Buffalo, N.Y., November 23, 2010 - The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) has been a busy facility during the last few weeks, wrapping up with the United States Hunter Jumper Association's Emerging Athletes Program's National Training Session. The clinic was held November 19-21, 2010, at the BTRC, which 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 were donated to the BTRC to support its programs.

After three days of competition where riders were judged not only on their mounted abilities but also on their horsemanship and horse care, Orchard Park, NY, native Kate Haley was atop the podium. This was the second annual USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, presented by Dover Saddlery, and hosted by BTRC. For her accomplishment, Haley, 18, will receive 30 days of advanced training from an approved trainer, $3,000 from Dover Saddlery to purchase show clothes and a place in the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Clinic in Wellington, Florida, in January 2011.

Two hundred riders entered the 2010 Level I training sessions that were held all around the country throughout the year. After the level II sessions, the qualifying list was narrowed down to just 12 riders. These riders then traveled to Buffalo to undergo three days of intense training. They were judged on their riding skills, as well as their horsemanship in the barn and the ring, along with a written exam. Clinicians included Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde, Veterinarians Dr. Midge Leitch and Dr. Kit Miller, Stable Manager Jennifer Alfano and Horsemanship seminars with Mindy Bower. 'R' rated judge and former US Show Jumping team member, Chrystine Tauber, designed the weekend's courses. Olympic Gold Medalist and Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) Co-Chair Melanie Smith Taylor, along with EAP Committee members Taylor, Julie Winkel, Sally Ike and Kathy Moore worked together and evaluated the riders daily with the help of the clinicians to select the overall winner.

Susan B. Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center graciously provided five horses owned by BTRC for these young riders to use. Clients and friends of BTRC including Amanda Lyerly, Beth Congol, Sandy Wolf, Lindsay Cornel, Heather Hebberly and Van Hoben donated the other seven horses for use.

Schoellkopf has helped produce many of the country's top horses and riders over the years and organized this year's clinic. She noted, "I think that the Emerging Athletes Program is a phenomenal program and one that we need more of. The weekend was just fantastic. Peter did a very nice job, and I think the kids really got a lot out of their time here at BTRC. They were surrounded with the best of the best all weekend long."

"It was very special to have Kate win, as she is a local rider," Schoellkopf continued. "Her trainer, Chrissie Hannon has been a big supporter of BTRC, so we are just thrilled for them. Training like this is so invaluable to these young riders. It's also great to have someone win who has seen first hand the work at BTRC. 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 were honored to be apart of it."

"This is such a great honor for Kate," commented trainer Chrissie Hannon. Hayley, who is now a freshman at Centenary College, has ridden with Hannon since age 10. "She's the hardest working kid and rode beautifully, especially to ride the anchor leg and go double clear. I was thrilled with her riding, but also her consistency across the board. She's always taken great care of the horses, whether they were mine or hers or ones we've borrowed. I think the judges noticed her passion, drive and level-headedness and awarded her for that. This is such a great program because it gives kids like Kate who might not have as much mileage in the saddle as others a real chance to really shine."

Hayley, who competed in Maclay Finals has shown at BTRC numerous times growing up and even borrowed a horse from Schoellkopf for Maclay Regionals. "Susie has just been wonderful to me and so supportive of my business and my students," noted Hannon. "She and Jenn (Alfano) have let us borrow their indoor and set up courses for us since our indoor isn't as large. They put on top notch horse shows and all of my clients really enjoy showing at BTRC, so I am most thankful to them for their support throughout the years!"

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 had the opportunity to participate this weekend have beat out hundreds of their peers from across the country to make it to this national session.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit corporation, located in the City of Buffalo, organized to promote and teach horseback riding to disadvantaged and emotionally challenged children for its therapeutic and social benefits. Since 1990, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has provided the experience of riding and caring for horses for children with a variety of disabilities. The program has expanded steadily and currently serves more then 170 children with disabilities annually.

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