Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer, Oughton Limited, will be the title sponsor of the $15,000 Hunter Derby on Thursday, August 9, during final week of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival. Photo by Oughton Limited

May 24, 2012 – East Dorset, VT – Hunter competitors will enjoy time in the spotlight with the introduction of the $15,000 Hunter Derby, presented by Oughton Limited, at the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, Vermont.  Running July 4 through August 12, 2012, the six-week hunter/jumper competition is the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont, offering more than $750,000 in prize money.

A favorite among competitors, the weekly $5,000 3'3" Hunter Derby will be returning for 2012, and will be held each Thursday for the first five weeks.  Based on the success of the Hunter Derbies during their inaugural year, Week Six will now feature a $15,000 Hunter Derby sponsored by respected Vermont-based equestrian luggage manufacturer, Oughton Limited.  In order to qualify for the $15,000 Hunter Derby, presented by Oughton Limited, on Thursday, August 9, a rider or owner must have competed in one of the Hunter Derbies offered during the first five weeks of competition.

“The introduction of our $5,000 Hunter Derby series last year was a rousing success,” said Ruth Lacey, Marketing Director for the Vermont Summer Festival.  “That enthusiastic reception from our exhibitors, along with the support of our sponsor, Oughton Limited, is allowing us to add the $15,000 Hunter Derby to our schedule for sixth and final week.  If last year was anything to go by, we expect some keen competition leading up to a very exciting finale.”

Oughton Limited was launched in 2007 by competitive equestrian Daphne Markcrow, who is both the founder and president.  Born of her own need for great looking bags to carry everything needed for life on the road with horses, the line has since expanded into a wide range of equestrian-chic travel bags for the horse-show set, constructed of iconic waxed canvas and trimmed with bronze halter fittings.

“Hunter derbies are a good fit with the Oughton brand,” explained Markcrow, who resides locally in the Manchester area.  “They combine the best example of classic show hunter style with more advanced technical demands, and have energized the sport from a spectator and participation perspective.  I really enjoy watching them!  The courses are gorgeous, the riding inspirational, and so many of the horses simply spectacular.  Oughton believes – whether in the ring or not - in the importance of organization, presentation and showmanship, and is honored to have the opportunity to recognize the hours of effort and preparation that culminate in these hunter derbies.  We are committed to giving back to the industry and to the customers that have been so supportive to us, particularly the Vermont Summer Festival and its participants.”

Also new for 2012, the first five $30,000 Grand Prix events at the Vermont Summer Festival will move to Saturday.  During the sixth and final week, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, August 11.  The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, will now be held each Thursday.

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.

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 large 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.