Hampton Classic Hosts Biggest ASPCA Day Ever
Joined by almost a dozen animal-adoption and animal-rescue groups, the annual ASPCA Adoption and Animal-Welfare Day at the 40th annual Hampton Classic offered more animals for adoption than ever before.
Valerie Angeli, ASPCA senior director of equine and special projects, and Jill Rappaport, TV host and animal-welfare advocate, welcomed three area horse rescues, which brought seven horses to the presentation in the Anne Aspinall Ring: Our Farm Equine Rescue of Connecticut brought two large ponies; The Kaeli Kramer Foundation of New York brought two Mustangs; and the Squirrelwood Equine Rescue of New York brought three former Thoroughbred racehorses.
• VIEW PHOTOS FROM ASPCA ADOPTION AND ANIMAL-WELFARE DAY
In addition, seven local rescue organizations are staffing booths at the Hampton Classic with numerous dogs and cats available for adoption. They are: Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue, Ruff House Rescue, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Tails of Courage, Last Chance Animal Rescue, and Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.
“To me, this is what it’s all about-to save the life of what I like to call ‘steeds in need.’ They all need our help, our help to give them a second chance,” Rappaport said. “And thank you to the Hampton Classic for giving us this opportunity every year.”
Joining Rappaport were five riders who have been named by ASPCA officials as Equine-Welfare Ambassadors: Georgina Bloomberg, Hayley Barnhill, Brianne Goutal, Jennifer Gates and Stacia Madden.
Photo credit: Geoff Tischman
Barnhill demonstrated the capabilities of one of the Our Farm ponies, named Mickey, by riding him for about 10 minutes.
All these horses may be adopted by contacting the rescue organizations that brought them to the Hampton Classic.
Shanette Barth Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic, told the crowd, “I hope that you connect with one of these rescues, either by adopting a horse or a dog or a cat or by simply supporting one of these groups.”
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