Alissa Kinsey closed out the 2014 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT, by winning the $15,000 Child/Adult Jumper Classic, presented by Ariat, on August 10 with Grisset (Photo by David Mullinix Photography)
A total of 10 entries found their way to a clear round over the track set by U.S. course designer Eric Hasbrouck with Grisset having the advantage of being last to go. Ava Stearns held the lead riding Denmark in a time of 41.35 seconds, and Kinsey knew exactly what she had to do as she entered the grand prix ring. Like hand in glove, Kinsey and her mare were in perfect sync as they negotiated the jump-off course in a time of 38.98 seconds to take the win.
Kinsey and Grisset came into Sunday’s Classic as the hot favorites, having won the event the past four out of five years. Kinsey attributes that to the pair’s strong partnership.
“I think that’s the whole reason it ends up this way,” said Kinsey, who keeps the 17-year-old Hanoverian mare in her backyard. “We are a team, one hundred percent. No one else handles her except for me. She tries for me because I am the one that takes care of her.”
Kinsey has been riding Grisset for the past decade, and the pair has claimed wins across the nation. However, the Vermont Summer Festival holds a special place in Kinsey’s heart.
“I love the area, the horse show, the grounds,” said Kinsey, who received a crystal trophy for her win. “The people who run the show are awesome. That’s what keeps me coming back year after year.”
$15,000 Child/Adult Jumper Classic, Presented by Ariat
Rider Horse Faults Time
1. Alissa Kinsey Grisset 0:0 38.98
2. Ava Stearns Denmark 0:0 41.35
3. Megan Winkhaus Speedy Chicolina 0:0 43.59
4. Kimberly Lynch Odette 0:0 44.01
5. Ava Lindsay Whistlejacket 0:0 46.67
6. Ava Stearns Centolys 0:0 47.26
7. Nancy Buonpane Rio 0:0 48.39
8. Susannah Wise Kryptonite 0:4 44.11
9. Alyson Gurney Nikita 0:4 45.65
10. Nicolas Horgan Zico T 0:9 54.72
11. Kendall Milkey Valencia 4
12. Louisa Behnke Arthos A. Ria 4