Jersey Boy Named 2012 USEF National Horse of the Year

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Jersey Boy was named the 2012 USEF Horse of the Year. Photo: Carrie Wirth/PMG

Buffalo, NY – January 21, 2013 – In a fitting end to a spectacular year, SBS Farms is pleased to announce that their leading mount Jersey Boy was named the 2012 USEF National Horse of the Year. During the USEF Annual Meeting, Jersey Boy was presented with the prestigious award after earning the admiration of voters with big wins and sustained successes. The impressive 11-year-old gelding’s accomplishments in the hunter ring are unparalleled.

The discipline of hunters is deeply rooted in tradition, and there are names that are synonymous with the sport that bring about thoughts of admiration, tradition and horsemanship. Jersey Boy is one those names, a horse that has become renowned in the hunter world, and a gem to his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

He’s been described as the “quintessential Derby horse” and his record proves it – ranked as the Highest Grossing Horse for Lifetime Earnings with an astounding $196,640 in earnings in 2012, recognized as the winner of the George H. Morris Perpetual Trophy for three consecutive years and honored as the 2011 National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse of the Year, as decided by the most prestigious professionals of the equestrian sport.

Although Jersey Boy was as good as ever, he came into 2012 still striving for one major title: USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals winner.

The field at the finals was the best it’s ever been and, with longtime rider Jennifer Alfano, Jersey Boy was sitting in third place after the Classic Hunter round. So, with ground to make up, in front of a packed house at Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Jersey Boy had to be at his best during the Handy Hunter round. He was. On the strength of that superb round Jersey Boy ended up with a 588.25 score, clinched the USHJA International Hunter Derby win, and clinched his bid for 2012 USEF National Horse of the Year honors.

After winning the battle of the best in Kentucky and surpassing the crème de la crème of the hunter world, Jersey Boy strengthened his case with major wins that included the $10,000 International Hunter Derby at the State College Classic, the $15,000 International Hunter Derby at Skidmore College Saratoga Classic, and achieved his 21st International Hunter Derby victory with his win at the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby.

“I’m thrilled for Jersey Boy,” noted Alfano “It’s very exciting, and he deserves the recognition. He’s an awesome horse and he had an amazing year. Many people have called with congratulations, and it’s nice for him to have his own fan base.”

Alfano was also recognized for her accomplishments this year, receiving the Emerson Burr Trophy. Each year it is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences. The Show Hunter Hall of Fame rider has proven herself time after time through her partnership with numerous SBS mounts, taking top awards across the nation. Aboard the chestnut gelding Jersey Boy, Alfano has dominated the hunter derby domain for the past four years.

“To receive an honor such as the Emerson Burr Trophy is something truly amazing,” said Alfano. “There are so many wonderful riders, and to even be a part of that list is a feeling of gratitude I can’t even describe.”

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

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