Race Heats up for $15,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic

Kim Tobias and Vipman W are tied for top spot in the standings for the $15,000 Vermont Celebration Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, Presented by Parlanti, to be held Sunday, August 14, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont. Photo by David Mullinix Photography

August 3, 2011 – East Dorset, Vermont – Following four weeks of competition, a total of 61 riders have already qualified for the $15,000 Vermont Celebration Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, Presented by Parlanti, to be held on the final day of the 2011 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont.  The six-week equestrian competition is running at Harold Beebe Farm from July 6 through August 14, 2011.
 
Riders qualify for the $15,000 Vermont Celebration Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, Presented by Parlanti, by jumping clear in classics held throughout the six week Vermont Summer Festival.  The order of go for the grand finale will be determined by the number of clear rounds from earlier competition, with the rider with the most clear rounds in qualifying competition having the advantage of being last to go.  For riders still hoping to qualify, there are still six qualifiers left during weeks five and six, giving ample opportunity to add their names to the list.
 
Alissa Kinsey of Ft. Meyers, Florida, and Kim Tobias of New York, New York, are currently tied in the standings with six clear rounds each.
 
“This class was a wonderful addition to a great show,” said Tobias who has been riding Vipman W in qualifying competitions.  “We have always come to Vermont for this show, always as a family, and this class gives us another great chance to compete.  My horse has been great in the qualifiers, so I am hoping for a good result.”
 
Making its debut in 2010, the inaugural $15,000 Children’s Adult Jumper Classic was one of the most exciting and hotly contested classes held at the Vermont Summer Festival.  Kinsey and her exceptional mare Grisset emerged victorious from a starting field of 39 entries in the first $15,000 Children’s Adult Jumper Classic.
 
Title sponsor Parlanti is a leader in equestrian footwear, noted for its unique models that are custom measured and handmade.  Ability, enterprise and professionalism make Stivaleria Parlanti the leading brand in the equestrian world, with its products worn by the most recognized riders in the sport.  For more information, please visit www.parlanti.com.
 
Offering more than $750,000 in prize money, the Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont.  The first five Sundays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix at 1 p.m., culminating with the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix on Sunday, August 14.  In addition to the $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, held each Friday, the weekly $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Classics are hotly contested. New for 2011, the Vermont Summer Festival will host a $5,000 Hunter Derby each Thursday five of the six weeks.
 
Competition begins at 8 a.m. daily, Wednesday through Sunday.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children, Wednesday through Saturday.  On Grand Prix Sunday, admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children.  As always, 100 percent of the gate proceeds benefit the Friends Foundation for MEMS, (Manchester Elementary and Middle School).
 
For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region each summer.  For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail: info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.