The Vermont Summer Festival, New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show, returns to East Dorset, VT, from July 1-August 9, 2009. Offering more than $750,000 in prize money, the Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event based on purse in the state. The competition attracts the best athletes, including Olympic medalists, from across the country and around the globe to vie for top honors.

The first five Sundays feature a $30,000 grand prix, culminating with the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix on Sunday, August 9. Weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake classes, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, and $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Classics are also hotly contested.

The world’s top course designers, including Anthony d’Ambrosio, who earned rave reviews for his courses at this year’s World Cup Final in Las Vegas, and Conrad Homfeld, who will course design at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, will set the tracks in the all-weather grand prix ring. Jamie Alder, Pierre Jolicoeur, Ken Krome, and Michel Vaillancourt will also course design this year.

Traditionally a five-week circuit, the Vermont Summer Festival expanded to a six-week format in 2007, a brave move which met with positive feedback from competitors and local area businesses alike. Now in its third year of offering six consecutive weeks of high-quality competition, the Vermont Summer Festival continues to attract exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region.

“While we understand that exhibitors are cautious in this economy, we believe strongly that the Vermont Summer Festival provides real value for its attendees,” said Ruth Lacey, Vermont Summer Festival Marketing Director. “We not only offer a show that is well-managed with show grounds that feature excellent footing, but we are lucky to be located in an area that offers something for everyone in the family; recreation, shopping, beautiful natural surroundings. These are the things that bring people back year after year, and what we believe will attract new exhibitors who are looking for their best all-around showing experience.”

Well-known for its wide variety of area amenities, including a large range of lodging options, restaurants to suit every taste, and lots of shopping, Manchester warmly welcomes horse show competitors to the area each summer, making the Vermont Summer Festival a popular destination with its clientele.

Rewarding those exhibitors who consistently enjoy success while making Manchester their "home away from home," the Vermont Summer Festival will once again offer the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Award, sponsored by Sir Ruly, Inc. In recognition of the large number of Canadian competitors that visit Vermont each year, there is the $10,000 Canadian Circuit Championship, presented by Ariat International. Both awards are based on points earned throughout the six-week Vermont Summer Festival. Additional sponsors such as Johnson Horse Transportation, Devoucoux, The Equinox, Hand Motors and Essex Classic Shirts help make the Vermont Summer Festival a worthwhile experience.

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