The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has acted as one of the most influential and dynamic equestrian centers in the United States for well over ten years, opening their doors and hearts for kids of all disabilities and skill levels as they interact with horses, essentially making milestones in their everyday lives with the help of the gentle giants. The Buffalo Equestrian Center was founded in 1922, and its English Tudor and gothic-style facility has become the home for the invaluable program the BTRC offers. This program witnesses countless miracles, and achieves what many may call the impossible.

Over the course of the year, the BTRC hosts four-week sessions for children with disabilities, both mental and physical, in the Buffalo and surrounding areas. This program showcases the unique bond between horses and people, a bond that can enhance social activity and rehabilitation for those with disabilities.

Riding programs like the BTRC’s provide a tranquil, non-academic atmosphere in which children can interact with adults and peers as well as horses. Research has shown that therapeutic riding programs offer physical, psychological, social and educational benefits to special students. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for over ten years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.

The first session will begin Monday, April 30, 2012, with six consecutive sessions taking place shortly after. The sessions will run through November 19, 2012 when the BTRC will host its Year End Celebration. There is a mandatory volunteer training session this upcoming Monday, April 23, 2012 for anybody who is interested in participating as an aid in the therapeutic riding program. The volunteer training session will run from 6-8 pm.

This coming September, the BTRC looks forward to hosting its 66th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show. The show is a week long, running from September 12-16, 2012. Rated ‘AA’ by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, BIHS is also recognized by the Syracuse Professional Horseman’s Association PHA, Ohio PHA, WPPHA, and is sanctioned as a Canadian rated show as well. The Buffalo International Horse Show helps to prepare competitors for the upcoming Indoor season, with all hunter and jumper classes being held in their spacious indoor arena.

Proceeds from the BIHS benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center program, aiding in the fulfillment of the BTRC mission: “To create and environment that provides our child community with quality training, education, and competition. We will provide a stimulating environment for mentally and mildly physically challenged children. Our goal with each student is to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. We will strive to achieve new levels of success in all of our endeavors.”

In addition to the horse shows, The Buffalo Equestrian Center also provides lessons, summer camp, and educational exhibitions. Lessons are available Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year, and offer instruction from beginner walk-trot, to intermediate, to advanced jumping. Focusing on horsemanship as well as riding skill, highly qualified instructors encourage students to participate in the care and preparation of their horses, teaching them about the various uses of different pieces of tack and equipment. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming educational seminars and Summer Day Camp sessions in 2012.

For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.com. For information and to sign up for camp or lessons please visit http://buffaloequestriancenter.org/.

For more information on the Buffalo International Horse Show and Educational Clinics, please visit www.thebtrc.com or call (716) 877-9295.