Written by: Sarah Harper
Client: SBS Farms, Ltd. http://www.thebtrc.org/
Release Date: 2016-11-09
Buffalo, NY – October 8, 2016 – SBS Farms has had a long history attending and competing at the National Horse Show, and 2016 marked a particularly special occasion. Longtime SBS owner, Helen Lenahan, was presented with the Welles Family Trophy. The trophy is awarded to a special individual who has made an exceptional commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport and industry. Lenehan certainly meets that mark.
She is renowned for her gift spotting nascent talent in horses, as well as riders, while supporting and developing this talent to winning results. The results in the show ring do not lie. Lenehan has had three National Horse of the Year titles with Logically, Roses are Red and Gabriel. She is the owner of this year’s 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship winner, Miss Lucy.
For the past 25 years, her partnership with Jennifer Alfano and trainer Susie Schoellkopf has produced winning results. When asked what it means to have had such an impact on the sport, Lenehan had a simple reply, “It’s tradition, and I believe in that.” Her system of identifying and bringing up young talent, and continuing to practice a correct, traditional manner produces a string of consistent winners.
The entire SBS team was thrilled to see her honored at the 2016 CP National Horse Show.
“There will never be anyone else like her,” Schoellkopf said. “She has been so supportive of all of our decisions, and she totally believes in Jen, me and the horses. I think to honor her here at the National Horse Show is amazing.”
Alfano echoed these sentiments, “It’s such a special award for her, and she’s been amazing for not only my career but a lot of people. I owe her so much for the great horses, the unconditional support. She’s an amazing lady.”
SBS Farms had a successful week at the 2016 National Horse Show with multiple top ten placings. Kristy Herrera and SBS Farms Inc.’s 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, The Exchange, placed third in the First Year Green Hunter over fences class and sixth in the handy round. With Jennifer Alfano’s Candid, she placed seventh in the Regular Conformation Hunter over fences and handy classes.
