East Dorset, VT - August 11, 2004 - James Lala of Darien, CT and Shachine Belle of South Salem, NY each won a section of the popular Pre-Green Hunter division at the Vermont Summer Celebration. This exciting equestrian event is the final horse show in the Vermont Summer Festival series in East Dorset, VT. Show jumping action runs through this Sunday.

Lollipop, owned and ridden by Lala, won the first class in the Pre-Green Hunter Division, while Belle took the second class with Hugh Kerrigan's Anticipation. Belle, proving her talent and diversity in riding both hunters and jumpers was second this past Sunday in the $35,000 Manchester & The Mountains Grand Prix presented by Hand Motors.

Hunter and equitation judges this week include Brian Lenehan of Southern Pines, NC, Mike Rosser of Southern Pines, NC, and Russell Frey of Argyle, TX. Jumper judges are Scott Snowden of Amherst, NH, and Kelley Douglas of Rolesville, NC. The course designer is U.S. Equestrian Team veteran Buddy Brown of Wellington, FL.

The Vermont Summer Celebration is the fifth and final event in the five-week Vermont Summer Festival series in East Dorset, VT. 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 will also feature the Nutraceutical Corp. sponsored the $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 about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or go to http://www.vt-summerfestival.com for complete results.

Photo Credit: Flashpoint Photography© 2004