Buffalo, NY - November 17, 2010 - The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) has been a busy facility over the last few weeks, and most recently concluded its twelfth annual George Morris Clinic. Next on the calendar for BTRC is the 2010 USHJA Emerging Athletes National Training Session, which will be held November 19-21, 2010. The BTRC is the only indoor riding facility located in the city of Buffalo. It has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for 10 years, and all proceeds from the weekend will benefit the BTRC and its programs. Auditors are invited to take part in the educational weekend, and seats are still available.

The weekend will feature three days of intense training with Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde, Veterinarians Dr. Midge Leitch and Dr. Kit Miller, Stable Managers Jennifer Alfano and Eliza Shuford, and Horsemanship seminars with Mindy Bower. 'R' rated judge and former US Show Jumping team member, Chrystine Tauber, will design courses while Olympic Gold Medalist and Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) Co-Chair, Melanie Smith Taylor will judge the 12 finalists.

Susan B. Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has helped produce many of the country's top horses and riders over the years. "I think that the Emerging Athletes Program is a fantastic way to further the young talent that we have in this country. I look forward to taking part in the weekend's events," Schoellkopf, who is thrilled to host the EAP's national training session, stated. "Not only does this weekend serve as a stepping stone for these emerging riders, but it will also raise money to benefit the BTRC's riders. The relationship with horses enables riders at BTRC to fight through their mental and physical disabilities so to be able to connect the two programs is fantastic. We are honored to be apart of it."

The Emerging Athletes Program's mission believes in helping develop complete horsemen by implementing a system of identifying and nurturing talented young riders and providing them with support and assistance in achieving their full potential. This program creates opportunities for young riders to advance their education in their pursuit to become professionals within our industry. Riders qualify for the national EAP Level III sessions based on their performances in regional Level II clinics. Selection was based on riding skills, general impression of potential, overall horsemanship and written test scores. The 12 riders that will have the opportunity to participate in this weekend have beat out hundreds of their peers from across the country to make it to this national session.

Finalists for the EAP Nationals in alphabetical order include: Taylor E. Adams, Alexa Anthony, Dani Beavers, Ali Cornish, Natalie Crane, Lauren Ditallo, Paul Fredericks, Morgan Geller, Kate Haley, Anna Hallene, Michael Kocher, and Melena Smith. Reserves include: Alexa Allen, Julie Gravelle, Nora Laue, Colleen Lewis, and Molly Osier.

Auditors are welcome to join and spaces are still available. At only $35/day, join BTRC to experience the great knowledge that will be shared with these up and coming athletes. All proceeds from this clinic will benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center to fund their programs. Please contact Kelley at BTRC for more information at 716.877.9295

For more information, please visit www.thebtrc.org or call (716) 877-9295