Source:  PMG News Release/Alyson Sanderford

Founded in 1922, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) stands as one of the largest, most influential and dynamic equestrian centers in the United States. Over the course of the year, BTRC hosts the renowned “AA” Buffalo International Horse Show to benefit the invaluable program that has found a home at the exquisite English Tudor and gothic style facility.

On May 2, 2011, the BTRC will again open its doors for an exciting season of four-week sessions for kids all of disability and skill levels in the Buffalo and surrounding areas to showcase the unique bond between horses and people, which can be particularly meaningful to children with disabilities. Riding programs like BTRC’s provide a relaxing, non-academic environment in which children can interact with adults and peers as well as their horse. 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 ten years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.

This coming September, BTRC looks forward to hosting it’s 65th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) September 14-18, 2011. Rated “AA” by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), BIHS is also recognized by the Syracuse Professional Horseman’s Association PHA, Ohio PHA, WPPHA, and is sanctioned as a Canadian rated show as well. Competitors at this year’s BIHS will have a competitive advantage going into the indoor show season as BTRC’s spacious indoor arena provides the perfect opportunity for horses and riders to prepare for the year-end events.

Proceeds from BIHS benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center program, aiding in the fulfillment of the BTRC mission: “To create and environment that provides our child community with quality training, education, and competition. We will provide a stimulating environment for mentally and mildly physically challenged children. Our goal with each student is to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. We will strive to achieve new levels of success in all of our endeavors.”

In addition to the horse shows, The Buffalo Equestrian Center also provides lessons, summer camp, and educational exhibitions. Lessons are available Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year, and offer instruction from beginner walk-trot, to intermediate, to advanced jumping. Focusing on horsemanship as well as riding skill, highly qualified instructors encourage students to participate in the care and preparation of their horses, teaching them about the various uses of different pieces of tack and equipment. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming educational seminars and Summer Day Camp sessions in 2011. 

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.