Isabel Flynn and Contasia Finish First in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal At Vermont Summer Festival

Manchester, VT – July 8, 2023 – A talented group of junior riders showcased their equitation skills in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal at the HITS Vermont Summer Special. Taking the first-place ribbon was Isabel Flynn and her own, Contasia.

 

Isabel Flynn and Contasia. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

With her partner for the past two years, Flynn was able to qualify for the USEF Medal Finals taking place at the end of the year. "We did all the 3’3” indoors last year and we were eighth at NCEA finals. She’s been perfect for stepping up to the 3’6”.”

Coming back third to test, Flynn executed the test beautifully and jumped to the top of the placings. The test consisted of walking into the ring and cantering jump one, followed by a trot jump continuing to go up the outside in a right-lead bending line away from the in-gate. The two-stride test challenged riders on their adjustability by asking them to come to a halt after. From there, riders picked up the counter-canter to an outside oxer and ended on a roll back towards the out-gate.

Isabel Flynn and Contasia. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

“I really liked the course - I thought it was nice. I liked the bending line, she always lands right, so that was nice for me. I was really happy with my round and it was nice that everything worked out.” 

Flynn and Contasia have gathered other top honors during the first week of the Vermont Summer Festival where the duo won the USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Finals earlier in the morning - qualifying them for year-end finals. They also won the Maclay last week, which sends them to finals as well. “I’m really excited about everything and she’s always fabulous. She’s amazing.”

Georgia Schmidt and Consistency. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

Other riders that completed the test were Georgia Schmidt and Consistency who finished in second place and Catie Ortmans with Accendo SV, each rider owning their respective horse. Ortmans was the first rider to tackle the test and Schmidt rounded out the class. 

Catie Ortmans and Accendo SV. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

The Vermont Summer Festival will be continuing for the upcoming five weeks. Offering medal classes every week, there is ample opportunity for riders to qualify for the end of year finals.