Lindsay Howe of Newport, VT Wins U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Medal at the Vermont Summer Celebration

East Dorset, VT - August 14, 2004 - At the Vermont Summer Celebration, a young Vermont rider today led the way over equestrians from across the country. Lindsay Howe, 12, of Newport, VT won the prestigious U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Medal class. The Vermont Summer Celebration is the last show in the five week Vermont Summer Festival series in East Dorset, VT.

Riding Beaverwoods Starling, a 15 year-old Thoroughbred-Welsh Pony cross mare, Howe bested a tough field of competitors. "This is the second year I've ridden this pony," Howe explained, "and we've really connected this year. I feel I have a strong bond with her."

Howe placed second last week in this same class and was eager to improve her finish. Her trainer, Mindy Hinsdale of Steeple Ridge Farm in Charlotte, VT, has a lot of faith in her student. "Lindsay works very hard and spends a lot of time practicing. She truly earned her victory today." Howe began riding at the age of five, and has trained with Hinsdale for five years.

Hannah Levick of Philadelphia, PA rode Sinatra to second place in the class. The yellow ribbon for third was awarded to Baylor Wickes of Unionville, PA on Belle Harbour. French Vanilla carried Rebecca Zimble of North Easton, MA to fourth place.

The top award in the $2,500 Junior/Amateur Owner Special Hunter Stakes class went to Lauren Glowzenski of Atlantic Heights, NJ on The Exchange. Nicole Lakin and her mount, Marcel, took home the red ribbon for second place. Lakin lives in Reading, PA.

The $2,500 Children's/Adult Amateur Special Hunter Stakes class was won by Samantha Mahr of Cos Cob, CT on Abatar. Melissa Henrikson of Winchester, MA and her mount, Colby, finished second.

Melissa Prusock of Larchmont, NY and Higher Ground galloped to victory in the Show Circuit Magazine Children's Medal. BB Baggio carried Olivia Dorey of Sudbury, MA to second place.

The Charles Owen Adult Medal class went to a delighted Marrielle Van Rossum of Rye, NH on her mount, Lilly Marlene. Amy Warnock of Irvington, NY aboard Dino placed second.

The Vermont Summer Celebration is the final horse show in the Vermont Summer Festival series in East Dorset, VT. Show jumping action runs through Sunday, and many families have come every Sunday to picnic and watch the $35,000 Grand Prix class at 2:00 p.m. The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit and runs from July 14 to August 15, showcasing the best American and international riders competing over challenging jumping courses.

This year's series includes five $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks also featured the Nutraceutical Corp. sponsored $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series. This is the 11th year the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows have taken place at the Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

While not watching 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 hundreds of horses and ponies to observe.

Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information or complete results regarding the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or go to http://www.vt-summerfestival.com.

Photo Credit: Flashpoint Photography© 2004