For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hallie McEvoy - (802) 362-9023, VTHorseShows@aol.com
Photos Available Upon Request

Braswell, Epstein, and Bilodeau Win Medals at the Valley Classic Horse Show

East Dorset, VT—July 31, 2004 - Molly Braswell of Ocala, FL and her medium pony, Jack Black, decisively won the U.S. Equestrian Federation's Pony Medal today at the Valley Classic Horse Show at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. The show culminates tomorrow with the $35,000 Valley Classic Grand Prix sponsored by the Equinox Resort and Spa.

In other exciting equitation action, Sandra Epstein of Pawling, NY jumped to victory aboard Euro Star in the Charles Owen Adult Medal. Katlyn Bilodeau and Alesso took the blue ribbon in the Show Circuit Magazine Children's Medal class. Bilodeau hails from Sagamore, MA.

Tomorrow the $35,000 Valley Classic Grand Prix sponsored by the Equinox Resort and Spa (www.equinox.rockresorts.com) kicks off at 2:00 p.m. The Grand Prix champions from weeks one and two, Jimmy Torano of Key Biscayne, FL, and Angela Covert-Lawrence of Montreal, Quebec, respectively will take on a star-studded field of up and coming riders including local favorite Amy Momrow of Loudonville, NY and her talented mount, Summer Storm. Momrow has won the $10,000 Mini Prix two weeks in a row, and is looking to capture a bigger prize this Sunday.

Prior to the Valley Classic Grand Prix, Danielle Torano of Key Biscayne, FL will be looking to repeat her victories of the past two weeks in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic. She was the blue ribbon winner at both the Manchester Summer Festival and the Manchester Classic. Her toughest competition is sure to come from Joy Slater. Slater, of Unionville, PA, is world famous as the first woman to win the Maryland Hunt Cup, America's toughest steeplechase race. Slater accomplished this feat twice, first in 1980 and again in 1981 aboard the legendary Cancottage.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit and runs from July 14 to August 15. The Valley Classic is the third show in the prestigious series. This year's circuit includes five weekly $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks also features $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper classes, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

For many equestrians, the pinnacles of the show series are the three top-level classes that take place every Sunday at the show. The $35,000 Grand Prix sponsored by the Equinox Resort and Spa, the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic showcase the best American and international riders competing over challenging jumping courses.

While not watching the exciting jumping action, spectators will enjoy visiting the Festival's trade fair that contains interesting boutiques and gift shops. Families will enjoy the ambiance of the show grounds, as there are over 1,000 horses and ponies to observe.

The Vermont Summer Festival is located right on Route 7 in East Dorset, VT, just North of Manchester. Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or email ruth@vt-summerfestival.com.

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