East Dorset, Vermont – The next generation of grand prix horses will take center stage during the Vermont Summer Festival with the addition of five-year-old, six-year-old and seven and eight-year-old Young Jumper classes.

Returning to East Dorset, VT, for six consecutive weeks of competition, the Vermont Summer Festival runs July 4 through August 12, 2012, and is the richest sporting event in the state of Vermont based on purse, offering more than $750,000 in prize money.  Back by popular demand, the newly added Young Jumpers will be held each Thursday during weeks one, two and three.

“We’re very pleased to see renewed interest in the Young Jumpers after limited entries in the past few years,” said John D. Ammerman, Manager of the Vermont Summer Festival.  “In response to our exhibitors’ requests, we’re adding the Young Jumper classes to the first three weeks of our series.”

The following classes will be added during weeks one, two and three:

5-Year-Old Jumper              II.2 – 1.20m          No Nomination   Entry Fee $40

$500 6-Year-Old Jumper     II.2.b – 1.25m              Nominated   Entry Fee $50

$500 7/8-Year-Old Jumper  II.2.b – 1.30m/1.35m   Nominated   Entry Fee $50

New for 2012, the first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix.  During week six, 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 over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont.  Known for its variety of area amenities including a wide range of 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.