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New Tack Room Donated to Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center In Memory of Peach Taylor

Written by: Kendall Bierer
Client: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center http://www.thebtrc.org/
Release Date: 2012-05-04

Buffalo, NY – May 4, 2012 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) has impacted children’s lives for well over ten years, assisting students of all disabilities and skill levels through the interaction of horses. This program witnesses countless miracles every day, and achieves what many may call the unattainable. Due to a generous donation in memory of the avid fox hunter and former Master of Foxhounds of the now defunct East Aurora Hunt Peach Taylor, by her family, the BTRC is pleased to announce the completion of their newly built tack room.

The mission of the BTRC is “Provide a Premier Accredited therapeutic riding program to Western New York children with special needs to develop social, emotional, physical and educational skills. In a historic, urban facility, children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and their families interact with horses, adults and peers in a safe, fun and supportive environment.” It is a mission that Taylor’s family has continued to support since her passing over twenty years ago.

Taylor’s family including Tony, Peggy, and Mason Phelps as well as, Marion Dann and other unnamed family members and friends, made the donation. “My grandmother was an institution in the equestrian world,” grandson Mason Phelps, Jr. said. “She was a Point to Point competitor and horse show exhibitor. She was a generous supporter of the US Equestrian Team, donating horses, as well as making contributions. Everyone knew her for her participation in the industry and for her love of the sport. She was a wonderful woman, and it is great to carry on her legacy.”

A plaque in remembrance of Peach Taylor, will hang outside of the door for all to see. The newly constructed tack room features ample space where all of the therapeutic riding equipment can be stored and shown. The tack room also hosts a state-of-the-art horse simulator, similar to that used by jockeys. The simulator was also a recent donation, generously given to the BTRC by Diane Carney and Stacey Stacey Lefton Glick. It offers a safe way for the students to learn the motions of the horse and gain a level of comfort. Prior to the donation of the tack room, this feature was not as readily available, and the contribution it makes to the program is invaluable.

“This donation is very special to me not only because of the effect it will have on the therapeutic riding program, but also because it is in Peach Taylor’s name,” Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Susie Schoellkopf said. “She was a tremendous supporter of the Bridle and Saddle Club, as well as an active supporter of the surrounding Buffalo area. She was a great friend to my mother and sisters, and was an inspiration. The board of directors of the BTRC and I thank the Phelps family tremendously for their support in honor of Peach.”

Riding programs like the BTRC’s provide a tranquil, non-academic atmosphere in which children can interact with adults and peers as well as horses. Research has shown that therapeutic riding programs offer physical, psychological, social and educational benefits to special students. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for over ten years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.

For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.com. For information and to sign up for camp or lessons please visit http://buffaloequestriancenter.org/.

For more information on the Buffalo International Horse Show and Educational Clinics, please visit www.thebtrc.com or call (716) 877-9295.