Buffalo, NY - September 15, 2004 - Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY, a two-time World Hunter Rider of the Year, jumped up and won four classes today at the start of the prestigious Buffalo International Horse Show. Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in upstate New York, this world-class event runs from September 15 to 19. The Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

"This is the 58th consecutive year of the Buffalo International Horse Show," explained Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center, "and we have a full house of competitors from throughout America and Canada. We would have loved to host more people, but we ended up with a waiting list and a lot of entries got shut out. I hope everyone will enter early next year!"

One of the reasons so many equestrians are eager to come to the show is the amount of permanent stabling and full amenities available. "The facility has 180 permanent stalls designated just for special events, " Schoellkopf continued. "And, because we are located in the heart of Buffalo, a thriving and vital city, there are wonderful hotels, restaurants, and shopping all close by."

In riding action today, Buffalo's own Jennifer Alfano won two Green Working Hunter classes on Helen Lenahan's 'Gandolf.' Riding 'GG Valentine,' owned by Barbara Kearney, Alfano captured two Regular Working Hunter classes. Robert Bielefeld of Ithaca, NY, an internationally known horsemen and judge, stole a bit of Alfano's thunder by piloting 'Done Deal,' owned by Carol Sollak, to take the Regular Working Hunter Under Saddle class. Bielefeld also won three classes in the competitive Pre-Green Hunter Division on Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jansen's 'Nassau.'

"It's very gratifying to perform so well in front of my hometown crowd," a cheerful Alfano said. "This means a lot to me, and I so pleased for the owners of all my horses. Along with the horses, the owners really should get all the credit. I'm very lucky to have these nice horses to show."

A special event for riders and spectators this year at the show is the daily raffle to benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. A series of fun and useful items will be given away each day including gift certificates to local restaurants, such as Oliver's. Other sought after items include a DVD player, a hunting horn, and sports massage certificates. Raffle tickets are sold daily at the show or you can e-mail Schoellkopf at SBEAT@aol.com to enter. Tickets are just $5 each, or five tickets for $20.

The host facility of the Buffalo International Horse Show is the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). Built in 1921, it was then named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club and served as a facility for arena polo. A non-profit organization, the BTRC provides vital services to differently-abled youth riders. The use of horses has long been proven as an excellent therapeutic method of assisting people with both physical and mental challenges to improve the quality of their lives. Some of the benefits of therapeutic riding include increased physical strength and stamina, a greater range of motion combined with the development of balance and posture, improvement of communication and social skills along with an increased attention span, and most importantly of all, an overall boost to confidence and self-esteem. The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the BTRC, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

Daily admission to the show is free, but there is a small charge for the Saturday evening performance. For further information about events at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295. You can also visit and learn more online at http://ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm .