New Jersey’s Devin Ryan riding Roman Saluut won the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, presented by The Equinox Resort and Spa, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont. Photo by David Mullinix Photography

April 25, 2012 – East Dorset, VT – The Vermont Summer Festival returns to East Dorset, Vermont, for six consecutive weeks of competition thanks to the support of its generous sponsors.  Running July 4 through August 12, 2012, the Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event in the state of Vermont based on purse, offering more than $750,000 in prize money.

New for 2012, the weekly Grand Prix events move to SATURDAY each week.  The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix while the grand finale, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix, will be held the sixth week on Saturday, August 11.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, now moves to Thursday each week.

Returning for the 11th consecutive year as a grand prix sponsor is Equinox Resort & Spa.  Established in 1769, the award-winning facility is situated on more than 1,300 picturesque acres nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains.  The property features 195 rooms and suites, as well as three restaurants and a wide variety of creature comforts, all within its New England village setting.

“The Inns at the Equinox is proud to be a long standing sponsor of the Vermont Summer Festival and we are thrilled to welcome back our friends from the horse show,” says Michael Chagnon, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Equinox.  “Our newly renovated Townhouses at the Inns at Equinox are ideal to accommodate longer term stays and are a remarkable value, offering both the comforts of home paired with full access to the luxury amenities of the Equinox.”

When exhibitors are finished competing for the day, there is no shortage of options to enjoy at the Equinox.

“During down time, guests can be pampered in our award-winning Spa, dine in one of our four restaurants, or kick back with a drink by the outdoor fire pit on our expansive Falcon Bar Deck,” explains Chagnon.  “For those who seek adventure, our diverse outdoor activities are sure to please.  Take the wheel for a driving lesson at the Experience Land Rover Off-Road Driving School, learn an ancient sport at the British School of Falconry, try your hand at the Orvis Fly Fishing School, or play a round or two at the world class Golf Club at Equinox.”

Joining Equinox as a returning sponsor at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival is Johnson Horse Transportation, the official equine carrier of the Vermont Summer Festival and member of the National Horse Carriers Association since 1999.

Hand Motors, a franchised Chevrolet and Volkswagen dealer in Manchester Center, as well as Purina Horse Feeds, specializing in equine nutrition, will also be sponsoring grand prix events over the course of the six-week competition.

“We are fortunate at the Vermont Summer Festival to have support from both local and equestrian-brand sponsors,” said Ruth Lacey, Marketing Director for the Vermont Summer Festival.  “The support of businesses such as Purina, Johnson Horse Transportation, Hand Motors, and the Equinox Resort play a vital role in the success of our event, and allow us to recognize and reward our exhibitors.”

For junior and amateur show jumping competitors, a $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic will be the highlight each week, while Week Six will feature a $15,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.  The hugely popular $5,000 3'3" Hunter Derby will be held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with Week Three designated as a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) member event.  Based on the tremendously positive feedback, Vermont Summer Festival show organizers have added a $15,000 Hunter Derby for the sixth and final week, generously sponsored by Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer, Oughton Limited.

For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont.  Known for its wide variety of area amenities including a wide range of lodging options, restaurants to suit every taste, outdoor activities, and lots and lots of shopping, Manchester-area businesses warmly welcome horse show competitors to the area each summer.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).  For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail: info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit
www.vt-summerfestival.com.