Steve Stephens Retires as Manager of Hampton Classic
The Hampton Classic Horse Show has announced that Steve Stephens is retiring as horse show manager after 30 years of service. Stephens will continue to be associated with the horse show as a member of its Horseman’s Advisory Committee.
Allen Rheinheimer, who previously served as the horse show’s assistant manager, has been named the new manager.
“Steve has played an integral role in the growth of the Hampton Classic into one of the world’s most highly regarded horse shows, and no words can express the credit he is due,” said Dennis Suskind, the president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors.
Stephens became manager of the Hampton Classic in 1984. He competed in Grand Prix show jumping from 1968 through 1986, winning such major events as the American Gold Cup and American Grandprix Association Championships. In 1992, Stephens established Stephens Equestrian Designs, a company that designs, builds and provides jumps to horse shows across the country. He is one of the world’s most respected course designers and, in addition to designing courses at many of this country’s biggest horse shows, served as course designer at the 1987 Pan American Games and 2008 Olympic Games. He has also been Technical Delegate at four FEI World Cup Finals. In 2013, Stephens was honored with the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award.
“For three decades the Hampton Classic has been a cherished part of my life,” Stephens said. “I am proud of all we have accomplished with the Hampton Classic and the respect it commands as one of the world’s finest horse shows.”
Stepping into his new role, Rheinheimer has extensive experience as manager of such major horse shows as the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Traders Point Charity Horse Show and the Gulf Coast Winter Series. He has also been part of the management team of the Washington International Horse Show and the highly acclaimed FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas and is Operations Director of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Featuring more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages, the Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton for its 39th year from August 24 through 31.