It was a great week for SBS Farms and riders at the Lake Placid CSI*** show from June 25-29. Riders who were the shining stars of the show included Jennifer Alfano and Meredith Lipke Bartolone of Buffalo, NY.

In the Regular Working Hunter division, Alfano was aboard Rock Star, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC. Rock Star and Alfano were awarded one second-place and four first-place ribbons. In addition, Rock Star was Regular Working Hunter Champion and Grand Hunter Champion at the show.

The Second Year Green Working Hunter division was good to Jersey Boy and Alfano as well. Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, Inc., was Champion of the Second Year Green Hunters. He picked up three first-places, a second-place, and a fourth-place ribbon.

In the First Year Green Working Hunters, The Specialist, owned by Meredith Lipke Bartolone, won one of his classes. He also had two thirds, a fourth, and a fifth. Sting, owned by Helen Lenehan, did very well in the Green Conformation Hunters. He picked up two firsts, two seconds, and two thirds and was Champion. South Beach, owned by Bright Star 158, was Reserve Champion in the Pre-Green Hunters with a first, sixth, and eighth.

For Meredith Lipke Bartolone, this was her week. Not only was she Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Champion with her horse Once and Again, but she was also Grand Amateur Hunter Champion. In the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Hunter division, Bartolone and Once and Again had two firsts, a second, third, and fourth. With The Specialist, she collected a second, third, two sixths, and a seventh.

"It was such a thrill for me. Once and Again couldn't have been any better for me. She was happy to be back in the show ring; I haven't been doing very much showing and she just gave it her all, like she usually does," said Bartolone.

This is Bartolone's first time winning a Grand Amateur Hunter Championship away from home. Bartolone and Once and Again have been together for almost six years. She has been riding with SBS Farms for eight years. Bartolone and her horse seem to have found a niche together.

"This was my first time winning this award away from the home turf. I have only won it before at the Buffalo International (Horse Show)," said Bartolone.
SBS will compete next at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic Horse Show. The show runs from July 12-20.

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