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Phelps Media Group:
Mason Phelps - (561) 753-3389
Hallie McEvoy - (802) 434-3839
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Buffalo, NY - September 18, 2004 - Kacey McCann of Palmyra, PA proved her mettle today by taking the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Championship and the overall Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the 58th Buffalo International Horse Show. Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in upstate New York, this historic event runs from September 15 to 19. The Center is located on 950 Amherst Street, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

McCann rode Barbara Kearney's 16.1 hand, 12 year-old gelding 'Paddington' to both Championships. Just 14, McCann trains with Buffalo's Jennifer Alfano. Not content to rest on her laurels, McCann also captured the Junior Hunter 15 & Under Reserve Championship on Kearney's 'Shogun.'

The Junior Hunter 16-17 Championship went to 'Valmont,' owned and ridden by Ann Molnar. Danielle Rancamp and 'Corrado' were declared the Reserve Champions.

Merideth Lipke, Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) President, took the winner's share of the purse in the $3,000 Open Handy Hunter Class with her mount 'Once and Again.' Scott Benning jumped Kristin Wilson's 'Valentino' to second place.

The Large Pony Hunter Champion was 'American Dreams', while the Reserve was Burburry. Both ponies were piloted by Jennifer Waxman.

Kendra Martinfeld's 'Bo Derek' scored a '10' and earned the Medium Pony Hunter Championship. The Reserve in the division went to Christine Hannon's 'Little Rascal' ridden by Kate Haley.

Whitney Roper's 'Strike A Pose' carried Jennifer Waxman to the Small Pony Hunter Championship. The ever-busy Waxman also won the Reserve Championship on Cardiff Mardi Gras.

"Today was a long but very thrilling day," said Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center Susan B. Schoellkopf. "I know everyone is looking forward to our final show day tomorrow which will feature many of the best junior equitation riders in the country going head to head in the ASPCA Maclay, HBO Medal, CEF Medal, and Pessoa USA Hunter Seat Medal classes. Admission is free, so I hope to see a lot of families come out and enjoy the show."

The host facility of the Buffalo International Horse Show is the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC). Built in 1921, it was then named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club and served as a facility for arena polo. A non-profit organization, the BTRC provides vital services to differently-abled youth riders. The use of horses has long been proven as an excellent therapeutic method of assisting people with both physical and mental challenges to improve the quality of their lives. Some of the benefits of therapeutic riding include increased physical strength and stamina, a greater range of motion combined with the development of balance and posture, improvement of communication and social skills along with an increased attention span, and most importantly of all, an overall boost to confidence and self-esteem. The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the BTRC, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

There is no charge for Sunday admission to the show. For further information about events at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please contact Erin Wisler at (716) 877-9295. You can also visit and learn more online at http://ryegate.com/BTRC/index.htm.