Not long after the completion of the successful Buffalo International Horse Show, another exciting event for equestrians will soon be held in upstate New York. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) will host a riding and auditing clinic with world-renowned trainer, rider and U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris. The clinic is scheduled to be held November 7-9, 2008. The clinic is scheduled and organized by Susie Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and head trainer of SBS Farms, Inc., at the Buffalo Equestrian Center.

George H. Morris is often referred to as the founding father of hunter seat equitation. He is a legend in the sport, and his clinics are a rare and unique opportunity for riders of all levels and ages to learn from the best. Morris' most recent accomplishment was acting as chef d'equipe for the U.S. show jumping team and leading them to a Team Gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.

At the age of 14, Morris was the youngest rider to ever win the American Horse Shows Association Hunt Seat Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Medal Finals. From there, he went on to win a Gold medal as part of the United States Equestrian Team in 1959 at the Pan Am Olympic Games. He was also on the winning Silver-medal team in 1960 at the Rome, Italy Olympic Games.

Morris' training techniques are unique and effective. One of his greatest qualities is that he demands perfection in all aspects of the sport. From the stall to tack to riding, he expects 110% every day, every time. He believes perfect practice makes perfect results. His knowledge is unlimited; under his guidance many riders have gone on to extremely successful careers in the equestrian industry.

This year, the clinic will be held over three days on November 7-9, 2008. Three different groups will take part, including intermediate, intermediate/advanced and a jumper section. All the riding positions have been filled, but one spot has opened up in the intermediate/advanced section. Coveted auditing positions are still available for purchase.

The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Sessions will be two hours long per group. Each group will consist of eight riders. The intermediate group will run from 9-11 a.m., the intermediate/advanced group will jump at a height of 3'3 and will run from 11:30-1:30 p.m., and the advanced jumping session will be held at a jumping height of 3'6" to 4'and will run from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Pricing for riders participating in the clinic is set at $750. Pricing for auditors at the clinic will run $75 per day or $200 for all three days.

The Buffalo Equestrian Center, originally called the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, was built in 1921 and is now a historic landmark. In addition to having a riding school, the facility includes the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization. They provide vital services to differently-abled youth riders.

In its eleventh year, the George H. Morris clinic at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center will continue to teach young and old alike about proper horsemanship, correct riding and the foundations of equitation. Beyond being a learning experience for riders, the clinic helps BTRC give local Buffalo youth the unforgettable gift of horses.

The deadline for all balances due will be November 1, 2008. Auditor tickets may be purchased at the door if preferred. For applications, please email [email protected].

For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and SBS Farms, Inc., please visit www.thebtrc.org.