39th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show Begins Sunday

The 39th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton August 24–31. The Hampton Classic features six show rings, a boutique garden with more than 70 vendors, a wide selection of dining options, and, new this year, a farmers market, all on its 60-acre show grounds.

“The Hampton Classic offers something for everyone,” explains Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s executive director. “From our world-class equestrian competition, to our distinguished high-end shopping boutiques and gourmet cuisine, the Hampton Classic provides spectators and exhibitors alike with a bounty of activity and excitement.”

The horse show kicks off with The Atlantic Opening Day on Sunday, August 24. Singing the national anthem to open the Classic will be stars from the Bay Street Theater’s My Life Is a Musical. The day starts with the Aire leadline classes, showcasing riders who are as young as two years old, judged by Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis. In addition, traditional Local Hunter Divisions will include the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Professional Division, the Revco Local Junior Hunter division, and the Local Amateur-Owner division, all open to horses that make their home on Long Island. Beginning at noon, the show’s top hunter riders take on the $50,000 Clear Channel Hunter Derby, presented by MeadowView Farms.

The following day, Monday, August 25, is the fifth annual ASPCA Adoption & Animal Welfare Day, which presents rescued horses, cats and dogs available for adoption. The ASPCA also conducts seminars and other activities at the ASPCA Patio throughout the duration of the Hampton Classic. Also occurring on Monday is the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Finals, presented by Bridgehampton National Bank.

Tuesday, August 26 sees the start of the Classic’s jumper divisions, including some big opportunities for prize money with the $20,000 Hampton Classic Jumper Challenge and the $10,000 Newsday Open Jumper class, as well as the $10,000 Legacy Stables Open Jumper class. Wednesday, August 27 features the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Open Jumper class and the start of the Young Jumper Championship Finals.

On Thursday, August 28, the Grand Prix Ring hosts the $10,000 Royalton Farm Open Jumper class, followed by the $10,000 Sam Edelman Equitation Championship. The highlights of Friday include the $50,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier presented by Longines and the $15,000 Merill Lynch Speed Derby presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

Saturday, August 30 showcases the $40,000 Longines Cup presented by the Crown Family, the $20,000 SHF Enterprises 5-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, the $30,000 6-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals and the $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. In addition, Saturday is the longstanding favorite Optimum Kids’ Day. Kids under the age of 12 receive free admission and a complimentary pony ride. There are also circus performers, face painting and a magician.

The final day of the Hampton Classic, Sunday, August 31, hosts the $30,000 7- & 8-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, the $25,000 Marders Show Jumping Derby and the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic. The week of competition culminates with the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix & FEI World Cup Qualifier presented by Land Rover. The Grand Prix features Olympians, World Champions and show jumping veterans.

WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, airs a daily 4-hour telecast live from the Hampton Classic. Additionally, ShowNet vision offers free webcasts of all Grand Prix Ring competition on the Hampton Classic website. For a link to this coverage and for more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, visit hamptonclassic.com or call 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.