Louis Jacobs and Kachina won the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, sponsored by the Equinox Resort, during the 2008 Vermont Summer Festival. Photo Credit - David Mullinix Photography

June 8, 2009 – East Dorset, Vermont – For the eighth consecutive year, the Equinox Resort has partnered with the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show as one of the event’s major sponsors.

The six-week Vermont Summer Festival will be held from July 1 to August 9, 2009, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, just outside of the Village of Manchester. The Manchester-based Equinox Resort will be the presenting sponsor of the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix to be held Sunday, July 19, during the third week of competition, the 'Manchester Classic Horse Show'). The Equinox will also host the popular Exhibitor Party during the final week of competition, as well as sponsor the WiFi network throughout the show grounds.

“A significant portion of our client base calls the Equinox home during our six-week event – a clear indication of the importance of this partnership,” said Dotty Ammerman, Executive 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 amenities at this beautiful resort.”

The Equinox Resort was established in 1769 and is nestled on 1,300 acres between the Green and Taconic Mountains. The expansive property features 195 rooms and suites, as well as five restaurants and a wide variety of comfort and adventure offerings, all within its picturesque New England village setting. An extensive multi-million dollar renovation by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield has recently been completed, breathing new life into every aspect of the resort. The Equinox was recently added as one of the Starwood Luxury Collection properties, featuring an elite group of luxury hotels and resorts from all over the world, each selected for their history, outstanding architecture, art and amenities.

“The Equinox is delighted and proud to once again sponsor the Vermont Summer Festival,” said Michael Chagnon, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Equinox. “We are excited to welcome our friends from the horse show and for them to experience the stunning new look and feel of our resort. Our luxurious new rooms and suites, as well as our two newest offerings, the Chop House and Falcon Bar featuring an expansive outdoor deck and fire pit, are sure to be a hit. During down time, our award-winning Spa will provide some much needed relaxation and pampering while those seeking more excitement will enjoy our diverse offering of outdoor activities including the Land Rover Off-Road Driving School, the British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing and world-class golf.”

For more information on the Equinox Resort, please visit www.equinoxresort.com or contact Michael Chagnon at (802) 362-7894 or mchagnon@equinoxresort.com.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit. This year’s competition features a weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, five USEF-recognized $30,000 Grand Prix events and a USEF-recognized $50,000 Grand Prix on August 17, the final day of competition.

Each of the six weeks also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series which determines which junior and amateur-owner riders qualify to compete at the 2009 National Horse Show. There will also be Marshall & Sterling and North American League (NAL) Child/Adult Classics and NAL Open Speed classes. For more information on the 2009 Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 496-9667 or e-mail info@vt-summerfestival.com.