Buffalo International Horse Show Off to a Great Start - GG Valentine Wins in Regular Working Hunters

Buffalo, NY- September 15- The weather is beautiful in Buffalo, New York, and equestrians gathered at the historic Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center to compete in the 59th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show. The ‘AA’ rated show is Buffalo’s most prestigious horse show and is used by many to prepare for the fall indoor circuit and zone finals horse shows.

The highlight of the hunter divisions today was the Regular Working Hunters. Hometown favorite Jennifer Alfano had a stellar day and picked up the championship on GG Valentine and the reserve championship on Once and Again.

The famous and highly decorated GG Valentine is owned by Barbara Kearney of Placerville, CO. Alfano piloted “GG” to four first place ribbons out of five classes and was third in the remaining class. “GG likes showing in this indoor arena,” Alfano commented. “She’s very relaxed and does her job perfectly.”

Alfano rode Once and Again for Merideth Bartolone, who is also from Buffalo, NY. Once and Again proved consistant, as he finished in second place in all five classes for the reserve tricolor. “It’s wonderful to have such a great indoor arena to compete in,” Alfano said. “Plus, we’re at home, which makes it even better.”

In the Pre-Green division, competition was once again dominated by Alfano. She and SBS Farms’ Good Company won the championship after receiving two first place and two second place ribbons. Breitling, owned by Jennifer Burger of Snyder, NY, won the reserve championship with two firsts, a second, and a fifth place.

Although Good Company and Breitling are young and in their first year of showing, Alfano said, “Both of these young horses are progressing wonderfully. They went around like professionals today.”

Other championships awarded today included the Low Hunter division and the Non-Pro Hunters. Champion in the Low Hunter division was Valentino, ridden by Scott Benning and owned by Kristin Wilson of Williamsville, NY. Reserve champion went to Follow This, ridden by Kacey McCann of Palmyra, PA, and owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

Champion in the Non-Pro Hunters was Russian Hill, ridden by Melissa Cleary and owned by Alex Huddell of West Chester, PA. Reserve champion in the division was Glendale, ridden by Darlene Coats and owned by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

All of the champions today received wool horse coolers that were sponsored by EMO Insurance. Reserve champions won leather halters donated by The Hunting Horn of Penfield, NY.

Competition continues tomorrow and will include highlights such as the $500 Adult Hunter Classic, Junior Hunters, Pony Hunters, and Children’s and Adult Jumpers.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Alfano and GG Valentine, Regular Working Hunter champions at Buffalo International Horse Show. Photo by Randi Muster.