The 36^th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show is pleased to welcome the return of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) as a sponsor for the fifth consecutive year at the horse show, which takes place in Bridgehampton, N.Y., August 28 – September 4.  As part of their sponsorship, the ASPCA will host animal welfare events throughout the week that will focus on the issue of homeless and at-risk horses, dogs, and cats.  

One of the more popular events is ASPCA Adoption Day at the Classic, which will be held on Monday, August 29.  The event will feature animals for adoption from five local animal shelters and several local horse rescue groups.  ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors and top international riders Georgina Bloomberg and Brianne Goutal will host the event alongside Today Show animal welfare correspondent and best-selling author Jill Rappaport, and actress and ASPCA supporter Aida Turturro. 

“We are proud to have the ASPCA return as a sponsor,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, executive director of the Hampton Classic Horse Show.  “Animal welfare is paramount to the Hampton Classic and we are happy to work with the ASPCA in finding homes for deserving animals, as well as educating the public about their worthwhile programs.”

Dr. Pamela Corey, director of equine veterinary services for the ASPCA, also will be on hand to answer equine health and wellness questions, and Jacque Schultz, ASPCA senior director and equine grants officer, will address how the ASPCA Equine Fund helps rescues and sanctuaries across the country sustain their life-saving programs.  Local equine rescue groups Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard and Horse Rescue, Rerun, Inc. Thoroughbred Rescue, and Seraphim12 Foundation will provide demonstrations with rescued and re-homed equine ambassadors.  Project Sage Horse Rescue and Kaeli Kramer Foundation will bring adoptable horses that will be part of a riding demonstration by rescue rider Hayley Barnhill, the nation’s top junior rider and winner of the 2010 ASPCA Maclay Championship. Rerun, Inc. is a recent recipient of a $35,000 grant from the ASPCA Equine Fund.   

“While we are proud to celebrate the tradition of excellence in humane and responsible horsemanship during this world class horse show, we also are mindful of all the at-risk horses that are not so lucky,” said Valerie Angeli, senior director of equine and special projects for the ASPCA.  “This event gives us a wonderful opportunity to honor these noble and hardworking animals together with the equestrian community.”

Other highlights during the week-long event include a book signing and meet & greet on opening day with Elizabeth Letts, author of The Eighty Dollar Champion: A Horse, A Man, and the Dream That Inspired A Nation, and legendary rider and trainer Harry de Leyer. The Eighty Dollar Champion is the true story of a horse rescued from slaughter that became a legend.             

On Friday, September 2, the presentation of the ASPCA Maclay Award will take place with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo.  The prestigious ASPCA Maclay Championship was established in 1933 by former ASPCA board member and horseman Alfred B. Maclay to encourage junior riders to excel in the art of responsible and humane horsemanship.  It is the most coveted award in the U.S. for junior riders under 18 years of age.

Bloomberg will return to the ASPCA patio to make appearances during the week, including TEAM ASPCA Day on Friday and on Saturday, September 3, to autograph the new ASPCA Benefit Set from Breyer featuring a rescued horse, dog and cat, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the ASPCA.

On the final day of the Classic, Officer Joe Pentangelo will answer questions about animal welfare and how to report animal cruelty and neglect.

The ‘Jump for the ASPCA’ fundraiser, sponsored by FTI Consulting, also has returned to the Classic.  Each time a rider clears the ASPCA fence, FTI will make a donation to the ASPCA Equine Fund which helps at risk horses across the country.