Hampton Classic Horse Show Opens This Weekend

The Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton August 25 through September 1, for its 38th year of world-class equestrian competition, shopping and entertainment. Masses of spectators, socialites and celebrities descend upon the eastern end of Long Island to see and be seen at New York’s iconic end-of-summer event.

The Hampton Classic features six 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.

“Each year everyone attending the Hampton Classic finds 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 ensure that everyone who comes to the Hampton Classic has a wonderful time!”

The Hampton Classic, a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, 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.

Opening Day, Presented by Hamptons Escape, starts the weekend and is highlighted by the $50,000 Hampton Classic Hunter Derby, which is held in the Classic’s famed Grand Prix Field. The Hunter Derby follows the adorable leadline classes, judged by Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis.

“Opening Day always provides a great start to the Classic,” said Cohen. “It gives our Long Island exhibitors a chance to be part of the competition and also gives spectators a chance to see some of the best hunters in top level competitions.”

As always, open jumper competition featuring Olympic medalists and other Grand Prix stars highlights the competition. Open Jumper classes are held daily Tuesday–Sunday. This year, for the first time, the Classic offers an FEI-recognized Grand Prix on three consecutive days—Friday’s $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier Presented by Longines, Saturday’s $40,000 Longines Cup and Sunday’s $250,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier. Also, the $15,000 Lugano Diamonds Speed Derby will take place on Friday in the Grand Prix ring.

The Classic is excited to announce the initiation of the new Longines Rider Challenge that will award $30,000 to the rider who accumulates the most points in the horse show’s Open Jumper division. The presentation will take place after the Classic’s culminating event, the $250,000 FTI GP and FEI WC Qualifier on Sunday, September 1.

Besides exhilarating competition, the Classic offers many other exciting activities for the whole family. A perennial favorite is Optimum Kids Day. Kids under the age of 12 receive free admission and a complimentary pony ride. There are also drawings for great prizes, circus performers, face painting, a magician and performances by Grammy-nominated children’s band The Pop Ups.

The popular ASPCA Adoption Day takes place on Monday, August 26, and showcases rescued horses, dogs, cats and potbellied pigs that are available for adoption. In addition to its Adoption Day programs, ASPCA conducts seminars and other fun activities at the ASPCA Patio throughout the Classic.

The Hampton Classic is famed for its celebrity sightings throughout the week. This year’s attendees could include the likes of those who were there last year including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor, actresses Julianne Moore and Aida Turturro, television personalities Kelly Ripa, Jerry Seinfeld, Lorne Michaels, Rosanna Scotto, Jill Rappaport and James Lipton, television housewives Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Jill Zarin, David Yurman and Waynescot Lukas from the fashion world and Gene Cornish of the sixties rock group, The Rascals.

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. And ShowNet Vision will webcast all Grand Prix ring competition at no charge, and competition in other rings on a pay-per-view basis.

Official radio partner WPPB will broadcast live on August 25, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 along with daily updates. WLNG Will broadcast live from August 28–30.