Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Returns to the Hampton Classic

The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) Championship is proud to return to the Hampton Classic Horse Show to celebrate its ninth anniversary at the event. The championship classes, sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank, are held for qualifying adult and junior riders from the 2013-2014 Show Series with a documented disability and will run on Monday, August 25. Three divisions will be included—
one for riders requiring the assistance of a leader, one for riders requiring a spotter at the beginner independent level, and one for more advanced independent riders.

“We are proud to welcome back the LIHSSRD Championships here at the Hampton Classic,” explained Shanette Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. “It is an amazing opportunity for the riders in the Series to compete here at the Classic among some of the world’s best equestrians. We are proud to host them and we thank BridgehamptonNational Bank for its continuing sponsorship of this fabulous event.”

The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities was founded by four individuals, including Katie McGowan of HorseAbility, Inc., to provide riders with disabilities the same competitive experience that other equestrians enjoy. Riders are judged on equitation, and demonstration and knowledge of riding skills. The LIHSSRD competition at the Hampton Classic is the culmination of the organization’s eight-show series that started in 2006 and has continued since. Therapeutic riding students are able to experience physical, emotional, and mental rewards. For the first time, the most advanced competitors in the LIHSSRD Finals will have the opportunity to jump as part of the testing.