Hampton Classic Founder Passes Away
The Hampton Classic Horse Show mourns the loss of Anne Aspinall, a long-time Board member and one of the Classic’s founders. Aspinall passed away on Thursday morning, February 16, after a long battle with cancer.
The Hampton Classic announced the death via press release:
“Everyone associated with Hampton Classic is deeply saddened at the loss of this key member of our family,” said Dennis Suskind, president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors. “Anne was one of the original founders of the Classic back in 1976 and she served on our board and executive committee ever since. Our sport, and anyone who has ever enjoyed even a single day of the Classic over these last 36 years, owes Anne a tremendous debt of gratitude. She will be missed greatly.”
A leading figure at the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack, Aspinall was one of the most respected hunter-jumper trainers on Long Island. Over the years, she helped produce countless champions and was recognized by her peers for her abilities and commitment to the industry. In 2007, she received the Hampton Classic’s inaugural Long Island Sportsmanship Award for her exemplary sportsmanship and more than 35 years of service to the Long Island Hunter–Jumper industry.
Aspinall is survived by her sister, Emily, vice president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors.
A memorial service will be held at Topping Riding Club sometime this spring; details will be announced as they become available.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Aspinall’s memory may be made to either the Peconic Land Trust, P.O. Box 1776, Southampton, NY 11969 or online at https://www.peconiclandtrust.org/donate/index.php or to Fighting Chance, Free Cancer Counseling Center, P.O. Box 1358, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, or online at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/FightingChance/OnlineDonation.html.