Buffalo, NY - July 20, 2004 - The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has begun a capital campaign to fund the restoration of the historic building it occupies, and to raise additional money to continue the important work of the center. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is located on 950 Amherst Street in Buffalo, NY, a short distance from the NY Thruway.

"The building was first built in 1921," explained Susan B. Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center. "Although routine maintenance and repairs have been done through the years, the time has come to undertake major renovations to preserve this historic Buffalo landmark. The center is an integral part of Buffalo's culture, and is located in the heart of the city."

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization, 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.

For over ten years, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has provided services for their clients. The program is affiliated and approved by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA). In addition to monetary donations, the center is always seeking volunteers to assist with the program. A tax-deductible donation of $100 will sponsor a deserving rider for a four-week session.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center funds many of its activities through benefit horse shows and clinics with top horsemen. One upcoming clinic is with master clinician George Morris on November 12 to 14.

Located at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is also the Buffalo Equestrian Center. Originally named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, it served as a facility for arena polo. Encompassing an indoor riding arena, club room and viewing area, stables, paddocks, and state of the art outdoor riding ring, the center offers hunter seat lessons for beginner through expert riders of all ages. Each summer, a very special camp provides young riders with solid instruction in riding and horsemanship skills. Additionally, the center is a homebase for many top athletes including Jennifer Alfano, a two-time winner of the World Hunter Rider Championship and recent Bayer Legend Leading Hunter rider at the 2004 HITS-On-The-Hudson Horse Show.

For further information regarding donations to the capital campaign or to volunteer your time, please call (716) 877-9295. Additional information about the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center is available online at www.ryegate.com (click on btrc at the top of the page.)