Media Advisory: The Vermont Summer Festival

The 26th annual season of the Vermont Summer Festival returns for six consecutive weeks of hunter, equitation, and show jumping competition from July 2 through August 11, 2019, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

Who: Equestrian athletes spanning the levels from the pony ranks to the grand prix. Riders from North America and beyond converge on the Vermont Summer Festival each summer for fierce competition in a relaxed and welcoming environment. From the future stars of horse sport to young horses stepping up the competitive levels and seasoned show jumping riders scoring big wins in the Grand Prix Ring, the Vermont Summer Festival has something to offer for every rider and every spectator.

What: The Vermont Summer Festival is New England’s largest hunter/jumper competition and the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont with more than $750,000 in prize money. The event is also a proud member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL). Outside the show grounds, exhibitors take advantage of the charm of Vermont's shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

Weekly offerings at the Vermont Summer Festival include the $10,000 Open Welcome, held each Thursday, and the $30,000 Grand Prix, held the first five Saturdays of the six-week circuit, before the season culminates in a $50,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, August 10, during the final weekend. Additionally, jumper riders can celebrate the return of a $10,000 Open Jumper Rider Bonus, presented by World Equestrian Center, to be divided among the top-scoring open jumper competitors during the six-week circuit.

Popular “Equitation Tuesdays” give junior riders opportunities to earn points toward year-end equitation finals. Hunter competitors are showcased in the $5,000 3'3" NEHJA Hunter Derbies each Thursday, highlighted by a $15,000 finale on Thursday, August 8. Once again, the Vermont Summer Festival hosts World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week during the third week of competition.

Course designers will travel from around the world for the 2019 season and include Gerry Briggs (USA), Manuel Esparza (MEX), Paul Jewell (USA), Ken Krome (USA), Michel Vaillancourt (CAN), and Alan Wade (IRL).

Economic Impact: A study conducted by the Center for Rural Studies at the University of Vermont, cited that the total direct spending of visitors frequenting Vermont for equine-related activities was estimated at nearly $15.5 million.

When: July 2 – August 11, 2019. The Vermont Summer Festival runs weekly from Wednesday to Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. “Equitation Tuesday” begins each Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Where: Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT, just outside the village of Manchester.

Admission: Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children from Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children with 100% of all gate proceeds benefiting Dorset Equine Rescue, The Dorset School, and Manchester Community Library.

Press: Members of the media interested in attending the Vermont Summer Festival should contact Lindsay Brock at lindsay@jumpmediallc.com. Learn more by visiting: www.vt-summerfestival.com.

Like Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show on Facebook and follow @vtsummerfestival on Instagram.