Addison Keyworth and Liam Lead the Way in USHJA Jumper Medal at Vermont Summer Festival

East Dorset, VT – July 16, 2022 – Equitation rounded out competition on Saturday afternoon during Week II of the Vermont Summer Festival. Amateur and junior riders alike had an opportunity to show off their equation skills during the USHJA Junior/Amateur Jumper Medal. Following the over fences phase and flat phase, it was Addison Keyworth and her long-time equitation partner, Liam, that rose to the top of the standings.

“I have had Liam for five years this summer – he has definitely taught me a lot and doesn't give me many things for free most of the time, but I am really grateful for it, and he’s just a great partner. He tends to get a little nervous, so I just wanted to go in and give him the best ride I could and make him confident for next week,” mentioned Keyworth.

 
Addison Keyworth and Liam. Photo by Jess Windhurst

The USHJA Junior/Amateur Jumper Medal is judged on the rider’s equitation style, technique, and execution of efficiency over a jumper-style course. The course set by Danny Foster included many sharp and short bending lines, which riders could utilize to show off their technique and skill. After the jumping phase, the judge invited riders to return for the flat phase, where they demonstrated sitting trot, counter canter, and a lengthening and shortening of stride at the canter in both directions.

“I really enjoyed the course today – there were a lot of bending lines, and the first line was unique because it was a little bit of a longer line, which you don’t see that often in equitation,” explained Keyworth. “I liked the five stride to five stride we did. I was very confident going into the class and just went out and enjoyed the course. This is my favorite show – it is just so beautiful, and I usually always feel very calm and confident here.”

Keyworth contested the jumping phase in the middle of the pack. This gave her plenty of time to see what areas of the course proved more challenging, and she used that knowledge to maneuver the track seamlessly. In the flat phase, she and Liam continued to impress and showed just how well prepared they were for all the judge’s questions. Their polished counter canter and well-executed sitting trot helped them capture the first-place honors.

 
Elizabeth Kennedy riding Chin Chim VR. Photo by: Ally Shaffer/HITS

Following right behind Keyworth was Elizabeth Kennedy riding Chin Chim VR to a second-place finish. Rounding out the top three of the class was Emma Whidden riding Dominant De Muze.

 
Emma Whidden riding Dominant De Muze. Photo by Jess Windhurst

Competition at the Vermont Summer Festival will continue until August 14, with feature hunter events ranging from the weekly $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix to the 2’ Hunter Derby and the Bit o’ Straw Classic. Riders will have the opportunity to vie for valuable year-end points in the hunters and equitation, with qualification opportunities for the 2022 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Finals.