The Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is a historical horse show that benefits a wonderful equestrian organization. BIHS is one of the oldest horse shows in the country, heading into its 62nd year. All proceeds are donated to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. This year, the show will be held September 17-21, 2008.

BIHS is an USEF AA rated event. Unlike other high-ranking equestrian events that cater to the more talented riders and prominent divisions, BIHS does not. The staff does an exceptional job making sure it is an all-encompassing event and that everyone gets an opportunity to compete for the large cash prizes. The show is caters to all riding abilities, ages and divisions.

BIHS offers six classics that total almost $15,000 in prize money over the five-day competition. Classic prize money ranges from $1,000 all the way up to $5,000.

The first two classics to be offered at the show will be held on Friday. The first classic of the day will be the $1,000 Churchill Adult Hunter Classic. This classic is geared toward Amateur Owners and Adult Amateurs. Last year's winner was

Charlene Graham and her horse Future Stock. The second classic, the $2,500 IBM Silver Stirrup Classic is scheduled not to start before 6:00 p.m. Set at a maximum height of 2'6", this classic has smaller jumps to allow for a variety of riding abilities. Last year's winner was Melissa Cleary and Russian Hill.

Saturday evening will host three classics that are filled with big prize money. All are scheduled not to start before 6:00 p.m. The first of three for the evening will be the largest prize money classic, the $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic.

As its name suggests, this classic is for ponies and child riders. Last year, the trophy and check was awarded to Lindsay Ward and Finally Mine.

Second of three classics on Saturday will be the $2,500 GG Valentine Handy Hunter Classic. The winner from the previous year was Buffalo's own Meredith Lipke Bartolone and Churchill. The last classic of the day will be the $2,500 M & T Bank Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. This classic differs slightly from traditional hunter classics, as this specific classic is run in a jumper format rather than in scored hunter rounds. Winning last year was Kathleen Mitchell and Gator Be Careful.

On Sunday, to wrap up the final day of showing, the last classic will be held at the end of the day, the $1,000 Russian Hill Children's Hunter Classic. This children's hunter classic will be geared towards younger riders and their mounts.

The Buffalo International Horse Show does everything in its power to create a competitive yet fun atmosphere. One of their goals is to offer classes that everyone can enjoy. All the while, all money raised goes toward a wonderful program for therapeutic riding. Individuals who return year after year to compete continually comment on the variety of classes, personal attention, and hospitality exhibitors receive throughout the competition.

The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program. For more information, please visit www.ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm.