Buffalo, NY - August 30, 2025 - The 61st Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is nothing if not historical. In addition to its long record in the show world, the competition offers ways for riders to improve, learn, earn prize money, and help the community. The 61st annual BIHS will be held on September 19-23, 2007.
The show itself is held at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC), once named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club. Located at 950 Amherst Street in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the facility was built in 1921 for equestrians to use as an indoor polo facility. In 1980, Susie Schoellkopf, president of SBS Farms Inc., returned to her hometown and leased part of the property of the old Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club. Her father, Paul, had headed the Board of Directors at the facility for 20 years. In 1989, the facility was donated to the BTRC, and Schoellkopf was asked by the Board of Directors to become the executive director of the facility. Today, the land is owned by the not-for-profit BTRC, and the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms lease part of the property.
The facility boasts an indoor arena that is 250 by 190 feet long. For many years, top competitors from America and Canada have prepared their horses and students for the fall indoor finals. It is the perfect warm-up competition for the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.
The show has increased prize money this year for divisions and classics, such as the $2,500 GG Valentine Handy Hunter Classic, the $2,500 M&T Bank Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, and the $5,000 Up the Creek Pony Hunter Classic.
BIHS has been a large profit-raising entity for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center for years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children from ages 6 to 16. The program uses ex-show horses that are donated to help teach children how to ride and appreciate horses. Competitors at the BIHS can also feel good that the money raised from the show gives back to the equestrian community and Buffalo residents.
For more information on the 61st annual Buffalo International Horse Show, please visit www.thebtrc.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment.