World Equestrian Center to Present $10,000 Open Jumper Awards at Vermont Summer Festival

May 10, 2019 - East Dorset, VT

Matthew Metell and Donchalant competing in the Open Jumper division at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT, which will offer $10,000 in rider bonuses, presented by World Equestrian Center, during the 2019 season.
Photo by Jump Media

The World Equestrian Center will present the $10,000 Open Jumper Awards at the Vermont Summer Festival, running from July 2 through August 11, 2019, at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

Based in Wilmington, OH, and Ocala, FL, the World Equestrian Center is dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family friendly environment, a philosophy that aligns well with the mission of the Vermont Summer Festival. By offering the $10,000 Open Jumper Awards to Vermont Summer Festival competitors, World Equestrian Center is adding yet another appealing element to the popular event.

Rider points accumulated in the weekly 1.40m Open Jumper, Manchester Designer Outlets Open Welcome Stake, and Grand Prix will be totaled at the end of the six-week circuit to determine the overall award standings. The top three riders based on points will be presented during the final Grand Prix on Saturday, August 10, with the winning rider receiving a $5,000 bonus, second place $3,000, and third place $2,000.

“I really appreciate the sponsorship of this award,” said Matthew Metell of Wellington, FL, who consistently enjoys top results in Open Jumper competition at the Vermont Summer Festival. “Bonuses like this mean a lot to the riders. I started doing this as a working student and I work hard every day to get to do this, so every little bit helps.”

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, offering more than $750,000 in prize money. 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 annually.

With a storied history, the Vermont Summer Festival has found a permanent home at Harold Beebe Farm, located just outside of Manchester, where competitors can enjoy the various entertainment, recreation, shopping, and dining options of Southern Vermont.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).

For more information on the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.