Press Releases after the 2008 Circuit
Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, topped the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, presented by Sir Ruly, Inc., at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival held July 9 to August 17 in East Dorset, VT.
"For the second consecutive year, Jimmy Torano earned the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Award, sponsored by Sir Ruly, Inc., at the Vermont Summer Festival" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. Photographs of all circuit championship winners are available upon request. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
For the third year, the Vermont Summer Festival proudly offered $10,000 in bonus prize money to its neighbors from the north. The largest ‘AA’ rated hunter-jumper horse show held in New England, the six-week Vermont Summer Festival was held from July 9 to August 17 at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
"Angela Covert-Lawrence swept both the Hunter and Jumper divisions of the $10,000 Canadian Circuit Awards, sponsored by Ariat International, Inc, at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. Photographs of all circuit championship winners are available upon request. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 6 - Vermont Summer Celebration
Kent Farrington of Wellington, FL, brought out the big guns for the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix at the Vermont Summer Festival. Riding Up Chiqui, he won the finale class of the six-week series.
"Kent Farrington flew to victory aboard Up Chiqui in the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix at the Vermont Summer Festival, August 17, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
It has been awhile since Christine Walsh of Kinnelon, NJ, has had the opportunity to compete. But that didn’t stop her from winning the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, sponsored by CM Hadfields Saddlery.
"Christine Walsh returned to the Vermont Summer Festival after a brief hiatus from competition to win the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic on August 16, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Last year’s Pan American Games team bronze medalist, Laura Chapot, rode the cleanest and fastest in the grand prix ring, August 15. Aboard Church Road, owned by Sarah Becker and B&B Saddlery, Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, won the $10,000 Tumi/Anichini Open Welcome Stake, presented by the Manchester Design Outlets.
"Laura Chapot won the $10,000 Tumi/Anichini Open Welcome Stake, presented by the Manchester Design Outlets, aboard Church Road on August 15, 2008 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, NJ, rode Marengo to victory in the $3,000 Open NAL Speed held Thursday, August 14, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.
"Hillary Dobbs and Marengo added another win to their resume after posting the fastest time in the $3,000 Open NAL Speed at the Vermont Summer Festival, August 14, 2008" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Competing at the Vermont Summer Festival is a homecoming for Sarah-Ki Rice and her family. Since the age of 10, she’s learned the ideals of horsemanship and sportsmanship at the Vermont Summer Festival and now teaches the same qualities to her own students.
"Sarah-Ki Rice promotes horsemanship and sportsmanship at her Summerwood Farm in Shelburne, VT, and has come to the Vermont Summer Festival with her family for more than 15 years." Photo credit – Joshua Walker Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 5 - Manchester & the Mountains
On the evening of Thursday, August 7, more than 100 guests arrived at ‘An Equine Evening’ held in the Grand Prix Pavilion at the Vermont Summer Festival to honor Barbaro, the late Thoroughbred-racing hero.
"From left to right: Dr. James Orsini, DVM, and Gretchen and Roy Jackson at ‘An Equine Evening’ benefit held in honor of Barbaro on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Two and a half weeks after Lisa Rex of Westbury, NY, won her first Grand Prix aboard Fit 3, she returned to win the $10,000 TSE Cashmere/Furla Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Friday, August 8.
"Lisa Rex racked up another victory aboard Fit 3 in the $10,000 TSE Cashmere/Furla Open Welcome Stake on August 8, 2008 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
It came down to the final competitor in the $3,000 NAL Open Speed class held Thursday, August 7, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. As the final challengers, Alison Robitaille of Upperville, VA, and her speedy mare, Pourquoi, sailed to victory.
"Alison Robitaille raced to victory aboard Pourquoi in the $3,000 Open NAL Speed class at the Vermont Summer Festival on Thursday, August 7, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Riders looking for world-class equitation competition during the summer months need not look any further than the Vermont Summer Festival. The six-week competition runs July 9 through August 17 and hosts a slew of equitation classes from maiden to Maclay.
"Molly Braswell was the overall winner of the Washington International Horse Show equitation classes at the Vermont Summer Festival during weeks two and four and looks forward to competing in the national equitation finals this fall." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 4 - Valley Classic Horse Show
Jimmy Torano did what no other competitor could do during the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix. Riding Caldam D’Or, he posted the only double-clear effort to win the featured competition during week four of the six-week Vermont Summer Festival.
"Jimmy Torano and Caldam D’Or won the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix held Sunday, August 3, 2008 at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Alissa Kinsey’s last minute decision to ride in the $2,500 Marshall and Sterling Adult Jumper Classic at the Vermont Summer Festival, held at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, resulted in a victory and a new pair of Veredus jumping boots, courtesy of CM Hadfields Saddlery.
"In her Vermont Summer Festival debut, Alissa Kinsey rode Grisset to victory in the $2,500 Marshall and Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, sponsored by CM Hadfields Saddlery, on Saturday, August 2, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Jimmy Torano could not have been happier with his winning performance in the $10,000 Escada/Theory Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Friday, August 1, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.
"Jimmy Torano and Magic Cruise flew to victory on Friday, August 1, in the $10,000 Escada/Theory Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
It has been a busy couple of weeks for 16-year-old Grace Rogers of Lititz, PA. It seemed nothing could stop this junior rider from earning the blue ribbon in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal class held Thursday of week four at the Vermont Summer Festival.
"Grace Rogers returned to the Vermont Summer Festival in week four to win the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal class on Thursday, July 31, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Seven years ago, Missy Clark and her husband, John Brennan, established North Run Stables in Warren, VT. But even before that, they brought truckloads of horses and students to the Vermont Summer Festival each year, dating back to before the horse show moved to its location of the past 15 years, Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
"Missy Clark and her husband, John Brennan, have brought champions to the Vermont Summer Festival for more than two decades." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
At the half-way point in this year’s six-week Vermont Summer Festival, fan favorite Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, is dominating the race for the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, sponsored by Sir Ruly, Inc.
"At the half-way mark, Jimmy Torano, pictured riding Quinolli, is leading the standings for the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, sponsored by Sir Ruly, Inc." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 3 - Manchester Classic Horse Show
Louis Jacobs and Kachina couldn’t be caught in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, sponsored by Equinox – The Vermont Resort, held Sunday, July 27, at the Vermont Summer Festival at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
"Louis Jacobs and Kachina couldn’t be caught in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, sponsored by Equinox – The Vermont Resort, at the Vermont Summer Festival, July 27, 2008" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Kelsea Alderman was poised and ready from the start to win the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic, presented by CM Hadfield’s Saddlery, at the Vermont Summer Festival. Along with her 12-year-old Dutch mare, No Nonsense, the pair proved that speed and strategy took top honors.
"Kelsea Alderman and No Nonsense sped to victory in the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic, presented by CM Hadfield’s Saddlery, at the Vermont Summer Festival, on Saturday, July 26, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Everything panned out as expected for Show Jumping Hall-of-Famer and Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis in the $10,000 Hickey-Freeman & Bobby Jones/Betsey Johnson Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Design Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival.
"Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis and Kimber sailed to victory in the $10,000 Hickey-Freeman & Bobby Jones/Betsey Johnson Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Sara Green seems to be taking over many of the big junior classes at the Vermont Summer Festival. After becoming the overall winner of week two’s WIHS divisions, she added another victory after today’s USEF Show Jumping Talent Search.
"Sara Green, 17, and Why Not Jack add another victory to their Vermont Summer Festival resume after winning the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, July 24, 2008." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
During the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show, held July 9 through August 17 at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, it’s not uncommon to see the foot traffic through the nearby village of Manchester clad in breeches and paddock boots. Nearly 3,000 people associated with the six-week horse show stay in and around the Manchester area, and they are welcomed by local businesses with open arms.
"Elizabeth Hazelton of Betsey Johnson enjoys the additional exposure her local retail store receives by having an on-site retail booth at the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show." Photo credit – Joshua Walker Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 2 - Manchester Summer Festival
Lisa Rex of Westbury, NY, claimed her first grand prix victory at the Vermont Summer Festival by winning the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, Presented by Devoucoux.
"Lisa Rex and Fit 3 won the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, Presented by Devoucoux, on Sunday, July 20, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Jordan Santi made her first trip to the Vermont Summer Festival worthwhile by winning the Children’s Medal on Saturday morning, July 19.
"Jordan Santi, 16, won the THIS Children’s Medal riding Matrix on July 19 at the 2008 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Irish Olympian Kevin Babington won Friday’s featured event, the $10,000 Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival.
"Ireland’s Kevin Babington and Caracas 49 won the $10,000 Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Friday, July 18, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Molly Ashe was first in the ring and first in the standings, winning the $3,000 NAL Open Speed on Thursday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival.
"Molly Ashe and Accanto won the $3,000 NAL Open Speed on Thursday, July 17, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Jimmy and Danielle Torano, both grand prix riders, are regular competitors at the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show. For six weeks each summer, the Florida-based couple calls Vermont home.
"Danielle Torano competing with Ormsby Hill, named for Jimmy’s uncle’s place of residence, at the 2008 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Ariat International, Inc. has signed a three-year agreement to sponsor the Canadian Circuit Championship presented by the Vermont Summer Festival.
"Paul Halpern of Russell, Ontario, earned $3,000 as the leading jumper rider in the Canadian Circuit Championship at the 2007 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 1 - Vermont Summer Special
Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, NJ, won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, the first of six grand prix events to be held at the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show.
"Hillary Dobbs and Marlo won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix on Sunday, July 13, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The Vermont Summer Festival, the largest equestrian competition held in New England, has a huge economic impact on the state of Vermont and the Manchester area with approximately $20 million spent locally on goods and services throughout the duration of the six-week competition.
"Dotty and John Ammerman, organizers of the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show held through August 17 in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
For the second day in a row, Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, NJ, stood in the winner’s circle at the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show running July 9 to August 17 at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
"Hillary Dobbs and Marengo won the $10,000 Polo Ralph Lauren, Lilly Pulitzer Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Friday, July 11, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Hillary Dobbs won the $5,500 Open Speed on Thursday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival running July 9 to August 17 at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
"Hillary Dobbs and Marengo won the $5,500 Open Speed on Thursday, July 10, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Six weeks of show jumping action are now underway as the 2008 Vermont Summer Festival opened on Wednesday at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, Vermont.
"The six-week Vermont Summer Festival horse show opened on July 9 and runs until August 17, 2008, in East Dorset, Vermon" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Press Releases prior to the 2008 Circuit
Thanks to a generous sponsorship by Equinox – The Vermont Resort – the show grounds at the Harold Beebe Farm will have FREE wireless internet access during the 2008 Vermont Summer Festival.
Manchester Designer Outlets and the retail brands it represents will sponsor all six $10,000 Open Welcome Stake classes.
"Joe Fargis and Diams III were the winners of the $10,000 Escada Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival, July 20, 2007. Making the presentation is Amy Feiden, Manager of the Escada store in Manchester." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
For the seventh consecutive year, Equinox has partnered with the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show as a Grand Prix presenting sponsor.
"Sulu Rose Reed and Gannon won the $30,000 Mt. Equinox Grand Prix, presented by Equinox, at the 2007 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The Vermont Summer Festival is pleased to welcome Devoucoux as a returning Grand Prix sponsor of the six-week show jumping competition taking place July 9 to August 17, 2008, in East Dorset, Vermont.
"Holly Orlando rode Great Pleasure to victory in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, sponsored by Devoucoux Saddles, at the 2007 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The Vermont Summer Festival, New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show, will return to East Dorset, Vermont, from July 9 to August 17, 2008.
"Olympic Bronze Medalist Norman Dello Joio riding Malcolm won the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix to conclude the 2007 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The 2008 Vermont Summer Festival Prize List is available for download. Entries are due for weeks 1, 2 & 3 before June 7, 2008 and for weeks 4, 5, & 6 before June 28, 2008. Stabling is assigned on a first come, first served basis. Stalls may sell out.
Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography.
