Buffalo, NY-October 6, 2011- Only a month remains until one of the highlight events of the Alltech National Horse Show gets underway, the prestigious ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Championship Finals. Talented junior riders will gather at the Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, November 6, 2011 to compete for the top honors in the Maclay Finals presented by Hadfield's Saddlery. One of the gifted riders attending the event is SBS Farm's very own Grace Weidner.

It was only two weeks ago that Weidner was holding her breath in anticipation as the judges made their selections for the ASPCA Maclay Region 2 "East" Championships. "I was nervous," Weidner explained. "The process of making it to the Maclay Finals is such an amazing experience. This is my first time competing in the Maclay; however, I am really happy with getting here and having so much support on so many different levels." 

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. The coveted ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Trophy is the top award presented to one rider age 18 or under who has completed a series of qualifying classes and earned enough points to participate in a regional contest. From each Regional Final a percentage of all winners advance to the year-end National Championships.

Weidner is one of the latest additions to the SBS Farms family. She only began riding with Jennifer Alfano and Susie Schoellkopf a month ago. "Susie has so many amazing horses, which would allow for me to really grow as a rider and educate me in horsemanship. When they offered me the opportunity, I had to jump at it. My family and my trainer at the time, Kelly Wilson, were all very supportive of the idea."

All of Weidner's success has come together thanks to the support of many trainers. "I have had so much help from so many people. Kelly took me to every qualifying show possible, I had help from Gary Zook, Missy Clark helped train me during the summer, Jenny Fisher was an enormous help and now I have the expertise of Jenn and Susie," Weidner elaborated. "The reason why I am so well rounded is definitely because of SBS Farms. The kids who are at the top all do a little bit of hunters, jumpers and equitation. I think my experience in those areas and the training I have had with Susie and Jenn puts me at a level playing field with them."

Schoellkopf added, "I think that part of the reason that Grace is so well-rounded not only as a person, but also as a rider is because she came to us through the Emerging Athletes Program. A person who can truly understand horses can step in a different direction and become more."

"I think that one of the largest appeals to Grace of SBS Farms is Jennifer Alfano," explained Schoellkopf. "Jennifer rides so many young horses, and is involved in so many different aspects. It is very rare that you will find a training facility that has as many outlets as we do. Not only is Grace able to experience training with Jenn, but also is able to be a part of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Program and everything that it has to offer. She is able to see and be a part of so many different aspects. You definitely do not get that kind of experience and exposure everywhere."

"Grace came and fit right in instantly," Alfano said. "She picked up on everything immediately and is became part of the team. We all love her and she's having a great time. She tries so hard, is a naturally talented rider and is always willing to learn. I think that she is going to be a great match for us."

Weidner will ride BTRC's Serato during the Maclay Championship Finals. The duo has not known each other for long; however, they are getting to know each other and are preparing for the competition ahead. "Serato is a great equitation horse, I am not worried about him," Weidner described. "Right now, I am trying to work on me. I am doing a lot of no stirrup work so I maintain my leg position over the jump. My goal is to keep consistent around the ring, and make my last jump be just as good as my first jump." 

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows. Adding to their numerous accolades, Schoellkopf and Alfano both recently received prestigious awards; Schoellkopf was presented with the USHJA Presidents Distinguished Service Award, while Alfano was the highest grossing Hunter Rider in the country, as she earned over $400,000 last year. 

For more information on SBS Farms, please visit  www.thebtrc.org.