The Manchester Classic Begins in East Dorset, VT

Champions Crowned from the First Week of Action

East Dorset, VT - July 21, 2004 - The second show of the five-week Vermont Summer Festival jumped out of the starting gate today in East Dorset, VT. The Manchester Classic began with jumper, hunter, and equitation classes. Judges this week include Jimmy Lee of Keswick, VA, Matt Collins of Culpeper, VA, Margaret Hough of Wellington, FL, Scott Snowden of Amherst, NH, and Oliver Kennedy of Brookeville, MD. Michel Vaillancourt of Schomberg, Ontario is the course designer.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit and runs from July 14 to August 15. This year's series includes five $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

"The first week at the Vermont Summer Festival was filled with great competition as well as many social events for the exhibitors," Marketing Executive Ruth Lacey stated. "We had two customer receptions last week, one at the Orvis Company store and the other at the Dorset Inn. The opening party tonight takes place at Mika's Restaurant, a gathering spot for many of the exhibitors, trainers, and grooms. We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all who attend our show series."

For many riders, the pinnacles of the show series are the three prestigious classes that take place every Sunday at the show. The $35,000 Grand Prix, the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic showcase the best American and international riders competing over challenging jumping courses. The first week's champion in the $35,000 Manchester Summer Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Orvis, Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, plans to try to defend his title this Sunday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. One of his toughest competitors will be his wife Danielle, an accomplished rider in her own right.

While not enjoying the exciting jumping action, spectators will enjoy visiting the Festival's trade fair that contains interesting boutiques and gift shops. Families will enjoy the ambiance of the show grounds, as there will be over 1,000 horses and ponies to observe.

Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or go to http://www.vt-summerfestival.com/.