Manuel Torres of Colombia and Cinderella won the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix at the 2014 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. This year’s $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix will be presented by long-time sponsor and official feed company of the Vermont Summer Festival, Purina Horse Feed. Photo by David Mullinix

June 22, 2015 – East Dorset, Vermont – Horse sport’s most steadfast sponsors have once again returned to show their support for the Vermont Summer Festival, which runs from June 30 through August 9, 2015, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT. The richest sporting event in the state based on purse, the Vermont Summer Festival will offer more than $750,000 in prize money, thanks to local and national sponsors including The Inns at Equinox, The Land Rover Driving Experience School, Purina Horse Feed and Johnson Horse Transportation.

As the longest-running supporter, The Inns at Equinox has sponsored the Vermont Summer Festival since 2001. The Manchester, VT, landmark will present the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix on Saturday, July 11, as well as host the final exhibitor party of the 2015 season on Wednesday, August 5.

Nestled on 1,300 acres between the Green and Taconic Mountains, the Equinox Resort was established in 1769. The expansive property features 195 rooms and suites, as well as a range of restaurants to satisfy everyone’s palate and mood, a beautifully serene spa, and a golf course voted “Best in State” by Golf Week. The Equinox is a comfortable place for rider, trainers, spectators, and families alike to spend their time away from the show.

“Many of our returning exhibitors call the Equinox Resort home during the weeks they are in Vermont,” said Ruth Lacey, Marketing Director of the Vermont Summer Festival. “Their annual journey to Manchester is as much about the competition at the horse show as it is about feeling comfortable at the Equinox, and enjoying the various amenities of this beautiful resort.”

Joining the Vermont Summer Festival family of sponsors for the second year in a row, The Land Rover Experience Driving School will again present the $15,000 NEHJA Performance Hunter Derby on Thursday, August 6.

The Land Rover Driving Experience School, located at the Equinox Resort in Manchester Village, VT, offers customized adventure activities and off-road instruction for those wishing to have a true outdoors experience during their visit. Land Rover has long been a favorite among horse enthusiasts around the world, and the company is excited to again partner with the Vermont Summer Festival, according to David Nunn, Land Rover Experience Location Manager.

“We look forward to giving hunter riders their turn in the spotlight, and the Land Rover Experience Driving School is pleased to be partnering with a top event in our own backyard,” said Nunn. “Each year, we welcome equestrians from around the world to the beautiful Green Mountain State of Vermont and wish them the best of luck for a successful six weeks!”

Delivering horses from around the country safe and sound to Southern Vermont, Johnson Horse Transportation is the Official Horse Carrier of the 2015 Vermont Summer Festival. They will once again sponsor the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix on Saturday, July 4.

With over two decades of experience, Johnson Horse Transportation has built an outstanding reputation within the horse community. They pride themselves on providing top-notch service, with a team that takes great care in transporting horses with the same love and attention they receive at their home barns.

After continued requests from exhibitors, Purina Horse Feed has again been named the Official Horse Feed of the 2015 Vermont Summer Festival. They will also be the presenting sponsor of the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix on Saturday, July 25. Purina Horse Feed offers feed and supplement options with the highest-quality ingredients for high-performance equine athletes.

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 restaurants, outdoor activities, and unlimited shopping opportunities, Manchester-area businesses warmly welcome horse show competitors to the area each summer.

Highlighting the action at the 2015 Vermont Summer Festival, the first five Saturdays will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix. The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will close the season during the sixth and final week of competition on Saturday, August 8. The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, will be held each Thursday.

For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail or visit the website.