The Hampton Classic Horse Show Takes Off This Sunday With Olympic Riders, returning from the London 2012 Olympics Games. The world's best horses and riders will converge upon Bridgehampton Long Island NY to compete and show in the 37th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show.
Several Olympic equestrians are expected to compete in the Hampton Classic this month, with two of them aboard horses they rode in London. Two-time gold medalists McLain Ward and Beezie Madden are scheduled to be part of a field of Olympic contenders at the weeklong event, including Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Daniel Bluman of Colombia.
This year, the Grand Prix is part of the new Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge which awards a $200,000 bonus should the same horse-and-rider combination win the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon, $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic, and $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix at the Alltech National Horse Show. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward won the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon on Antares F in May and now stands to win the $200,000 bonus should he ride Antares F to wins at the remaining two events in the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge.
The highlight of the Hampton Classic is the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier on Sunday, September 2. The Grand Prix, open to horses that complete Friday's $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier, features Olympians, World Champions and other show jumping veterans.
The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by MeadowView Farms, returns to the Hampton Classic for the second year and will now be held in the Classic’s famed Grand Prix Field on Opening Day, August 26. “It is fitting to hold such a prestigious class in the Grand Prix ring and we’re happy to offer our hunter horses and riders this chance,” said Cohen. The USHJA International Hunter Derby will follow the $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge that will kick off competition in the Grand Prix ring on Sunday morning.
The Hampton Classic features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic's world class equestrian competition attracts many of the nation's top professional and amateur riders, and its Hamptons charm and schedule of family attractions make it the perfect destination for anybody looking to add some style to their summer.
Returning for its third year is the popular ASPCA Adoption Day on Monday, August 27. Taking place in the Anne Aspinall Ring, ASPCA Adoption Day will showcase rescued horses available for adoption from 12:00 noon–2:00 PM. Dogs, cats, rabbits and potbellied pigs that are available for adoption will be showcased from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM in the Kids/Exhibition Area. In addition to its Adoption Day programs, ASPCA will conduct seminars and other fun activities at the ASPCA Patio throughout the Classic.
“We know that everyone attending the Hampton Classic this summer will find something exciting to do,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s Executive Director. “The thrilling competition, our great shopping, and all of the fun family activities will ensure that everyone who comes to the Hampton Classic will have a wonderful time!”
The Hampton Classic features more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages. A wide range of jumper, hunter, equitation, short stirrup and leadline classes are part of the Classic’s schedule, as well as competitions for riders with disabilities.
For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen on line at www.wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic’s classes will also be available on ShowNet.biz.
Optimum® Kids Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 1, features free pony rides for children under 12 and lots of fun children’s activities including the Laughing Pizza Family Band, The Bellini Family Circus & Friends, magic by the Amazing Zola, face painting by Ruby, Llamas from Long Island Livestock, and a Birds of Prey demonstration from the Wildlife Center of the Hamptons.
“We are excited to host Optimum® Kids Day once again as part of our schedule at the Hampton Classic,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Hampton Classic Executive Director. “Many families return year after year to take part in all the fun activities that are held throughout the day and it’s become one of the Classic’s favorite traditions. In fact, we have some people who came as kids years ago who now come with their own children!”
For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.
The 37th annual equestrian competition also featuring pony rides, petting zoo animals, attractions, and more. Aug. 26 through Sept. 2.
Cost: $10 per person (open air stadium bleacher seats *remember hats, sunglasses + sunblock*) and $20 per carload; free for children under 6.
VIP tent: Table for 8: $600
