G.G. Valentine & Jennifer Alfano Capture Working Hunter Championship at Syracuse Invitational Horse Show

Buffalo, NY - November 11, 2004 - Barbara Kearney's G.G. Valentine and two-time World Championship Hunter Rider Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY finished their show season as winners at the 2004 Syracuse Invitational Horse Show. Held at the OnStar Center in Syracuse, NY for the second time, the best riders came to compete from throughout North America. Alfano and G.G. Valentine took home the Working Hunter Championship to cap off their extraordinary 2004 season.

"G.G. was just super for me," stated Jennifer Alfano, 36. "She is one of the most consistent horses I have ever ridden. I am very, very fortunate to have a hunter like this to partner with." G.G. Valentine is a 16.1-hand, nine-year-old, bay Mecklenberg mare owned by Barbara Kearney of Buffalo, NY.

Alfano also rode Once & Again to three second place ribbons in the Working Hunter Division, narrowly missing the Reserve Championship by just one point. Once & Again is owned by Meredith Lipke of Buffalo.

Fresh off her Leading Hunter Rider victory at the 62nd Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, at the end of October, Alfano now plans to rest her mounts until the stable heads south to show in Ocala, FL on the HITS Circuit in January.

Alfano achieved a remarkable record during the 2004 show season. She was Leading Hunter Rider four times at the HITS show circuit in Saugerties, NY and four times at the HITS series in Ocala, FL. At the end of September, Alfano was also awarded the Leading Hunter Rider title for her accomplishments at the Marshall & Sterling League National Indoor Finals in Worcester, MA. Earlier in September at the 58th Buffalo International Horse Show in Buffalo, NY, Alfano and G.G. Valentine took Grand Championship Hunter honors.

Alfano works and trains out of Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) which encompasses the Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS, Inc. The historic facility was originally built in 1921. Then named the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, it served as a gathering place for arena polo. Today the stable hosts many events that help fund the non-profit organization BTRC to provide vital services to differently-abled youth riders.

This weekend, the BTRC is sponsoring a clinic with the legendary George Morris, 1960 Olympic Silver Medalist in Rome, Italy and former coach of the U.S. Equestrian Team. Auditing positions are still available to observe Morris work with a wide range of riders and horses.

For further information about Jennifer Alfano, the George Morris clinic, or other activities 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.