United States Eventing Association

July 25, 2012, South Woodstock, Vermont—A huge effort is going into making sure that the week of August 6-12 delivers exciting eventing competition as well as a top-notch competitor and spectator experience with a Vermont-themed trade fair, delicious food, a competitor's party with live music, and $10,000 in prize money for the Intermediate division.

The Green Mountain Horse Association is thrilled to announce that the St. Johnsbury Auto Group has signed on as title sponsor for the Festival week, which features three events (a Novice and Training long format three-day, a one-day Beginner Novice and Novice horse trials, and a two-day Beginner Novice through Intermediate horse trials). In addition, organizers are equally pleased that Suffolk Construction has been named presenting sponsor for the Festival. Division sponsors include Atwood Equestrian Surfaces for Intermediate, Weatherbeeta for Preliminary, Strafford Saddlery/Romfh for Training, Horseware Ireland for Novice, and LandVest for Beginner Novice.

The St. Johnsbury Auto Group Festival of Eventing has attracted entries from throughout the East, including 25 entries to date in the inaugural Intermediate division, all of whom are surely hoping to take home a piece of the division’s $10,000 in prize money. Additional sponsors including Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Cabot Cheese, Alltech (Kentucky Beer), Lucky’s Trailer, and Hitching Post Farm are donating products to ensure that competitors experience the best of eventing in New England.

A culmination of the work begun over a year ago as the Cross-Country Upgrade Project, the Festival will showcase the new tracks, extensive earthwork, and multiple new jump complexes and portables built with funds raised to revitalize the historic facility’s eventing courses. It has been a group effort, with course designer Tremaine Cooper and assistant designer Janine McClain overseeing the multi-year renovation. Highlights include site work to correct drainage and create new tracks, the purchase of an Aerovator to ensure on-going, quality footing, the generous donation of 13 Preliminary jumps by Torrance Watkins and Erik Fleming, and the construction of multiple new permanent and portable jumps at all levels.

Entries are still being accepted for the Intermediate division for the weekend (August 11-12). All other entries are full. A limited amount of RV parking space (no plug-in) is available to Intermediate competitors only on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Molly at GMHA (molly@gmhainc.org or (802) 457-1509) to reserve a spot and to enter.