April 11, 2016 – East Dorset, Vermont – The prize list for the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival, held July 5 through August 14 in East Dorset, VT, is now available with on-line entry capabilities through EquestrianConnect.com.  To view the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival Prize List, and all other entry and schedule information, click here.

Entries for the six-week hunter and jumper competition are due June 10, 2016, and can be filled out online and submitted electronically through the services provided by Equestrian Connect. Mailed entries are still accepted, but Equestrian Connect, the one-minute horse show entry service, allows exhibitors to submit their entry forms for all six weeks of the Vermont Summer Festival completely online.

“Equestrian Connect eliminates the need for postage and trips to the post office to ensure entries are submitted on time,” said Ruth Lacey, Marketing Director of the Vermont Summer Festival. “Equestrian Connect has been a valuable partner of the Vermont Summer Festival and we are pleased to continue supporting their innovative efforts.”

The 2015 Vermont Summer Festival earned high praise for its property upgrades, including the installation of Kruse Cushion Ride footing in all competition areas, warm-up rings and lunging pads. Given the overwhelmingly positive exhibitor feedback, the Vermont Summer Festival is primed for an even more successful event in 2016.

“We recognized the need for upgraded footing and we worked hard to deliver a quality change,” said competition organizer John Ammerman. “Last year, we saw a significant increase in horses, sold-out stabling, and a new excitement about the Vermont Summer Festival. We look forward to continuing that momentum during the upcoming season.”

Highlighting the summer in Vermont, the first five Saturdays will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix. The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will close the season on a high note during the sixth and final week of competition on Saturday, August 13. Jumper riders will also enjoy the weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, each Thursday.

Sundays will feature the NAL Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers Classic, as well as Marshall & Sterling Children’s and Adult Jumper Classics, shining a spotlight on junior, amateur and adult jumpers in the grand prix ring.

For hunters, the $5,000 3'3"NEHJA Performance Stake Hunter Derby will return to Thursdays for the first five weeks, culminating with a $15,000 offering during week six.

The ever popular “Equitation Tuesdays” will return in 2016 giving equitation riders valuable experience in offerings like the THIS Children's Medal and ASPCA Horsemanship classes. Returning in 2016, TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions will take place throughout all six weeks of the summer season.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England’s largest hunter/jumper competition and offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont. For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont for great competition in an ideal summer setting.

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). Please e-mail or visit the website for more information about the Vermont Summer Festival.