Georgia Schmidt and Consistency Capture Victory in USEF Hunter Seat Medal during the Manchester Summer Festival

Manchester, VT – July 15, 2023 – A talented group of junior riders recently captivated audiences with their remarkable equitation skills at the USEF Hunter Seat Medal competition held during the Manchester Summer Festival at HITS Vermont. Among the exceptional participants was Georgia Schmidt and her own beloved horse, Consistency, who stole the show and claimed the coveted first-place ribbon.

Georgia Schmidt and Consistency. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

The recent pairing started together in April and has had quick success. “The idea was that she would be my jumper, but I started doing some equitation classes, and she's been really good at that.” Schmidt and Consistency were clean and accurate while navigating the course. “She's really smooth, which is nice, and she's versatile. I can kind of do whatever.”

The first jump of the course was an oxer off of a long approach. Following was a bending line with a tight turn back to the fourth jump, with another rollback quickly following suit. Traveling across the ring, there was a diagonal line, and the course concluded with a two-stride along the outside line.

Georgia Schmidt and Consistency. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

“I thought the course rode well. It wasn't too complicated, which was nice. There weren't many places to be extra handy, so it was nice to be able to go around smoothly.”

Schmidt and Consistency competed in the same class last week and finished second. Today, they were able to top the field. “It's been really fun – I love being here. It's so pretty in the mountains, and everyone just seems happy to be here. It's been awesome.”

Isabel Flynn and Winslow Homer. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

Finishing in second place was Isabel Flynn and her own Winslow Homer. Concluding the top three was Payton Lussen and her own Henri HX.

Payton Lussen and Henri HX. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

As the HITS Vermont Summer Festival continues for the upcoming weeks, riders will have ample opportunities to compete in medal classes and enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains. The festival promises to be a captivating showcase of equestrian talent as junior riders from all over the region vie for year-end points.