Leslie Miller and Cinderella Man - EQUUS Best Performance Competition Winner and Performance 3'3" Hunter Champion.

Buffalo, N.Y. - The much-anticipated Buffalo International Horse Show is finally underway and the competition has brought an impressive field of horse and rider combinations. With comfortable temperatures and eager competitors, it was a perfect setting to kick off the week. Offering a wide array of classes for all experience levels, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center was already packed with action.

All eyes were on Leslie Miller and Cinderella Man who had an amazing ride, earning them top honors and the EQUUS Best Performance Competition title. Utilizing competition itself, the Best Performance Competition provides an exciting opportunity for the equestrian community to make a commitment to ensuring the well being of horses, and to be recognized for the commitment. The 2014 BIHS encourages competitors (junior, amateur, or professional in all divisions) to participate by entering the class for a $20 tax-deductible donation and wearing the official Best Performance Armband; the proceeds benefit horse welfare through the EQUUS Foundation.

The talent surely didn't stop there, as the Baby Green Championship was grabbed by Carol Lewis on Goldsmith O, owned by Billie Steffee of Novelty, OH. Close behind was Alfonso Salcedo on his own Domingo, who took reserve.

It was Jaime Bates who prevailed in the Low Hunter division on Best Man, owned by Becky Bates of Java Center, NY. Taking home the reserve tricolor was Amanda Lyerly on Ruth Kanner's mount, By the Way.

The Performance 3'3" Hunters stayed true to its name, bringing top performance horses to the show ring. The eventual winner was Gail Miller on GDF Equine's Cinderella Man, who were living a fairy tale after receiving the much sought after tricolored ribbon. Jaime Bates came through for the reserve title on Sox Appeal, owned by Kelly Waples.

The thoroughbreds took center stage during the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter division. Dominating from start to finish was Salcedo with his already successful mount Domingo. Jaime Bates claimed the reserve championship aboard Elexis Merlino's La Bella Vida.

Closing out the day, the thoroughbreds continued to show their breed diversity in the TAKE2 Jumper division. Owner and rider Salcedo carried the day on Bart Star, coming out on top of the class. Finishing close behind was Aaron Donnan on Charity Donnan's impressive mount Real Super Quick.