Press Releases after the 2017 Circuit
The Vermont Summer Festival concluded another successful season by naming the 2017 circuit champions following six weeks of competition in East Dorset, VT. A total of 57 champions were crowned in hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions offered throughout the circuit.

“Cassio, pictured with, from left to right, owner and rider Penelope Ayers, rider Megan Young, and groom Jenna Elliott, was named circuit champion in both the 3’6” Green Hunter and Adult Amateur Hunter 50 & Over divisions at the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.” Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
For the second year in a row, Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, won the $10,000 Sir Ruly, Inc., Open Jumper Awards at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival, held from July 4 through August 13 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Jimmy Torano (center) is presented as winner of the $10,000 Sir Ruly, Inc. Open Jumper Awards by, from left to right, his daughter, Natalia, son, JJ, and Ruly Torano’s wife, Maria Teresa Torano." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 6 - Vermont Summer Celebration
Mckayla Langmeier won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classicduring the final day of the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival. Five horse-rider combinations jumped clear over the first-round track to qualify for the jump-off.

"Mckayla Langmeier of East Granby, CT, won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Miller & Associates, riding Durosa W on Sunday, August 13, during the final day of the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Matthew Metell of Wellington, FL, returned to southern Vermont this week to win the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix during the final week of competition at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival. The victory marked his third Grand Prix win in three starts in Vermont.

"Matthew Metell of Wellington, FL, won the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix riding Donchalant on Saturday, August 12, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, NY, won the $15,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Land Rover Experience during the final week of competition at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival, running through August 13 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, NY, won the $15,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Land Rover Experience, riding Sansouci on Thursday, August 10, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano, of Wellington, FL, won the $10,000 G.H. Bass Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets riding Sans Soucis Z. Course designer, Gerry Briggs of Smyrna, TN, is setting the tracks during the final week of this year's Vermont Summer Festival.

"Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, topped the $10,000 GH Bass Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, riding Sans Soucis Z on Thursday, August 10, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Canadian riders experienced great success while competing at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival this summer. Veronica Bot, 20, of Burlington, ON, used the early weeks to prepare for an appearance at the North American Young Rider Championship, representing Canada.

"Veronica Bot of Burlington, ON, riding Quidam’s Caprice M at the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT while preparing for the North American Young Rider Championship." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 5 - Manchester & the Mountains
Rolling Acres Show Stable dominated the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions with Ashley Foster of Brookeville, MD, taking champion in the 18-35 division riding Carlot and Dorli Burke of Salisbury, MD, earning the tri-color in the 36 and Over division riding Classic to conclude the week 5.

"Classic and Dorli Burke are presented as champions in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 and Over division on Sunday, August 6, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano secured his second grand prix win of the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in the $30,000 Manchester & the Mountains Grand Prix. Four horses advanced to the jump-off after clear first-round efforts, but Torano was the only rider to go double clear riding Dutch Lady.

"Jimmy Torano won the $30,000 Manchester & The Mountains Grand Prix, presented by Purina Horse Feed, riding Dutch Lady on Saturday, August 5, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Harold Chopping won the $5,000 Hunter Derby, during the fifth week of competition at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival. Course designer Gerry Briggs of Smyrna, TN, set the track which spanned two competition rings. Chopping posted scores of 88 in both rounds riding Gold Rush.

"Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC, won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, riding Gold Rush on Thursday, August 3, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano, of Wellington, FL, placed first and second in the $10,000 Brooks Brothers Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets. Course designer, Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico, is setting the tracks during week five of the Vermont Summer Festival.

"Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, topped the $10,000 Brooks Brothers Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, riding Armageddon on Thursday, August 3, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The fifth week of competition at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival kicked off with equitation riders taking center stage during the popular ‘Equitation Tuesday’. During week five, Dominika Silvestri won the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children's Medal.

"Dominika Silvestri won the THIS National Children's Medal riding Nice during the week five ‘Equitation Tuesday’, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 4 - Valley Classic Horse Show
Failenn Aselta won the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic to cap the fourth week of competition. From a field of 14, three horse-rider combinations advanced to the jump-off over a track built Michel Vaillancourt.

"Failenn Aselta won the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic riding Lady Plane on Sunday, July 30, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jordan Coyle raced to a win in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix. Six horse-rider combinations advanced to the jump-off over a track built by Canadian course designer and 1976 Olympic individual silver medalist, Michel Vaillancourt.

"Jordan Coyle won the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix, presented by Johnson Horse Transportation, riding Escalette on Saturday, July 29, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Marylisa Leffler topped the $5,000 Hunter Derby during the fourth week of competition at the Vermont Summer Festival. In only his third derby appearance, Carlot navigated tracks which utilized both hunter-style fences as well as traditional derby jumps.

"Marylisa Leffler won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, riding Carlot on Thursday, July 27, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Sam Pegg won the $10,000 New Balance Welcome Stake during the fourth week of competition. Pegg and his winning mount, Shaia de Macheco, were one of three pairs to advance to the jump-off over a track set by Canadian course designer Michel Vaillancourt.

"Sam Pegg of Uxbridge, ON, won the $10,000 New Balance Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, riding Shaia de Macheco on Thursday, July 27, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
World Championship Hunter Rider events for competitors hoping to qualify for WCHR Finals highlighted the third week of competition. Lee Kellogg-Sadrian was champion in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter division as well as in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 and Over division.

"Lee Kellogg-Sadrian and Sochi were champions of the 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunter division during week three of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 3 - Manchester Classic Horse Show
Sarah Gordon, 21, won the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic to conclude the third week of the Vermont Summer Festival. From a starting field of 33, three horses advanced to a jump-off set by course designer, Kenny Krome of Westminster, MD.

"Sarah Gordon won the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Jumper Classic riding Bonitha on Sunday, July 23, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano topped the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix to win every class he entered riding Armageddon during the third week of the Vermont Summer Festival. Seven horses advanced to the jump-off over a track built by course designer, Kenny Krome of Westminster, MD.

"Jimmy Torano won the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix riding Armageddon on Saturday, July 22, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Colin Syquia won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay during World Championship Hunter Rider week at the Vermont Summer Festival. Amanda Steege of Ocala, FL, piloted two horses into the top 12, finishing second riding Maitre D' and fifth aboard Surreal.

"Colin Syquia won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, riding Sandro Rogue on Thursday, July 20, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, was first aboard Armageddon, third on Diamant des Biez, and fourth piloting Dutch Lady in the $10,000 NYDJ Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on a course designed by Kenny Krome.

"Jimmy Torano won the $10,000 NYDJ Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, riding Armageddon on Thursday, July 20, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Nicole Coppola-Hug of Rotterdam, NY, was awarded the Adirondack-Green Mountain Challenge trophy on Sunday, July 16, for her performance at both the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic Horse Shows and the first two weeks of the Vermont Summer Festival.

"Nicole Coppola-Hug (second from left) and Bugatti are presented with the Adirondack-Green Mountain Challenge Trophy by Ruth Lacey of the Vermont Summer Festival, Adele Einhorn, Executive Director of the Saratoga Classic Horse Show, and Stepping Stone Farm trainer Shaine Brooks on July 16 at the Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 2 - Manchester Summer Festival

"Saly Glassman won the $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic riding HHS Bay Hill on Sunday, July 16, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Matthew Metell of Wellington, FL, won his second consecutive grand prix at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival, taking victory in the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix. Lauren Fischer placed second aboard Rissoa d’Ag Bois Margot and took third riding My Pleasure.

"Matthew Metell won the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, presented by The Equinox Resort, riding Donchalant on Saturday, July 15, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Amy Momrow of Wellington, FL, won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay. Course designer Doug Russell of Ocala, FL, designed the derby track, which saw a starting field of 25 horses with the top 12 returning for a handy round.

"Amy Momrow of Wellington, FL, won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, riding Curb Appeal on Thursday, July 13, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, was first aboard Diamant des Biez and third piloting Dutch Lady in the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on a course designed by Ireland's Alan Wade.

"Jimmy Torano won the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, riding Diamant des Biez on Thursday, July 13, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
After Joe, ridden by Aaron Donnan, and Rio de Janeiro, ridden by Sophia Morrell, were crowned champions of the TAKE2 Thoroughbred divisions during the first of six weeks of competition at the Vermont Summer Festival, running through August 13 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Rio de Janeiro, owned and ridden by Sophia Morrell, was named champion of the $500 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division during opening week of the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Week 1 - Vermont Summer Special
Cynthia McGrath and Quinaro won the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Miller & Associates during week 1 of the Vermont Summer Festival. McGrath produced the fastest round in a four-horse jump-off over tracks set by course designer Paul Jewell of Ewing, NJ.

"Cynthia McGrath won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Miller & Associates, riding Quinaro on Sunday, July 9, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Matthew Metell won his first-ever grand prix riding Donchalant in the Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, in the first of six weekly grand prix events held at the Vermont Summer Festival. He was the only clear round in the 20 horse field in the Paul Jewell-designed course.

"Matthew Metell won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix riding Donchalant on Saturday, July 8, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Lisa Rex of Westbury, NY, won the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, aboard The Exchange on Thursday, July 6, during the first of six weeks of competition at the Vermont Summer Festival

"Lisa Rex of Westbury, NY, on her way to victory in the $5,000 3'3” NEHJA Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay, riding The Exchange on Thursday, July 6, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
David Jennings and Donegue won the $10,000 MDO Welcome Stake during the first week of the Vermont Summer Festival. He was the only rider to jump double clear in a class that saw six horse-rider combinations advance to the jump-off from the 20-horse starting field.

"David Jennings won the $10,000 Manchester Designer Outlets Welcome Stake riding Donegue on Thursday, July 6, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The 24th annual Vermont Summer Festival horse show officially opened on Wednesday, July 5, with six weeks of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Clarissa Wilmerding and Luna competing during opening day of the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival, which will run through August 13 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Press Releases prior to the 2017 Circuit
The weekly Vermont Summer Festival exhibitor parties offer local fare and fun for the whole family at venues throughout southern Vermont. They provide the perfect way to commence each competition week.

"Visitors enjoying the Alpine Slide at Bromley Mountain Resort’s Adventure Park which will Bromley Mountain Resort. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
Leading horse sport industry and Vermont-area sponsors will return as supporters of the 24th annual Vermont Summer Festival held from July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Amanda Flint and VDL Coverboy on their way to a win in the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, presented by Johnson Horse Transportation, during the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The Manchester Designer Outlets (MDO) will again support this year’s Vermont Summer Festival by presenting the $10,000 Open Welcome Stake each Thursday throughout the six-week circuit, running from July 4 through August 13, 2017.

"Cormac Hanley aboard Captain Caruso with Caroline Roberts and Tessa Gould of NYDJ after winning the $10,000 NYDJ Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets during the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The entry due dates for the six-week Vermont Summer Festival, running July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, are approaching. Entries must be post-marked on or before June 6 and received by Friday, June 9.

"Entries for the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival must be post-marked on or before Tuesday, June 6, and received no later than Friday, June 9." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
All horses competing at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival running from July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, are required to comply with the State of Vermont and Federal Government equine health certification protocols.

"The Vermont Summer Festival values horse health and safety as a top priority." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The Vermont Summer Festival will return for six consecutive weeks of competitive and spectator-friendly hunter, jumper, and equitation events from July 4 through August 13. Competition spans all levels from leadline and short-stirrup classes to weekly grand prix offerings.

"Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, pictured riding Day Dream, topped the $10,000 Sir Ruly, Inc., Open Jumper Awards at the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The Reluctant Panther, along with an impressive list of area accommodations, will join the Vermont Summer Festival as an Official Lodging Partner for the 2017 season running July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"The Reluctant Panther, along with an impressive list of area accommodations, will join the Vermont Summer Festival as an Official Lodging Partner for the 2017 season running July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT." Photo courtesy of Mike Osean. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The world’s top course designers have been invited to showcase their skills during the six-week Vermont Summer Festival, running July 4 through August 13, 2017, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

"Ireland's Alan Wade is among the internationally-acclaimed course designers featured at the 2017 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.
The six-week Vermont Summer Festival will return from July 4 through August 13, 2017, marking the event’s 24th consecutive season of competitive and spectator-friendly hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at Harold Beebe Farm.

"The six-week Vermont Summer Festival will celebrate its 24th season at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT from July 4 through August 13, 2017." Photo credit – Andrew Ryback Photography. Photograph may be used one time only in relation to the above news item. For high resolution photograph, please email Jump Media, LLC.