The Hampton Classic Preview

The Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton August 26 through September 2, for its 37th year of world-class equestrian competition, shopping and entertainment. Masses of spectators, socialites and celebrities – and anyone looking for a top summer destination – return year after year to the eastern end of Long Island to see and be seen at this iconic end-of-summer event.

GET THE FULL HAMPTON CLASSIC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE.

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.
“We know that everyone attending the Hampton Classic this summer will find 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 will ensure that everyone who comes to the Hampton Classic will have a wonderful time!”

The Hampton Classic 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.\

The highlight of the Hampton Classic Horse Show is the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier on Sunday, September 2. The Grand Prix, open to horses that successfully complete Friday’s $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier, features Olympians, World Champions and other show jumping veterans.

This year, the Grand Prix is part of the new Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge, which awards a $200,000 bonus should the same horse-and-rider combination win the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon, $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic and $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix at the Alltech National Horse Show. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward won the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon on Antares F in May and now stands to win the $200,000 bonus should he ride Antares F to wins at the remaining two events in the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge.

The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by MeadowView Farms, returns to the Hampton Classic for the second year and will now be held in the Classic’s famed Grand Prix Field on Opening Day, August 26. “It is fitting to hold such a prestigious class in the Grand Prix ring and we’re happy to offer our hunter horses and riders this chance,” said Cohen. The USHJA International Hunter Derby will follow the $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge that will kick off competition in the Grand Prix ring on Sunday morning.

Besides exhilarating competition, the Classic offers many other exciting activities for the whole family. A favorite is Optimum® Kids Day, which returns on Saturday, September 1 and features children’s activities throughout the day. Kids under the age of 12 are admitted free and receive a complimentary pony ride. There are also drawings for exciting prizes.

Returning for its third year is the popular ASPCA Adoption Day on Monday, August 27. Taking place in the Anne Aspinall Ring, ASPCA Adoption Day will showcase rescued horses available for adoption from noon to 2 p.m. Dogs, cats, rabbits and potbellied pigs that are available for adoption will be showcased from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kids/Exhibition Area. In addition to its Adoption Day programs, ASPCA will conduct seminars and other fun activities at the ASPCA Patio throughout the Classic.

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. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic’s classes will also be available live on ShowNetVision.com.