Written by: Sarah Harper
Client: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center http://www.thebtrc.org/
Release Date: 2016-09-15
Buffalo, NY – September 15, 2016 – The second day of competition at the 70th annual Buffalo International Horse Show kicked off Thursday with the professional 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 brought home 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, Kristy Herrera brought home her third tricolor 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.
Competition continues Friday with the $1,000 “The Full Monty” Amateur-Owner 3’6” Hunter Classic, the $1,000 Up the Creek 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, as well as Equitation and Thoroughbred Hunter classes. 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.
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.
