through the pain. As the Handy phase began, Alfano walked toward the schooling ring holding her taped ribs and sporting a slight limp; however, she gave it all she had, riding Maggie May to the lead and holding it until the final five horses of the class. Their scores of 90, 89.5 and 85.5, were combined with the four high-option fences and the handy points of 8, 7 and 5 for the eventual fourth place. Their top-five finish earmarked a page in history for Maggie May, as well as her owner Steffee.
 
"It's thrilling, just thrilling. It has been a long time since I have been involved in this level of the sport," Steffee said, referring All The Gold, the horse that etched his name into history for over two decades with Steffee at the helm of his career. "I told Susie [Schoellkopf] four years ago that I wanted to get involved at least one more time, and she made it come true. I am very proud of Jen and Susie, and everyone at SBS Farms; this was an amazing night."
 
Trainer Susan Schoellkopf watched the event unfold, and was astonished by Alfano's commitment to the horses and the SBS team. For the second consecutive year, SBS Farms was awarded the Best Turned Out Horse award for Miss Lucy, a testament to the hard work of the entire team.

"It was a great night for the SBS team," Schoellkopf expressed. "I think all the riders were in awe of Jen working through the pain. The Pre-Green Incentive and the Derby program are the best things to happen to the hunters, ever. I want to give a big thanks to Hugh Kincannon and his staff for putting on a top-notch event, as well as to Steve Stephens for amazing courses and to Ron [Danta], Colleen [McQuay] and Bill [Moroney] for making these two programs happen!"
 
Alfano could be seen walking with Boyd as she exited the ring from her championship-clinching round, smiling and congratulating her friend. Boyd and Alfano have always had friendly competition, riding and working with each other to excel in the hunter discipline and do the best that they can for their horses.
 
Earlier in the week, Alfano competed in the 2015 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship. She showed two horses, Castle and The Exchange to promising scores on the opening day, and then returned for the second round of competition to place first with Castle.

It was nearly one year ago that Jennifer Alfano spotted Castle in a schooling ring in Houston, Texas, being schooled by fellow professional rider Tracy Fenney. Alfano knew that she wanted the ride on the promising bay gelding. Sharon O'Neill stepped up to buy the 6-year-old, and it all paid off during the three-day championship event.

"He was great. He is just so easy and so fun to ride," Alfano said. "He has been an easy horse right from the start. He's quiet, and he doesn't look at anything. He's just so straightforward. Today he was awesome."
 
Alfano rode Castle to the scores of 86.5, 89 and 91 to not only take the first place as the high scoring round of the day, but also guaranteeing a return spot in Thursday's championship round, where she finished tied for the fifth place. "He was great all three days; he's really consistent. He is one of those horses you can really count on. You can really depend on him," Alfano described.
 
Castle's owner, O'Neill, said, "I should thank her [Jennifer Alfano], she picked him, she found him, she rides him, although I jumped every jump with her out there. I don't know how he got us both around, but he did. It was thrilling, and it is something that you think about, but you never count on."
 
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 please visit www.sbsfarms.com. For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Jennifer Alfano Tops Day Two of the 2015 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

By: Kendall Bierer

Lexington, KY - August 12, 2015 - It was nearly one year ago that Jennifer Alfano spotted Castle in a schooling ring in Houston, Texas. Fellow professional rider Tracy Fenney was aboard the bay gelding, and after Alfano saw him take two jumps, she knew that she wanted to be the rider in his saddle. Her instincts proved correct as she topped the 2015 USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive leader board Wednesday with the warmblood, owned by Sharon O'Neill of Snyder, New York, on the second of the three-day championship event.

"He was great, he is just so easy and so fun to ride," Alfano said. "He has been an easy horse right from the start. He is quiet, and he doesn't look at anything. He is just so straightforward. Today he was awesome."

Alfano rode Castle to the scores of 86.5, 89 and 91 to not only take the first place as the high scoring round of the day, but also guaranteeing a return spot in Thursday's championship round.
"Castle was great both days, he is really consistent. He is one of those horses you can really count on. You can really depend on him," Alfano described.

Her cumulative score of 527.55 points from the two days of competition allows for them to return as the 10th horse and rider combination of the class on Thursday. Alfano nearly duplicated her effort with The Exchange, who she placed third with on the opening day, yet an unfortunate lead change would drop them from the top 30 qualified for the championship round.

"I was trying to redeem myself from the other round," Alfano laughed. "It is hard in a class like this when you are just trying to get to the top 30, you put so much pressure on yourself. I just hope for the best, but I know I can always count on him."

Castle's owner, O'Neill, was thrilled with Alfano's ride. "Jennifer picked him, she found him, she rides him, although I jumped every jump with her today," she smiled. "I don't know how he got us both around, but he did. It was thrilling, and it is something that you think about, but you never count on."

Alfano has been a proponent of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive program since its inception in 2013. Over the last three years, she has watched it continue to grow exponentially, and is thrilled with the increase of owners and riders at the 2015 Championship.

"I think it is great to see this many Pre-Green horses, and for the owners it is spectacular," Alfano said. "It makes people want to own Pre-Green horses, it makes them want to invest in young talent. Look at how many people are watching this championship. It makes the owners really want to do this, and want to be involved."

O'Neill commented, "It means a lot to see Jennifer finish at the top today. I have been in this business for a long time, and it is nice to have a good horse and a good rider, it really is."

Going into the championship round on Thursday, Alfano and Castle will have their slate wiped clean. She is relying on his consistency to help her clinch the victory, a feat which has narrowly evaded her in the past.

Alfano concluded, "I feel good [about tomorrow]. He has been great for two days, so hopefully we can pull it off again, if not, then we have today!"

Scott Stewart continues to lead the overall ranks with Evermore, returning as the last contender of the event. They hold the lead with a total of 529 points, but Thursday will become anyone's game.

"Evermore was good," Stewart said of the 6-year-old gelding. "I thought he was almost as good as yesterday. He landed right after the outside line and he is a perfect lead changer, it was weird that he landed right, and I think I was a little rough forward, just being nervous, but I thought the rest of the round was as good as yesterday."

Stewart also qualified Wish, owned by Rivers Edge, ranking fifth during the second over fences phase, and tied with Hunt Tosh and Liberty Road, owned by Betsee Parker. Although Stewart took the second position with William Hill during the second round, their first-day rail will keep them from the final phase of competition.
"Evermore is so laid back, I hope he has some energy left, but I think he will be good," Stewart smiled.

The 2014 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Champion said of defending his title with his two mounts, "It is the same as always. There is pressure, but I am just hoping to do well."

Third place was awarded to Kelley Farmer and Clever Conversation, owned by Kensel, LLC. Farmer qualified five mounts for the final round, holding the best odds as the busiest rider of the class. Tosh finished in fourth place with Valhalla, owned by The Wheeler Family, qualifying three mounts for the concluding round.

The 2015 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive culminates Thursday with the third and final round of the competition, where the top 30 horses from Tuesday and Wednesday's rounds will compete in a final over fences round. The final round will feature a "clean slate" format, meaning the scores from Tuesday and Wednesday will not carry forward.
 

Jennifer Alfano and Castle Reign in Round 2 of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship

Jennifer Alfano and Castle

United States Hunter Jumper Association Press Release

Lexington, KY----August 12, 2015----Jennifer Alfano knew the moment she saw Castle jump his first fence in the United States that he was a special horse. Her instincts have since paid impressive dividends, especially today as the 6-year-old jumped to victory in Round 2 of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship and picked up a check for $14,665.94
 
"He was great," said Alfano. "He's so easy and fun to ride. He's been an easy horse right from the start. He's so straightforward, and today he was awesome."
The third Pre-Green Incentive Championship, held August 11-13 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, offers a purse of $234,655 with 160 horses entered in this year's Championship.
 
Rounds 1 and 2, August 11-12, had purses of $58,663.75 each, and the top-30 horses, with the highest combined scores, will return tomorrow with a clean slate for the Championship Round over a third course designed by Patrick Rodes, of Argyle, TX.
 
Alfano, of Susie Schoellkopf's SBS Farms in Buffalo, NY, found Castle in Texas through Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney who imported the bay warmblood gelding last fall. Fenney was taking her very first ride aboard Castle when Alfano spotted him.
 
"I saw her jump two jumps, and I was like, 'What is that horse?' She said, 'He just got out of quarantine, and this is the first day I've ever ridden him.' So I said, 'OK, I'd like to ride him tomorrow.' So, I rode him the next day, and I was like, 'We're vetting him!' "
 
Owner Sharon O'Neill was thrilled with her new horse and has enjoyed Castle's successes this year, with victories from Florida to Texas to Ohio to Illinois and now Kentucky.
 
"I should thank Jen. She picked him, she found him, she rides him, although I rode every jump with her today," said O'Neill laughing. "I don't know how he got us both around, but he did. It was thrilling and something you think about but you never count on. It was terrific.
 
"[This win] means a lot," O'Neill added. "I've been in the business a really long time, and it's nice to have a good horse. It really is....and a good rider."
 
Thanks to their blue ribbon today and seventh yesterday, Castle and Alfano have already earned $16,777.84, with tomorrow's championship offering an additional $117,332.50.
"I feel good going into tomorrow," said Alfano with a smile. "He's been great for two days, so, hopefully, we can pull it off again. But, if not, we have today."
 
Scott Stewart, of Wellington, FL, the defending champion, is well positioned for a repeat performance. He guided Evermore to the top call in Round 1 and placed eighth in Round 2, earning a combined score of 529 points, the best in the field from judges Linda Andrisani, Rick Fancher, Danny Robertshaw, Claudia Roland, Mike Rosser and Steve Wall.
"Evermore was good today; I thought almost as good as yesterday," said Stewart of the 6-year-old Bavarian Warmblood who is by Empire, the stallion he showed to countless successes in the Conformation sections and who is a top Amateur-Owner Hunter for Becky Gochman.
 
"I bought him [Evermore] when he was 2 years old in Europe, and then I left him over there until he was 3, after which he came to the States. He's really easy; he's always been easy," said Stewart. "I think he was champion his first time in Florida. This summer we've just been riding him and keeping him working. We saved him for this."
 
Before the Championship, Stewart had predicted that William Hill might be the horse to carry him to another title, but a rail during Round 1 dropped him down in the standings. The 5-year-old Bayer (Coronas-Nappalapp NC) rebounded in Round 2 for second place and a check for $10,383.48.
 
"He's a horse we bought when he was 3, and he's just 5," said Stewart. "Ken [Berkley] did him here last year; it was his second horse show, and he was a little green. After that, I showed him a few times, and he was champion at Fairfield [Connecticut], and he's been really consistent. My hopes were high for him, but we had bad luck."
 
In addition to Evermore, Stewart has qualified Rivers Edge's 6-year-old Wish (Be Cool-Hush) for tomorrow's Championship Round. "There's no pressure," he said. "I'm just hoping to do well."
 
Tracy Fenney, of Flower Mound, TX, may have lost Castle from her Pre-Green show string, but she traveled to Kentucky with plenty of horsepower. She and MTM Farm's MTM Personalized finished third in the combined standings after placing second in Round 1 and seventh in Round 2. The impressive 7-year-old gray warmblood earned $12,495.38 for his efforts so far.
 
"He rides lovely, does great lead changes, has a great stride, and jumps really nicely," she said. "There's not much really to work on with him."
 
Fenney also qualified MTM Nestle, a 10-year-old black warmblood, for the Championship Round after placing 17th in the two-round standings.
 
Kelley Farmer, of Keswick, VA, the busiest rider of the Championships with nine mounts, qualified five of her rides for the Championship Round. She finished fourth in the standings with Kensel LLC and Woodland Way's Clever Conversation, eighth with Kensel LLC's Speak Your Mind, 18th with Kensel LLC's Having Said That, 23rd with Kensel LLC's Confessions and 24th with Cismont Manor Farm's Silver Charm.
 
The inaugural Pre-Green Incentive Championship winner Hunt Tosh, of Alpharetta, GA, has also qualified for the Championship Round, with top-30 finishes aboard The Wheeler Family's Valhalla in sixth, Betsee Parker's Liberty Road in seventh and Ceil & Kenny Wheeler's Largesse in 12th.
 
The Championship Round will take place August 13 at the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park, with the opening ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. EDT and the first horse on course at 5 p.m. All 30 qualifiers return with a clean slate. Free live streaming will be available through EQSportsNet, the Official Host Broadcast.

The Pre-Green Incentive Program has gained popularity since its debut in December 2012 and has garnered praise from members across the country for its encouragement of the development of young horses. The program would not have gotten off the ground without the early support of many people, including USHJA committee members and staff.
 
The Founding Members include: Colleen McQuay, Amanda Lyerly, Bill Ellis, Betty Oare, Diana Strumberg, Don Stewart, Emil Spadone, Geoff Teall, Jenny Karazissis, Joey Darby, Liza Boyd, Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher and Susie Schoellkopf.
 
The USHJA thanks the Official Sponsors who helped to make this championship possible, including: Charles Owen, the Official Helmet of the USHJA; Rood & Riddle, the Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Pharmacy; Standlee Hay Company, Official Forage Company of the USHJA; The Clothes Horse, Official Cooler of the Pre-Green Championship; EQSportsNet, Official Host Broadcast; KY Lake Trailers Sales, Award Sponsor; Shapley's, Best Turned Out Award Sponsor; Hospitality Sponsor SmartPak; and Contributing Sponsors Perfect Products and Professional's Choice.

 

Jennifer Alfano Gears Up For Derby Championships

With the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship just around the corner, top hunter rider Jennifer Alfano has kicked it into high gear, recently wrapping up a streak of top finishes at Equifest II in Chicago, Illinois.

Alfano rode three horses in Equifest's USHJA International Hunter Derby: Miss Lucy, Miramar and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion, Jersey Boy. Alfano has won $936,559 in lifetime hunter rider earnings, and Jersey Boy has been USEF Horse of the Year three times.

With all three horses making the cut to return for the Handy Round, Jersey Boy sat the highest in third with a score of 187. Miramar, with a score of 169, rounded out the top six with Miss Lucy following in seventh. Just a few points separated the top spots, making a flawless Handy Round essential for the win.

As the Handy got underway, it was Kelley Farmer and Alfano who were vying for the top spot. Miramar and Alfano added a 192 to their first round for a total of 361. Farmer's Symbolic added a 205 from the second round to total 377. Mindful scored 204 to add to their first round for a 384. Then it was up to the top three, Jersey Boy, Taken and Dalliance to battle it out.  

Jersey Boy exhibited his trademark handiness around the course, delivering a beautiful round to earn scores of 8 for handiness and added 208.5 for a total of 395.5.

Next, Farmer and Taken galloped the track, earning handy scores of 8 and 9, also adding 208.5 to their score for a total of 397.5. The duo moved into the lead just 2 points ahead of Alfano and Jersey Boy.

Farmer's slight lead would hold, leaving Alfano and Jersey Boy with an impressive second-placed finish; Miramar placed fifth and Miss Lucy sixth.

Additionally, Alfano experienced success in Equifest's $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Stake, taking a 1-2 finish with Castle and The Exchange, respectively. She also continued her winning streak into the open hunter divisions, taking home multiple victories and championships as she prepares for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship with her mounts.

In the Pre-Green Hunter 3' division, Alfano and The Exchange took home all four available blue ribbons. In similar fashion, Alfano rode Castle to four wins, effectively sweeping the field in the Pre-Green Hunter 3'3 division.

Jennifer Alfano and Castle

Continuing her success, Alfano rode Candid to top finishes in the Second Year Green Hunter section, taking home two blues, a second and a fifth.

Alfano also competed two derby-finals-bound entries in the High Performance Hunter division: Miramar and Miss Lucy. With Miss Lucy, Alfano earned first, second, third and two fifth places. In the saddle on Miramar, Alfano placed second, third, fourth and sixth twice.

Alfano's top finishes throughout Equifest II promise more success to come during the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship from August 13-15 during the Bluegrass Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information about Jennifer Alfano and SBS Farms, please visit http://www.sbsfarms.com.

Special thanks to Phelps Media Group for the press release and to Andrew Ryback and Chicago Equestrian for the photographs.