Wynn MedingerWith mountains, fresh air and fun, once again this year’s Vermont Summer Festival enjoyed a successful season with a dynamic schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation offerings and rave reviews for the newly installed Kruse Cushion Ride footing in all competition, schooling, and lunging rings.
The show, which takes place annually in July and August each year, 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 ring, the temperate climate invites visitors to explore the charm of Vermont’s shopping, natural beauty, dining, and outdoor activities.
Five Things People Love About The Vermont Summer Festival
Ariel view of the Vermont Summer Festival showgrounds by Lisa Cueman
The Views
Matthew Metell and Donchalant by Andrew Ryback Photography
Nestled in the foothills just south of the Green Mountain National Forest, the Vermont Summer Festival is breathtaking in every direction. The pictures are perfect and the landscape makes a gorgeous backdrop for summer horse showing.
The “After Hours” Options
Group at The Copper Grouse at Kimpton Taconic Exhibitor Party by Andrew Ryback Photography
At the Vermont Summer Festival, the enjoyment doesn’t stop at the end of the competition day thanks to endless entertainment options available in the Manchester region. There’s the food – dining while at the Vermont Summer Festival is a treat – the shopping at the famed Manchester Designer Outlets, and the outdoor options that span mountain biking, hiking, and creek and quarry swimming.
Equitation Tuesdays
Billi Rose Brandner and Zjappoo Sow by Andrew Ryback Photography
Lovingly referred to as “Equitation Bootcamp,” the Vermont Summer Festival offers qualifying opportunities for all the major finals. Tuesdays at Vermont are host to young talent and national champion hopefuls, all with the goal of preparing for prestigious year-end finals.
Hunter Land
Jennifer Bauersachs and Overjoyed by Andrew Ryback Photography
The World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) program has found a home at the Vermont Summer Festival and offers qualifying events for the WCHR Finals held each fall at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Some of the country’s most decorated hunter horse and riders find themselves in Vermont for WCHR points and weekly $5,000 3’3” NEHJA Hunter Derbies, culminating with a $15,000 offering during the sixth and final week.
Grand Prix Saturdays
Lauren Fischer and Offenbach du Granit by Andrew Ryback Photography
The Vermont Summer Festival peaks each Saturday as show jumping stars and up-and-coming riders from the U.S. and beyond vie for grand prix glory. The first five weeks have $30,000 events on offer and the final week features a $50,000 Grand Prix. The competition is fierce, the footing is brand new, and the riders are hungry for a win!