Week 6 - Vermont Summer Celebration
For the second year in a row, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was the winner of the $10,000 Sir Ruly Open Jumper High Score Awards. The Vermont Summer Festival has completed six weeks of competition in which riders vied for the coveted bonus.

"Ireland’s Darragh Kenny won the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, presented by Sir Ruly, Inc., at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. Pictured, from left to right, are Maria Teresa Torano, Darragh Kenny, Danielle Torano with daughter, Natalia, and Mary and Antonio Albertini." 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 2012 Vermont Summer Festival concluded its six-week circuit on Sunday, August 12, with an exciting win for Alissa Kinsey of Danville, NH riding her talented mare Grisset to victory in the $15,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

“Alissa Kinsey and Grisset won the $15,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Child/Adult Jumper Classic, on Sunday, August 12, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Tracy Magness, of Hughesville, MD, rode M/M John Bartko’s Tarco Van Ter Moude to victory in the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix. In a ten-horse jump-off, Magness had the only clear round to earn the win in the final grand prix of the circuit.

“Tracy Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude won the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix, on Saturday, August 11, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Colin Syquia, of Ancramdale, NY, rode Don Pedro to victory in the $15,000 3’3” Oughton Limited NEHJA Hunter Derby. In addition to sponsoring the derby, The Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer presented a beautiful Wellie Barn Tote to the weekly derby winner.

“Colin Syquia and Don Pedro won the $15,000 3’3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, sponsored by Oughton Limited, on Thursday, August 9, 2012 during week sixth of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Colombia’s Mark Bluman and G&C Blue, owned by Gustavo Mirabal, were the winners in the $10,000 Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Open Welcome Stake. Three went double clear in the jump-off, and it was 21-year-old Bluman had the fastest time of 31.21 seconds for the win.

“Mark Bluman and G&C Blue won the $10,000 Not Your Daughter's Jeans Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, August 9, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week six of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival kicked off with Tracy Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude winning the highlight $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m. Of the seven entries who made it through to the jump off, Magness and her mount, owned by M/M John Bartko, had the fastest time of 36.48 seconds for the win.

“Tracy Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude won the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m on Wednesday, August 8, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Week 5 - Manchester & the Mountains
Diederique Van Der Knaap, of New York, NY, rode Clive to victory in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic while Joy Slater, of Unionville, PA, topped the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic riding Fat Chance Farm’s Silvester.

“Diederique Van Der Knaap and Clive won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Sunday, August 5, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Instant Karma were the winners in the $30,000 Manchester & the Mountains Grand Prix, sponsored by Purina Horse Feed. In a three-horse jump-off, O’Shea beat out Luis Larrazabal and G&C Sacramento and Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno for the win.

“Paul O'Shea and Instant Karma won the $30,000 Manchester & the Mountains Grand Prix, sponsored by Purina Horse Feed, on Saturday, August 4, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Jimmy Torano, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, rode James B. Pirtle Ent., Inc.’s Winner to victory in the $5,000 Hunter Derby on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Torano and Winner topped the class with a total score of 178 after earning high scores of 88 and 90 in the two-round competition.

“Jimmy Torano and Winner topped the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, August 2, 2012 during week fifth of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal earned an exciting victory in the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Open Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets. In a six-horse jump-off, Larrazabal and Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Flash beat out Wednesday’s $5,000 1.40m winners, Darragh Kenny and Lipton De L’Othain.

“Luis Larrazabal and G&C Flash won the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, August 2, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week five of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival kicked off with Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Lipton De L’Othain winning the highlight $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class for the day. With his success to start off week five, Kenny is steadily moving up in the race for the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, presented by Sir Ruly, Inc.

“Darragh Kenny and Lipton De L’Othain won the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class on Wednesday, August 1, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Week 4 - Valley Classic Horse Show
Nineteen-year-old Katie Tyler rode Seattle 6 to victory in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and 16-year-old Megan McDermott topped the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic riding La Vie Este Belle.

“Katie Tyler and Seattle 6 won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Sunday, July 29, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Devin Ryan, won his second consecutive grand prix on Saturday riding his mighty gray stallion Roman Saluut in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix, sponsored by Hand Motors. Of the twenty-three starters, seven were able to advance to the jump-off, and it was the lightning fast round of Devin Ryan and Roman Saluut that earned top prize.

“Devin Ryan and Roman Saluut won the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix, sponsored by Hand Motors, on Saturday, July 28, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Jimmy Toon, of South Salem, NY, rode Jane Clark’s Tigger to victory in the $5,000 3’3” NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday. Twenty-two entries showed in the class which spanned two rings and featured beautiful natural obstacles at the Harold Beebe Farm.

“Jimmy Toon and Tigger won the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 26, 2012 during week four of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT."" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Tonic jumped to victory in the $10,000 Kenneth Cole Welcome Stake presented by Manchester Designer Outlets. Kenny and Tonic beat out Georgina Bloomberg and Radio City and Mark Leone and Pleasure De Riverland, who finished second and third respectively.

“Darragh Kenny and Tonic claimed victory in the $10,000 Kenneth Cole Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 26, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Ken Berkley of Flemington, NJ, is currently leading the standings for the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, Presented by Sir Ruly, Inc. The awards serve as a legacy and reminder of Raul ‘Ruly’ Torano’s generosity and commitment to show jumping excellence.

“Ken Berkley of Flemington, NJ, pictured aboard Ax Cent, is leading the standings for the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, Presented by Sir Ruly, Inc., at the halfway point of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 3 - Manchester Classic Horse Show
The next generation of grand prix horses took center stage during the first three weeks of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival horse show. Caitlyn Shiels of Sheffield, MA, won the Six, Seven and Eight-Year-Old class during the opening week.

“Caitlyn Shiels and S&L Downtown finished first in the Six, Seven and Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper class during the opening week of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Devin Ryan of Long Valley, NJ, captured victory in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, Presented by Equinox Resort & Spa. Five horse/rider combinations jumped cleanly over the first round track set by 2008 Beijing Olympic course designer, Steve Stephens, to advance to the jump-off.

“Devin Ryan and No Worries won the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, sponsored by Equinox Resort & Spa, on Saturday, July 21, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications
Cory Hardy of Littleton, MA, jumped to victory in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 19, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. Hardy was one of 22 horse/rider combinations to contest the derby track.

“Cory Hardy and Connor won the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 19, 2012 during week three of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT."" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Ken Berkley of Flemington, NJ, captured victory in the $10,000 Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets. This is the third major victory in a row for Berkley.

“Ken Berkley and Waminka claimed victory in the $10,000 Vermont Bird Place & Sky Watch Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 19, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The World Championship Hunter Rider Program (WCHR) has returned to the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival horse show in East Dorset, VT. Hunter competitors will have the opportunity to earn points towards national year-end awards during week three, the Manchester Classic, running July 18 to 22.

“Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL, who has won the WCHR Finals a historic four times, is competing at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Syona Shah of Lexington, MA, was crowned the winner of the third annual Adirondack-Green Mountain Challenge. Shah and her pony, Corhil Andante, topped the point standings after dominating the Large Children’s Pony Hunter division.

“Syona Shah and Corhil Andante were crowned the winners of the Adirondack-Green Mountain Challenge on July 15, 2012 at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 2 - Manchester Summer Festival
The Vermont Summer Festival is hosting the future stars of show jumping with the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search competition each Friday. Katie Tyler is one such young rider hoping to make a name for herself on the list of elite riders.

“Katie Tyler and Galliard won the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search during the opening week of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Kenneth Berkley of Flemington, NJ, captured victory in the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix held Saturday, July 14, during the second week of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. Berkley entered the grand prix ring on Saturday with the unenviable task of being the first rider on course from a starting field of 27.

“Kenneth Berkley and Waminka claimed victory in the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation, on Saturday, July 14, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Darragh Kenny emerged victorious in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Predominantly a grand prix competitor, Kenny was one of 33 horse/rider combinations to contest the derby track which spanned two competition rings and featured creative natural obstacles.

“Darragh Kenny and Bring it On won the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 12, 2012 during week two of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT."" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Kenneth Berkley of Flemington, NJ, captured victory in the $10,000 Five Seasons Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Thirteen from the starting field of 25 managed to jump clear over the first round track.

“Kenneth Berkley and Waminka claimed victory in the $10,000 Five Seasons Open Welcome Stake on July 12, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
It’s more than just the outstanding competition that draws exhibitors to the Vermont Summer Festival, running July 4 through 12, 2012 in East Dorset, VT. It’s the focus on fun that has so many competitors returning year after year.

“Exhibitors gathered at the Chantecleer Restaurant to celebrate the Fourth of July at the first exhibitor party of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Week 1 - Vermont Summer Special
Alissa Kinsey and Grisset won the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic on Saturday, July 7, 2012. The Classic acted as the first qualifying event for adults hoping to earn a starting position in the $15,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic to be held during week 6.

“Alissa Kinsey and Grisset won the $2,5000 NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic on Saturday, July 7, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT."" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Kaitlin Campbell of Brookeville, MD, proved you don’t have to be a pro in order to perform like one. The 20-year-old took first and second in the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix on Saturday, July 7, at the 2012 Vermont Summer in East Dorset, VT.

“Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix on Saturday, July 7, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Genevieve Zock of Scarsdale, NY, emerged victorious in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 5, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.

“Genevieve Zock and HH Confession won the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on Thursday, July 5, 2012 during the opening week of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT."" Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Kaitlin Campbell of Brookeville, Maryland, captured victory in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Co. Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 5, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.

“Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W claimed victory in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Co. Welcome Stake on July 5, 2012 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
The annual Vermont Summer Festival horse show officially opened on Wednesday, July 4, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, kicking off six weeks of top hunter and jumper competition.

“Susan Wheeler aboard Top Honors, pictured with owner Linda Orton, was crowned the first champion of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival on July 4 after winning the New England Novice Adult Rider division." Photo credit – David Mullinix Photography. Photograph may be used free of charge in relation to the this news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Press Releases prior to the 2012 Circuit
The next generation of grand prix horses will take center stage during the Vermont Summer Festival with the addition of five-year-old, six-year-old and seven and eight-year-old Young Jumper classes.

“Devin Ryan won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, Presented by The Equinox Resort and Spa, at the 2011 Vermont Summer Festival and will be returning in 2012 to compete in the Young Jumper Series." 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.
Competitors and spectators taking part in this year’s Vermont Summer Festival running July 4 through August 12 in East Dorset, Vermont will have a wide variety of lodging options to choose from.

“The Dorset Inn, a quintessential Vermont country inn, is an official lodging partner of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – none required. 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 of the best course designers in the sport of show jumping will be showcasing their work in the grand prix ring during the Vermont Summer Festival running July 4 through August 12, 2012, in East Dorset, Vermont.

“Steve Stephens, co-course designer at the 2008 Olympic Games, will be one of six featured grand prix course designers during the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – none required. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, and photograph of Ken Krome, please email Jennifer Ward at Starting Gate Communications.
Manchester Designer Outlets and the retail brands it represents will once again sponsor the weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake Series during the six-week Vermont Summer Festival show jumping competition taking place July 4 through August 12, 2012, in East Dorset, VT.

“Megan Young won the $10,000 Betsey Johnson Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the 2011 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.
Hunter competitors will enjoy time in the spotlight with the introduction of the $15,000 Hunter Derby, presented by Oughton Limited, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont.

“Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer, Oughton Limited, will be the title sponsor of the $15,000 Hunter Derby on Thursday, August 9, during final week of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – Oughton Limited. 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.
Competitors taking part in the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival running July 4 through August 12 in East Dorset, VT, can now submit their entries electronically thanks to a new partnership with Equestrian Connect, a leading online service for horse show entry.

2012 Vermont Summer Festival entries may now be completed and submitted electronically thanks to a new partnership with Equestrian Connect, a leading online service for horse show entry. Visit EquestrianConnect.com.
The Vermont Summer Festival returns to East Dorset, Vermont, for six consecutive weeks of competition thanks to the support of its generous sponsors. The Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event in the state of Vermont based on purse, offering more than $750,000 in prize money.

“New Jersey’s Devin Ryan riding Roman Saluut won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, presented by The Equinox Resort and Spa, at the 2012 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 prize list for the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival is now available online. New England’s largest hunter/jumper competition will run for six consecutive weeks from July 4 through August 12, 2012 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

New for 2012, the first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix. During week six, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, August 11. The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, will now be held each Thursday.

“Darragh Kenny of Ireland, pictured riding Wannahave, is a frequent Grand Prix competitor 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.