Morgan Ward Takes Blue Ribbon In $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic and Small Pony Hunter Champion at Buffalo International Horse Show

Buffalo, NY - Today wrapped up the final day of competition at the Buffalo International Horse Show. The AA rated horse show offered close to $15,000 in prize money to all level of riders. Staff at the Buffalo International Horse Show believes in allowing anyone the opportunity to take part in large prize money classes.

The horse show is rich in history and in tradition. This show is one of the oldest in the country, in production for 62 years. Not only do riders get to compete in a spacious indoor ring, they have the opportunity to give back to equine community as well. All proceeds from the Buffalo International Horse Show benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a selfless equine organization.

Last night three exciting classics were held. The first of three classics was the $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic. Amidst tough competition, coming out on top was Morgan Ward and her pony Good Sport. The $2,500 GG Valentine Handy Hunter Classic directly followed. Winning that classic was rider Kate Haley and Benelli, owned by Christine Hannon. 

The last classic of the night was the $2,500 M & T Bank Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. Riding to the win was Kathleen Mitchell and her horse Gator B Careful. Wrapping up the last class today was the $1,000 Russian Hill Children's Hunter Classic. Madison Brayman and Point Taken, owned by BTRC, picked up the win.

Ward was not just a star in the $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic. She was also champion in the Small Pony Hunters. Ward and Good Sport rode to four firsts and second-place ribbons.

Medium Pony Hunter Champion was Lauren Rilley and Cappucino. Rilley garnered two firsts, two seconds and third-place ribbons. Large Pony Hunter Champion went to Samantha Batt and Won To Know. The pair picked up two firsts, two seconds and third-place ribbons.

Children's Pony Hunter Small/Medium Champion went to Claudia Freeman and Scribbles. The pair rode to first, second, and third-place ribbons. Children's Large Pony Hunter Champion was Julia Betts and Palm Pilot, owned by Hayley Betts. Betts piloted Palm Pilot to two firsts and second-place ribbons.

Champion in the Junior Hunters 15 and Under was Andrew Kosher riding Violets Are Blue, owned by Helen Lenahan. Kosher and Violets Are Blue picked up three firsts and two seconds.

"I have watched Jennifer Alfano show at Devon and Ocala and admired all the wonderful hunters she rides.  Having the opportunity to ride such a wonderful horse as Violets Are Blue is a dream come true," said Kosher. "I just got to Buffalo yesterday and only had one school on the horse.  I feel like I am really lucky to have the chance to ride such an amazing horse."

Children's Hunter 15-17 Champion was awarded to Brook Zotara and Leave It To Me. Zotara rode to four firsts and third-place ribbons. Champion in Children's Hunter 14 and Under went to Madison Brayman and Point Taken. Brayman rode Point Taken to two firsts, two seconds and fourth-place ribbons.

The 62nd Buffalo International Horse Show was a huge success yet again. For more information on the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Photo Credit: Morgan Ward and Good Sport, champion in the Small Pony Hunters and winner of the $5,000 Up The Creek Pony Hunter Classic. Photo (C) 2008 Randi Muster.